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. This is especially useful for temporary content you don’t want lingering in chat history.
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
⚠️ Note: View Once is not screenshot-proof. Users often ask “how to take screenshot on WhatsApp View Once Android” — and yes, it’s technically possible. WhatsApp currently doesn’t block screenshots, so consider this before sending critical content.
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.
If you’re using tools like a WhatsApp View Once downloader (though unofficial), keep in mind that these tools often violate WhatsApp’s terms of service.
Privacy & Limitations
- Media can’t be forwarded, saved, or starred
- It disappears after one view or 14 days (whichever comes first)
- If the user has read receipts off, you won’t know if it’s been viewed
- Screenshots can still be taken (yes, again — screenshot protection is not available)
Pro Tip: Combine View Once with Disappearing Messages and Chat Lock for multi-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
Real-World Use Case: One-Time Password Sharing
Scenario: 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 risk of re-sharing or misuse.
“We use View Once for every client password exchange — it gives both parties peace of mind.” — Digital Agency Manager
🔁 View Once vs Disappearing Messages (Quick Comparison)
| 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
Can I view a View Once photo again?
No — once viewed, it’s gone and cannot be re-opened.
Can someone screenshot it?
Yes — WhatsApp does not block or notify about screenshots. Many users try “how to take screenshot on WhatsApp View Once Android”, so keep this risk in mind.
Can I set View Once as default?
No — it must be manually enabled for each media item.
Can I use it in group chats?
Yes — but once one member opens it, it disappears 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