New WhatsApp ‘View Ones’ feature deletes photos after they are opened
This ‘View Once’ feature deletes the media file once the recipient sees it, just like on Instagram and Snapchat.
WhatsApp assures that the “View Once” media is protected by end-to-end encryption so that even the platform does not have access to it. Such media files will be marked as “one-time” and once viewed, it will show an “opened” tag. WhatsApp further states that such media files will not be stored in the Gallery of the receiver. Users will not be able to forward, save, star, or share photos or videos that were sent or received with the “view once” feature.
New feature alert!
You can now send photos and videos that disappear after they’ve been opened via View Once on WhatsApp, giving you more control over your chats privacy! pic.twitter.com/Ig5BWbX1Ow
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 3, 2021
If the receiver has turned on the read receipts option, then only can the sender find out if the file sent with the view once enabled has been opened or not. If the media file sent with the view once feature is not opened within 14 days of it being sent, it will “expire” from the chat. Notably, the sender has to manually choose the view once feature every time they send an image or video.
WhatsApp reveals that view once media can be restored from the back given that it is unopened at the time of backup. As per the company blog, “If the photo or video has already been opened, the media will not be included in the backup and can’t be restored.” whatsapp view once
- Only send photos or videos with view once media is enabled to trusted individuals. For example, it’s possible for someone to:
- Take a screenshot or screen recording of the media before it disappears. You won’t be notified if someone takes a screenshot or screen recording.
- Take a photo or video of the media with a camera or other device before it disappears.
- Encrypted media may be stored for a few weeks on WhatsApp’s servers after you’ve sent it.
whatsapp view once
How to send and open view once media on: whatsapp view once
Android
Send view once media
- Open an individual or group chat.
- Tap Attach
- Camera to take a new photo or video with your camera. Videos recorded using WhatsApp are limited to 16MB.
- Gallery to select an existing photo or video from your phone.
- Tap 1
- Tap Send
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat once the recipient has viewed the photo or video.
Open view once media
- Tap the message with the 1
- View the photo or video.
- Swipe or tap Back
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat for media you’ve already viewed. Once you exit the media viewer, you can’t view the media again or report the media to WhatsApp, and it won’t be saved to your camera roll.
iPhone
Send view once media
- Open an individual or group chat.
- Tap Camera
- Camera to take a new photo or video with your camera. Videos recorded using WhatsApp are limited to 16MB.
- Photo & Video Library to select an existing photo or video from your iPhone’s Photos or Albums.
- Tap 1
- Tap Send
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat once the recipient has viewed the photo or video.
Note: In order to send media, you’ll need to grant WhatsApp permission to access your iPhone’s Photos and Camera in iPhone Settings > Privacy.
Open view once media
- Tap the message with the 1
- View the photo or video.
- Swipe or tap Back
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat for media you’ve already viewed. Once you exit the media viewer, you can’t view the media again or report the media to WhatsApp, and it won’t be saved to your camera roll.
Web/Desktop
Send view once media
- Open an individual or group chat.
- Click Attach
- Camera
- Photos & Videos
- Camera
- Click 1
- Click Send
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat once the recipient has viewed the photo or video.
Open view once media
- Click the message with the 1
- View the photo or video.
- Close
You’ll see an Opened receipt in the chat for media you’ve already viewed. Once you exit the media viewer, you can’t view the media again or report the media to WhatsApp, and it won’t be saved to your camera roll.
