How to Send a Self-Destructing Message

A self-destructing message is one that deletes itself after a set amount of time, so it doesn't live forever in a chat log or inbox. Here's how to send one — and the one distinction that catches most people off guard.

Timer vs. burn-after-reading

There are two common models. A timer-based message expires after a fixed window (say, 30 minutes or 24 hours), and can be reopened during that window. A burn-after-reading message is destroyed the moment it's first opened, so it can never be viewed twice.

They serve different purposes. A timer is friendlier if a page reload or a slow connection interrupts the recipient. Burn-after-reading is stricter but unforgiving — a misclick and the message is gone. Know which one you want before you send.

How to send a self-destructing message

1. Open a self-destructing message tool. Khamli needs no account.
2. Type your message (up to 5,000 characters on Khamli).
3. Choose how long it should live — Khamli offers 30 minutes, 2 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours.
4. Send. You'll get a 4-character code.
5. Share the code with the recipient — read it aloud or text it.
6. When the timer runs out, the message is hard-deleted.

What to send — and what not to

• Good: a temporary link, a one-off code, a meeting address, a quick note.
• Avoid: passwords to critical accounts, financial details, or anything illegal.
• Remember: most self-destructing tools encrypt in transit but aren't end-to-end encrypted.

Try it on our self-destructing messages page, or read how self-destructing messages work for the technical details.