WhatsApp is developing a new feature for iPhone users that allows text messages to be viewed only once before disappearing. This functionality mirrors the existing ‘View Once’ option available for photos, videos, and voice notes.
Users will be able to activate this feature by composing a message and then long-pressing the send button to select the ‘Send as view once’ option. Once sent, the recipient can open and read the message a single time, after which it becomes inaccessible. To enhance privacy, WhatsApp will prevent the recipient from copying, forwarding, or sharing the message. Additionally, the app will block screenshots and screen recordings to ensure the content cannot be preserved.
This feature is designed for both individual and group chats but will not be available in channels, where ephemeral messaging is deemed unsuitable. While currently in development for iOS, WhatsApp is also working on bringing this functionality to Android devices.
Previously, users seeking to send ephemeral text messages had to resort to workarounds, such as adding text to an image and sending it as ‘View Once’ media. The introduction of this feature addresses that gap, providing a more straightforward method for sending sensitive information securely.
It’s important to note that this feature is still under development and has not yet been released to beta testers. However, its eventual rollout is expected to significantly enhance user privacy by offering greater control over the lifespan of text messages.
In the broader context, this development reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to user privacy. The platform has faced challenges in the past, such as a critical privacy bug in early 2025 that allowed ‘View Once’ media to be accessed multiple times. That issue was promptly addressed with an update. The forthcoming ‘View Once’ text messages feature represents another step in WhatsApp’s efforts to provide secure and private communication options for its users.
