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Report: WhatsApp is working on a self-destructing images feature
June 24, 2025
WhatsApp users may still be up in arms about its upcomingprivacy terms revision, but the app’s still working on adding privacy-focused features. Spotted byWABetaInfo, future WhatsApp builds on Android and iOS could gain a self-destructing images feature.
Detailed in a set of screenshots, the feature isn’t a novel idea. We’ve seen it on a number ofalternative chat appsbefore.
As for functionality, the feature is reminiscent of Instagram Direct. Users can switch on the self-destructing feature per image by tapping a small button alongside the caption editor. Switching on the feature will ensure the image can’t be exported from WhatsApp, and that when a recipient leaves the chat the image will terminate. This button also houses a number — seemingly a self-destructing timer.
Adding to its utility, the feature will be available in both group and private chats. Image previews in chats will also be obfuscated until a recipient taps on the image to view it.
The addition comes after WhatsApp rolled outself-destructing messagesin November 2020. But unlike the new images feature, self-destructing messages lack a few key privacy features. If these messages contain any media, the content’s saved to the recipient’s device. Self-destructing images at least adds another layer of privacy and gives senders a little more control over their media.
It’s unclear when self-destructing images will rollout, butWABetaInfoalso notes that a screenshot ban for these images is also in the works.
Next:WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal: Which messaging app should you use?
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