What it means
Signal's timer causes a message to disappear from participating devices after the specified period. A recipient can still make a screenshot, use another camera, transcribe it or share its meaning before removal. Encryption does not prevent the intended recipient from seeing the plaintext.
A real-world example
A work group sets a one-day timer for routine coordination. One member photographs a sensitive access code before the timer expires, so the image survives outside the chat.
What to do
Use disappearing messages for ordinary retention hygiene. Verify recipients and minimize sensitive details before sending; use revocable credentials rather than hoping a timer will protect a leaked secret.
The distinction that matters
The timer applies to new messages after a setting change and can be changed by chat members. It is not the same as deleting every copy on every device or retracting an already exposed credential. Signal explicitly cautions against using it when the recipient is adversarial.
Signal timer limits
