April 27, 2026
What are ephemeral (disappearing) messages, and how do I set them?
Messages auto-delete after a timer you set (once your contact sees them), from 1 minute to 1 month. Ephemeral messaging is the default, not an add-on.
In EXTRA SAFE, every chat has a configurable auto-delete timer. Once the recipient views a message, the countdown begins. When it expires, the content is cleared from both devices. This applies to text, files, images, and voice notes.
How to set the timer
1.
Open a chat.
2.
Tap the timer settings icon.
3.
Select or adjust the auto-delete timer.
The timer can be changed at any time and takes effect from that point forward. Messages already sent follow the timer that was set when they were sent.
Why ephemeral by default?
Less stored data means less exposure. If a device is lost, stolen, or compromised, old messages aren't sitting there waiting. Ephemeral messaging shrinks the attack surface by design.
Related articles:
- •
Where are my messages stored?
- •
What happens to chat history?
- •
How does E2EE work?
- •
Are files encrypted?
- •
What is a self-owned messenger?