Are you thinking twice about sending sensitive content through messaging apps for Android and iPhone? You can now catch a sigh of relief before hitting that send button. In this guide, you will find the best self-destructing message apps that add a layer to your privacy. Let’s dive in.
We all love a great messaging app. Communication that took weeks in the past is now possible within seconds. Think about it for a minute. Just how many videos, photos, text, and voice messages have you shared for the world to see?
And it doesn’t stop there.
Entertain me for a second. What about those sent messages that you target for a pair of special eyes? No, you wouldn’t want the world to see those discreet and private messages or photos. But, can you be sure that your privacy is intact?
Ever heard the horror stories of leaked text which exposed people for cheating? Even the best cheating apps can’t save you from an act of carelessness.
Not so inspiring, huh?
Luckily, the app store comes with a selection of highly reliable and self-destructing messaging apps. You heard that right! Incredible apps that allow messages to automatically disappear from chats exist.
But first, let’s get one matter out of the way. You might be wondering if you can place the affairs of your secrecy and privacy in the hands of this guide creator.
Or, keep reading this guide to find out.
This article will cover 3 parts:
- Review of the top 7 best self-destructing message apps for Android and iPhone users.
- How to hide self-destructing message apps on your phones
- Frequently asked questions on self-destructing message app
Do I have your attention yet?
Let’s dive right in!
Frankie’s Take:
The technology of self-destructing message apps has revolutionized texting for the following reason. Here’s why: you can deliver messages that automatically destruct leaving a minimal trail that it ever existed.
Review of the Top 7 Best Self-Destructing Message Apps for Android and iPhone Users
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Why do tech giants enable users to deliver messages that self-destruct within an assigned time frame? The reason behind this feature lies in one simple but sensible concept, personal privacy.
Wouldn’t you hate it if the world received broadcasted copies of your private message?
I know I would. And probably a million other messaging app users like you.
That is why self-destructing messaging or ephemeral messaging exists. The messaging system will erase time-sensitive content automatically after it is consumed. Bear in mind that these apps may delete messages after a set amount of time. In short, your messages are short-lived.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
Look at the list below. Are there any of the following self-destructing message apps already on your phone? If so, can you be sure that it is the best self-destructing message app for you?
Keep reading to find out.
1. Snapchat
Snapchat takes the lead on this list for one apparent reason. It comes as the number one app to introduce the idea of self-destructing texts. How did Snapchat operate its ephemeral messaging system?
Imagine being able to send text messages, pictures, or videos to your private circle. That is a no-brainer in the world of texting. But, the magic happens as soon as they open and view the message.
Poof!
After the content is consumed, the files automatically delete themselves.
But, that is just the start of why Snapchat is a key player on the list. Take, for example, the privacy feature of the app pushes its limit even further. Listen, Snapchat servers will erase uploaded photos or Snaps within 24 hours.
Even better, if you are feeling adventurous, you can explore its other communication formats including “Chats” and “Stories“. The good news is, they also come equipped with a self-destructive timer.
To be just, I have to highlight a couple of my least favorite aspects of using Snapchat. Yes, Snapchat’s biggest asset is the self-destruct function. But, here is the deal. Users can still outsmart the system by taking a screenshot of a Snap, although the posters will be notified. Not to mention, you can’t share content across platforms.
Frankie’s Take:
You might be wondering. What happens when you send a snap to a friend and they sneak a screenshot of it? News flash: You’ll receive a screenshot notification from Snapchat!
2. Confide
Fitting its name, this is the go-to app for sending a secret attachment or document. Let me explain how Confide will help you stay confidential.
As a messenger app with security in mind, Confide offers end-to-end encryption and destroys messages after they are consumed. But, that’s not the best part.
Sure, all apps on this list are ideal for sending messages that self-destruct. However, Confide stops recipients from taking screenshots of messages. In other words, you can avoid snoopers!
Yes, you read that right.
Even better, if you are on Android, you can simply block users from taking screenshots. Say goodbye to those private pic stealers. Unfortunately, this blocking feature is not available on iOS.
The app also boasts a unique swipe-to-read message scheme. Users will also love how it’s attachment-friendly. Be mindful, though, the app only supports images and PDF attachments.
Frankie’s Take:
Good news: Confide supports photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and text. Not to forget, group messaging!
3. Telegram
Sometimes it’s easy to forget one task before moving on to the next. In my experience, this can also apply to the world of messaging. I know the feeling of forgetting to manually delete a sensitive message at a later time.
With Telegram, you can take the security of your private messages a step beyond. Enter the “Secret Chat” feature to initiate a self-destructing message thread. By then, you can send a message that disappears after an assigned period.
What does this mean for you?
When paired with end-to-end encryption and screenshot protection, it makes the feature perfect for your privacy. Of course, some aspects can make this app go from good to better.
For example, it does not support voice communications and lacks read receipts.
Frankie’s Take:
You can self-destruct media on Telegram on normal chats too. Just select a photo or video then choose the self-destructing “timer” button.
4. Wickr
Don’t you just hate reading news about data breaches that may affect your personal information online? Worry not, though. By happy chance, secure alternatives that keep your messages private exist.
Say hello to Wickr!
Let me explain why Wickr is one of the best self-destructing message apps in the market. Let’s cut to the chase: Wickr sets the bar of data privacy. It provides multiple layers of encryption on top of existing end-to-end encryption.
In other words, if you send a message to your love interest via Wickr, only one other person can read it. Your love interest.
If the ephemeral messaging system on Wickr is not good enough for your security needs, you are just in luck. Wickr’s Secure Shredder will destroy your messages.
Forever.
You will also love the other features of the app. They include protection against screenshots, group messaging, and photo editing. On the flip side, some of the features of this app come at a price. This may explain why its user base is smaller than most with limited syncing across devices.
Frankie’s Take:
Wickr’s Secure Shredder provides extra protection on deleted data making it difficult, even impossible to recover.
5. Bleep
Bleep is another app alternative that will allow you to send messages that self-destruct. With its “whisper feature”, users can send self-destructive messages after being read by the intended recipient.
But wait there’s more.
Bleep also offers additional cool features including incognito mode, cross-platform messaging, and voice calls. Bleep creators also take their clients’ personal information seriously. Here’s the truth: Bleep stores no user data or messages on a central server.
Now for the other part of the story, the cons. The app only allows one account per installation and offers no offline messaging.
Frankie’s Take:
Do you know? Bleep allows users close to each other to connect via QR codes. Add your nearby friend via a Bleep Code this way.
6. CoverMe
Both Android and iOS users should be aware of this lesser-known platform for encrypted messages and calls. Okay, I know what you’re thinking. How can it compete with bigger names like Snapchat or Telegram?
Well, here’s the deal. The app is far from mainstream. If you are looking for bulletproof privacy and security without compromise, you should look into this app. Look, the app allows users to flag the ‘self-destruct‘ function in select messages to make them disappear after they are consumed.
However, that is just the beginning of why this app is on another level.
CoverMe offers additional features which include text messaging and calls with a unique private number. And it doesn’t stop there; CoverMe allows data back-up with up to a generous 16GB of storage space.
But, here’s the catch. You can only access those additional features by purchasing them. They sure are attractive, but the pay-to-use features make it an expensive alternative to its competitors.
Frankie’s Take:
CoverMe features an encrypted Personal Vault that allows you to store all your private documents safely. Talk about a vault of secrets, anyone?
7. WhatsApp
Most people have probably heard of Whatsapp. But, many may not know that the app also allows messages to self-destruct over time. Even better, the company offers flexibility on timing.
Do you know that Whatsapp provides the option to delete messages after 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days?
Before you delve into the ease of sending a self-destructive message via this app, pay attention to this. Keep in mind that someone may still take a screenshot of your photo or message.
Lastly, the feature only works for new conversations. Keep in mind to enable it individually for your existing chats.
Frankie’s Take:
You can quickly delete media or texts from a specific chat. Here’s how: Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage > Select Contact > Manage > Select > Tick the boxes next to what you want to delete (videos or images) > Tap on the bin to delete
How To Hide Self-Destructing Message Apps on Your Phones
Let me say this straight, there’s always an app on your phone that you’d rather hide. In this case, a self-destructing messaging app may fit the bill.
Or, you would rather have the app entirely hidden. Let me remind you that some messages will only self-destruct after certain conditions are met. Strictly speaking, the messages will automatically destruct after they have been read. Or, an assigned time limit has been met.
Sounds silly? It’s not.
There are some quick methods to hide a self-destructing message app from your phone. Be wary that those around you may also use these hacks to hide popular cheating apps on their phones.
Keep reading to find out.
Hiding a self-destructive messaging apps on your Android phone
- Hide apps by installing app hiders like Nova Launcher, App Hider, or Vault.
- Hide apps in Samsung’s Secure Folder from the Home screen after activating the feature.
- Hide apps by using a guest account when sharing a phone or activate private mode to hide apps
Frankie’s Take:
Even with the added protection of self-destructing message features, users should be warned. Let’s not forget that recipients may find ways to save versions of the messages via screenshots or an external camera.
Hiding a self-destructive messaging apps on your iPhone
- Hide apps using a third-party app hider.
- Hide apps by using folders by first holding the app icon. Next, select Edit Home Screen and drag it on top of another app. Open the folder and drag the selected app to the right to generate a new folder window. Finally, tap a blank area on the screen and tap Done.
- Hide apps using the App Library by accessing the Home Screen and holding the self-destructive messaging app icon. Continue to tap Remove App from the pop-up menu. Lastly, select the option to Remove from Home Screen to hide the app.
Frequently Asked Questions on Self-Destructing Message App
Why do people use self-destructive messaging apps
The main reason why people opt for self-destructive messages is to maintain their privacy. Take, for example, there are many legal and social reasons why using the apps becomes favorable for the messaging community.
Things to consider include:
- Sharing of intimate content between partners.
- Exchanging confidential documents in a professional setting.
- Reducing incriminating evidence in legal allegations.
- Over-controlling partners.
How self-destructive messaging works
Multiple processes are involved in the operation of self-destructive messaging. These include data encryption and a password wall for security. And get this, the final deletion of a message across local and host servers takes place right after.
Do self-destructing messages delete for both sides
Here’s the deal, the answer to this question is pretty straightforward. Tk those wondering if the recipient will have their message deleted, pay attention.
The short answer to this question is yes!
How do I activate the Whatsapp self-destructive message feature
You can activate the Whatsapp self-destructive message feature in the following steps. Here’s how ridiculously easy it is:
- Opening a WhatsApp chat
- Select a contact’s name
- Tap the “Disappearing messages” option
- Select your preferable message timer, from 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
Are my messages gone forever
Readers, be aware that nothing is ever without flaws. The truth is, your recipient may sneak an external copy of the screen while viewing a self-destruction message.
Plus, here’s another interesting thing.
How can we say with 100% certainty that the service provider has destroyed all copies of the text despite their claims?
Conclusion
This is the point where we conclude this guide packed with tips and tricks on self-destructing messaging apps. Let’s rewind and refresh on the best self-destructing message app available for both Android and iOS users.
Let’s look at a brief capture of the top 7 apps that enables you to send a self-destructing message. So, check these out:
- Snapchat
- Confide
- Telegram
- Wickr
- Bleep
- CoverMe
Not only that, but this guide also covered several hacks to hide your self-destructive messages apps from prying eyes. Now that you have this information in your hand, which self-destructing message app is your favorite?
Make sure to drop a comment below on your go-to app to send a self-destructing message. I’d also love to know if you know of other apps that should belong to this list.
If you have any questions related to the guide above, feel free to drop them in the comment below or contact me via Instagram.
Love, Frankie
PS. – you might be interested to know which are the best secret messaging apps fon iPhone and Android.
