Did you know that iOS 8 copies one of Snapchat’s most important features — the ability to send a self-destructing message? Yes, that is right,. Built into the Messages app is iOS is a semi-hidden feature that allows you to communicate with friends and family using message content that disappears a few minutes after it has been sent.
This self-destruct feature is present in the iOS 8 messages app and works when you are sending a message to another iOS 8 user. If the recipient does not have iOS 8, then the self-destruct feature is not present and your message will not be deleted. It also only works with audio and video messages, which is useful if you share a lot of pictures with family, friends or even co-workers.
Configure the Expiration Time
Before you send your first disappearing message, you must first configure the message expiration option in the settings. Open Settings > Messages and look for the “Audio Messages” and “Video Messages” heading. Select the “Expire” option to ensure that the expiration time is set to 2 minutes and not Forever.
Send a Disappearing Audio Message
To send a self-destruct audio message, you must use the audio recording option in the Messages app as described below:
- Open Messages.
- Create a new message.
- Select the microphone icon to the right of the text entry box.
- Record your message.
- Send it to your friend or family member, knowing that it will disappear in just a few minutes.
Send a Disappearing Video Message
Sending an auto-deleting video message is very similar to sending an audio message. Just record your message, send it along and wait for it to delete on its own. Instead of using the audio interface, you must use the video recording option in the Messages app as described below:
- Open Messages.
- Create a new message.
- Select the camera icon to the left of the text entry box.
- Tap the video recording button to start recording
- Tap the video recording button to end the recording.
- Preview your message and decide if you want to send or delete it.
- Select “Send” and forward it on it to your friend or family member, knowing that it will disappear in just a few minutes.
This self-destruct only works with the video recording — there are not disappearing photos or text messages. To protect those type of messages with a self-destruct option, you must turn to a third party app such as Snapchat.
