Use Signal disappearing messages without promising impossible deletion

A disappearing-message timer removes messages from participating devices after its conditions are met. It reduces the amount of old conversation left behind, but a recipient can photograph, quote or copy content before it disappears. It is not a tool for forcing an adversary to forget what you sent.

Before you start​

Agree with the other person or group on a sensible retention window. Preserve anything you legally or operationally must keep before changing the timer.

Do it step by step​

1. Open the Signal conversation, select its settings and choose Disappearing messages. Read the available durations rather than assuming a global default applies.
2. Select the duration appropriate for the conversation and confirm the change appears in the chat. For new chats, review Signal's separate default-timer setting if you want a broader habit.
3. Send a harmless test message and observe its timer icon. Know that the start condition differs for a message you send and one you receive.
4. Check linked desktops or tablets, since they participate in the conversation. Remove old linked devices you no longer control.
5. For truly sensitive information, use the smallest disclosure necessary and verify the recipient first. Do not rely on the timer as an anti-screenshot control.

Check the result​

New messages after the change should display the chosen timer and disappear according to Signal's rules. Existing messages may not retroactively receive the new setting.

If something goes wrong​

Anyone in a chat may be able to change its disappearing-message timer. If it unexpectedly changes, review the chat notice and ask participants before relying on a new duration.

Know the limit​

Signal explicitly warns that disappearing messages are not for a contact who wants to retain a record. Encryption in transit and deletion at endpoints solve different problems. Signal disappearing-message behavior