7 apps that will let you send disappearing messages

Seven Apps for Sending Self-Destructing Messages: A Privacy Guide

(This article was originally published on November 15, 2020 and has since been updated.)

The allure of disappearing messages is undeniable. Their fleeting nature encourages memorization and offers a unique way to share private information without leaving a persistent digital trace. This guide explores various platforms offering this functionality, helping you choose the best option for your needs.

Gmail's Confidential Mode:

Gmail's often-overlooked confidential mode allows you to set an expiration date for your emails. Google manages message deletion from its servers, ensuring removal after the specified timeframe. While seamless for Gmail-to-Gmail communication, recipients using other email providers receive a link and passcode for access, rendering the message inaccessible after the expiration date. The message body disappears, though the email itself remains in the recipient's inbox.

To activate confidential mode: In a browser, click the padlock icon with a clock at the bottom of the compose window. On mobile, tap the three dots (top right) and select "Confidential mode." Choose an expiration date (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 5 years) and select email or SMS passcode delivery for non-Gmail users. Senders retain the ability to delete messages at any time via the "Remove access" option in the Sent folder.

Telegram Messenger's Secret Chats:

Telegram prioritizes security and offers secret chats with self-destructing messages. These chats utilize end-to-end encryption and prevent forwarding. However, unlike standard Telegram chats, secret chats aren't synced across devices.

To create a secret chat: In the mobile app, tap the new message icon (bottom right on Android, top right on iOS), select "New Secret Chat," and choose your recipient. After creating the chat, tap the three-dot menu (top right), select "Set self-destruct timer," and choose a duration (1 second to 1 week). Messages, including photos and voice memos, disappear upon timer expiration. Remember to disable the timer for important messages you wish to retain.

Confide: Designed for Disappearing Messages:

Confide (available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) specializes in self-destructing messages, offering end-to-end encryption and support for various media types. Messages automatically erase upon reading, screenshots are disabled on mobile, and messages are revealed line by line to further enhance privacy.

While direct messaging between Confide users is straightforward, contacting non-users involves sending an email with an app download link. The message becomes accessible only after app installation. Confide offers a free version and a paid Plus plan with additional features.

Facebook Messenger's Vanish Mode:

Facebook Messenger's "vanish mode" allows for self-destructing messages within one-on-one chats (not group chats). This feature is accessible only within the mobile app, not via a browser.

To activate vanish mode: Swipe up from the bottom of the chat screen. The chat background turns black, confirming activation. Messages disappear upon reading and exiting the chat.

Snapchat's Ephemeral Messaging:

Snapchat, a pioneer of disappearing content, extends this feature to instant messages. While messages self-destruct upon opening, recipients can save content via long-press or screenshot. This limits Snapchat's privacy for self-destructing messages to situations where trust is established among participants.

Instagram's Vanish Mode:

Instagram's vanish mode (for mobile only) mirrors Messenger's functionality. Swipe up within a conversation to activate; messages disappear upon closing the chat. Screenshots are possible, but the sender receives a notification.

WhatsApp's Disappearing Messages:

WhatsApp's disappearing messages feature (for mobile only) applies to all conversations. Admins control the setting in group chats. Messages vanish after seven days. Screenshots remain possible without notification. Remember that trust is crucial when using this feature.

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