WhatsApp View Once: How to Send Photos, Videos and Voice Messages That Disappear (2026)

Want to share a private photo without it ending up in someone’s gallery? WhatsApp View Once lets you send photos, videos and voice messages that the other person can open only one time, after which they disappear from the chat. I use it for personal photos and documents I don’t want saved, forwarded or shared. Here is how View Once works in 2026 and what it can and can’t protect.

Quick answer: In a chat, pick a photo or video, tap the 1 in a circle icon next to the caption box until it says “Set to view once”, then send. For voice messages, record and tap the same 1 icon before sending. The recipient can open it once; it can’t be forwarded, saved or (on the phone apps) screenshotted, and it disappears once closed.

How to send a View Once photo or video

1. Open a chat and tap the attach (+ or paperclip) or camera icon.
2. Choose a photo or video.
3. Tap the 1 icon in a circle on the right of the caption bar. WhatsApp shows “Photo set to view once”.
4. Tap Send. The message shows a circled 1 instead of a preview.

How to send a View Once voice message

1. Press and hold the mic, then slide up to lock recording.
2. Tap the 1 icon before sending.
3. The recipient can play it only once.

What the recipient sees

An unopened View Once message shows a circled 1. When opened and closed, it changes to “Opened” and can’t be viewed again. In my test below, three View Once messages look different from normal photo messages.

• The media is not saved to the recipient’s gallery, even with auto-download on.
• It can’t be forwarded, starred or shared.
• Screenshots and screen recordings are blocked in the Android and iPhone apps.
• If not opened within 14 days, the media expires from the chat.
• You can still see when it was opened in Message info, if read receipts are on.

Limits: what View Once can’t stop

• Someone can still photograph the screen with another phone.
• Only send View Once media to people you trust.
• Recipients on old WhatsApp versions may still be able to take screenshots, and you are not notified if someone tries.
• Unopened View Once media can be restored from a backup; once opened, it isn’t backed up and can’t be restored.

Delete a View Once message

Long-press the message (or click the down arrow on desktop) and choose Delete for everyone before it’s opened, if you change your mind.

For group privacy, see how to stop members turning on disappearing messages, and make your WhatsApp DP stand out. On a computer, learn how to log out of WhatsApp Web securely.

FAQ

Can you screenshot a WhatsApp View Once photo?

Not in current versions of the Android and iPhone apps; WhatsApp blocks screenshots and screen recordings of View Once media.

Does the sender know if I opened it?

Only if you have read receipts turned on. Then the sender sees “Opened”.

Can I view a View Once photo again?

No. Once you close it, it’s gone for both of you. WhatsApp can’t restore it.

Does View Once work in groups?

Yes. Each member can open it once.