How to Use View Once on WhatsApp: Complete Guide for 2025
August 8, 2025

How to Use View Once on WhatsApp: Complete Guide for 2025

TLDR

Send photos, videos, or voice messages on WhatsApp that disappear after one view using View Once. Open a chat, select media, tap the “1” icon, and send. Works on Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web (with risks). Only share with trusted contacts due to bypass methods. Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

📋 Table of Contents

Introduction

Want to share a photo or video that vanishes after one view? WhatsApp’s View Once feature lets you send media or voice messages that disappear after the recipient opens them, adding privacy for sensitive content. With 2.95 billion users in 2025, WhatsApp’s privacy tools are in high demand, but flaws like screenshot risks exist. This guide walks you through using View Once, its limits, and how to stay safe. Let’s get started. Source: DemandSage, 2025 Source: The Hacker News, 2025

Related: Disappearing Messages Guide | Best WhatsApp Privacy Settings for 2025

What Is WhatsApp View Once?

View Once is a privacy feature that lets you send photos, videos, or voice messages that can only be viewed once before disappearing from the chat. Introduced in 2021, it’s designed for sharing sensitive content, like a temporary ID photo or a private moment, without leaving a permanent record. Media can’t be forwarded, saved, or starred, and it’s protected by end-to-end encryption. Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

Why Use View Once?

  • Share sensitive content (e.g., receipts, IDs) without permanent storage
  • Keep chats tidy by avoiding saved media
  • Encourage one-time viewing for private moments
  • Support business use cases, like sending temporary client documents
How to Use View Once on WhatsApp

How to Send View Once Messages on WhatsApp

Android

  1. Open WhatsApp and select a chat (individual or group)
  2. Tap the paperclip icon and choose “Gallery” or “Camera”
  3. Select a photo or video, or record a voice message
  4. Tap the “1” icon in the caption bar (shows “Photo set to view once”)
  5. Press “Send”

iPhone

  1. Open WhatsApp and select a chat
  2. Tap the “+” icon and choose “Photo & Video Library” or “Camera”
  3. Pick a photo or video, or record a voice message
  4. Tap the “1” icon in the caption bar (shows “Photo set to view once”)
  5. Press “Send”

WhatsApp Web

  1. Open WhatsApp Web and select a chat
  2. Click the paperclip icon and choose “Photos & Videos”
  3. Select a file, tap the “1” icon, and click “Send”
    Note: View Once on WhatsApp Web has vulnerabilities (see Limitations). Source: Bitdefender, 2024

How to Check If View Once Media Was Viewed

  1. Open the chat
  2. Find the message (labeled “Photo,” “Video,” or “Voice message” with a “1” icon)
  3. Tap the message to see if it says “Opened” (requires read receipts enabled)
    Note: You won’t be notified if the recipient doesn’t open it within 14 days (it expires). Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

Limitations and Security Risks

  • Screenshots/Screen Recordings: WhatsApp blocks screenshots on mobile, but recipients can use another device to capture media. No notification is sent. Source: WhatsApp, X Post, 2025
  • WhatsApp Web Flaw: A 2024 exploit allowed re-viewing View Once media via WhatsApp Web by altering a flag. Meta patched this in December 2024, but risks remain. Source: Bitdefender, 2024 Source: Mashable, 2024
  • iPhone Storage Flaw: On iOS, View Once media can be accessed via Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage, even after viewing. Source: Croma, 2025
  • Third-Party Tools: Apps like KidsGuard for WhatsApp can save View Once media, bypassing restrictions. Source: ClevGuard, 2025
  • Server Storage: Media may stay on WhatsApp’s servers for weeks, risking exposure if reported. Source: Tech Specs Mart, 2021
    Tip: Only send View Once media to trusted contacts and combine with Chat Lock or Disappearing Messages for added privacy.

Real-World Example: Sharing Sensitive Business Data

Scenario: Mark, a consultant, needs to send a client a temporary contract preview. He uses View Once to share the PDF screenshot, ensuring it’s not saved on the client’s device.

Result: The client views the document once, and it disappears, keeping Mark’s chat clean and secure. He also uses Chat Lock for extra protection.

What Users Say

“View Once is great for sending quick client docs, but I only use it with trusted contacts after hearing about screenshot risks.” – Priya, freelancer, Mumbai. Source: X Post, @TechBit, 2025

Privacy Tips for Different Regions

View Once Setup Guide (2025)

Step Action Platform
Open chat Select contact or group Android, iOS, Web
Choose media Use Gallery, Camera, or Microphone Android, iOS, Web
Enable View Once Tap “1” icon in caption bar Android, iOS, Web
Send Press “Send” button Android, iOS, Web

Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

How View Once Compares to Other Privacy Tools

Feature View Once Disappearing Messages Chat Lock
Deletes after viewing Yes (1 view) Yes (after set time) No
Biometric access No No Yes
Prevents saving Yes No Yes
Blocks screenshots Limited No Yes (chat list)

FAQ for Google AI Overview

What is WhatsApp View Once?
A feature to send photos, videos, or voice messages that disappear after one view. Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

Can I send View Once messages on WhatsApp Web?
Yes, but avoid it due to a 2024 flaw (patched in December). Use mobile for safety. Source: Bitdefender, 2024

Does WhatsApp notify if someone screenshots View Once media?
No, WhatsApp doesn’t notify senders of screenshots or recordings. Source: WhatsApp, X Post, 2025

Can View Once media be saved?
Officially, no, but third-party apps or secondary devices can bypass this. Source: ClevGuard, 2025

How long do View Once messages last?
They expire after 14 days if unopened. Source: Tech Specs Mart, 2021

Can I use View Once in group chats?
Yes, View Once works for individual and group chats. Source: WhatsApp Help Center, 2025

Does View Once work with voice messages?
Yes, voice messages can be set to View Once since 2024. Source: WhatsApp Blog, 2025

Your Turn: Do You Use View Once?

Have you tried View Once for private photos or work documents? What’s your experience? Share below!

Poll: Why do you use View Once?

  • Share sensitive documents
  • Send private photos or videos
  • Keep chats clean
  • Just testing it out

Next Steps

Try View Once for secure sharing, but only with trusted contacts. Check out: Disappearing Messages Guide | Best WhatsApp Privacy Settings for 2025

Visual Idea: Add a screenshot of the “1” icon in the caption bar or a flowchart of the sending process for Google Discover appeal.

References

Author: Ashaye Gbenga, Tech Evangelist SEO | Helping you protect what matters through smart, secure communication.