However, by default Screen Security is enabled, so this won't be possible in most cases. In addition, if Screen Security is disabled, the user will be able to take a screenshot of the message, preserving it. Therefore, if you receive a notification but don't read the message until later, it will not disappear as long as you didn't open the message in the app.

If the contact is a Signal user, the phone should have a small padlock above it which indicates secure calling is available - therefore, they must be a Signal user.Īs previously mentioned, the message must be opened to begin the timer. There should be phone icon to the right of their name. An easy way to tell is by selecting a contact to begin messaging. Step 1: Make Sure Both Parties Are on Signalĭisappearing messaging requires that both parties in the conversation are Signal users. Ultimately, it's one of the few ways that you can still send truly private messages. Once expired, the message is deleted from all devices (although screenshots are possible). The recipient will be alerted to this timer, which will not begin until they have viewed the message. With disappearing messages, any text you send will expire after a pre-specified period of time. To patch this vulnerability, Signal added disappearing messaging. However, once the message arrives, its privacy is completely dependent on the receiver, who could share it anywhere if they wanted. With Signal's class-leading end-to-end encryption, you can be sure your messages will remain secure as they travel to the recipient.

Signal disappearing messages