How to Use View Once on WhatsApp: Send Self-Destructing Photos & Videos
Want to share a photo or video that disappears after one view? WhatsApp’s View Once feature lets you send sensitive media that vanishes after it’s opened. Perfect for one-time passwords, confidential info, or just private moments.
This guide walks you through how it works, when to use it, and how to protect your privacy while using View Once.
🔗 Official WhatsApp Guide: View Once Messages – WhatsApp Help Center
What is View Once on WhatsApp?
View Once allows users to send photos or videos that can only be opened once before they disappear forever. After the recipient views the media, it’s deleted automatically from the chat.
Think of it like Snapchat-style content — but inside WhatsApp’s encrypted system.
When to Use View Once
- Sharing sensitive documents or screenshots
- Sending temporary passwords or OTPs
- Showing one-time updates (e.g., location photo)
- Personal photos you don’t want saved
⚠️ Warning: View Once is not screenshot-proof. Recipients can still screen record or take photos.
How to Send a View Once Photo or Video
✅ On Android & iPhone:
- Open a chat
- Tap the camera icon or attach media
- Select your photo/video
- Tap the [1] icon near the send button (this enables View Once)
- Tap Send
The recipient will see: “Photo/Video – View Once”
After they open it, the message will show: “Opened” and cannot be viewed again.
Privacy & Limitations
- View Once media can’t be forwarded, saved, or starred
- Media disappears after one view, even if unopened for 14 days
- If the recipient doesn’t open within 14 days, the media expires
- If the user has read receipts off, you won’t know if it’s been viewed
🔍 Pro Tip: Combine View Once with Disappearing Messages and Chat Lock for layered privacy.
📸 Annotated Screenshot Example
Here’s what enabling View Once looks like on-screen:
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot showing WhatsApp camera with ‘1’ icon highlighted before sending media]
Real-World Scenario: One-Time Password Sharing
Situation: A business sends one-time login credentials to a client via WhatsApp.
Solution: They use View Once to share the password securely. Once it’s opened, it’s gone—reducing the chance of re-sharing or misuse.
Quote: “We use View Once for every client password exchange — it gives both parties peace of mind.” — Digital Agency Manager
🔁 View Once vs Disappearing Messages
| Feature | View Once | Disappearing Messages |
|---|---|---|
| Deletes after 1 view | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Auto-delete timeframe | After view | 24 hrs, 7 or 90 days |
| Screenshot protection | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Applies to media only | ✅ Yes | ❌ (text + media) |
🧠 FAQ: View Once on WhatsApp
Q: Can I view a View Once photo again?
A: No — once viewed, it’s gone and cannot be re-opened.
Q: Can someone screenshot it?
A: Yes — WhatsApp does not block or notify about screenshots.
Q: Can I set View Once as default?
A: No — it must be enabled manually for each photo or video.
Q: Can I use it in group chats?
A: Yes — but once a member opens the photo, it’s gone for everyone.
Share Your Experience
Have you used View Once to send something sensitive or personal? Did it work as expected? Comment below with your thoughts or tips!
🗳️ Poll: Do you use View Once regularly?
- Yes, for privacy reasons
- Sometimes, depending on the content
- No, I don’t trust it
- Didn’t know it existed!
Final Thoughts
View Once is a powerful privacy tool when used smartly — especially for temporary, sensitive content. Just remember, it’s not foolproof. Always consider the risk of screenshots and misuse.
Looking to upgrade your WhatsApp privacy game? Check out our guides on:
- WhatsApp Disappearing Messages
- How to Lock Chats on WhatsApp
- Best Privacy Settings for WhatsApp 2025
Author: Ashaye Gbenga
Tech Evangelist SEO | Empowering users through secure and smart messaging tools.