Telegram update introduces delete messages by date function, among other new features in version 8.3

Telegram has introduced a new version of the messaging app, and like previous updates, it is also filled with new features that should give users more control over the messages and content they share. One of the new functions coming to the app will make deleting several messages at once easier.

Leading messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram have already introduced their versions of privacy-focused features. Options like disappearing messages promise to make some, if not all, messages go away with just a few buttons to press.

Telegram does that again with version 8.3 that will introduce the “Delete Messages by Date.” As its name suggests, the feature will let users delete all messages sent and received within a set period. They can do so by tapping the floating date bar that appears when scrolling on a chat. Then, a calendar will appear where users can select the start and end date of when they want their chat history to be deleted.

However, version 8.3 will only add this feature for one-on-one conversations. Telegram has yet to confirm if it plans on introducing the same feature or a version of it for group chats.

There are also new features focused on group chats and channels in Telegram version 8.3. For one, admins of groups and channels will be able to restrict its members from forwarding content shared in their conversations. The new function will also prevent group and channel members from taking screenshots or saving shared content to their local device storage.

Meanwhile, in more public channels and group chats, Telegram is giving users the option to post comments without revealing their identity. “Tap the profile picture next to the message bar and choose one of your channels – the messages you send after that will appear with the name and photo of the channel instead of your personal account,” Telegram instructed.

Telegram is also improving device management since the messaging app is one of the first to introduce multi-device support. Version 8.3 will add a new button that will make it easier to link a desktop device. There is also going to be a new setting to allow users to automatically log out their account from inactive devices after a certain amount of time. With the announcement of version 8.3, the update should start rolling out for Telegram users this week.

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