WhatsApp is working on view-once text messages for iPhone

WhatsApp is developing a “view-once” feature for text messages on iOS and Android to increase user privacy. According to WABetaInfo, this functionality allows users to send text that disappears after one reading, blocking screenshots and forwarding, similar to existing options for photos and videos.

How does the view-once text feature work on WhatsApp?

Users will trigger the feature by long-pressing the Send button after typing a message. This action opens a dropdown menu with the option “Send as view once,” according to WABetaInfo. Once the recipient opens and reads the message, it becomes permanently inaccessible.

The tool applies to both individual chats and group conversations. However, WhatsApp will not include this feature in Channels, as the broadcast nature of those spaces makes ephemeral messaging unsuitable.

Did you know? Before this official update, some users simulated ephemeral text by writing their message as a caption on a “view-once” photo. WhatsApp is now replacing this manual workaround with a native tool.

Which devices will get view-once text messages first?

WhatsApp first announced the development of this feature for Android in update 2.26.22.7. WABetaInfo recently discovered the functionality is now being explored for iOS in beta version 26.24.10.16, available via TestFlight.

The feature is not yet enabled for general beta testers. WhatsApp has not released an official timeline for the stable rollout, but it will typically move to beta testers before reaching the general public.

What privacy protections are included with view-once texts?

View-once text messages use the same safeguards as view-once media. Recipients cannot copy, forward, or share the content. To prevent users from saving the information, WhatsApp will block screenshots and screen recordings within the app.

WABetaInfo notes that while a user could still photograph the screen using a second physical device, the app restricts all internal software actions to minimize the risk of data preservation.

Pro Tip: For long-term privacy, combine view-once messages with WhatsApp’s existing end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages settings to ensure no digital footprint remains in your chat history.

How does this differ from disappearing messages?

While disappearing messages delete content after a set timer (such as 24 hours or 7 days), view-once messages vanish immediately after a single viewing. This creates a stricter boundary for sensitive information.

This development expands WhatsApp’s privacy toolkit, which already includes end-to-end encryption. By adding text to the view-once category, the platform creates a consistent experience across all media types—photos, videos, voice notes, and now text.

FAQ: WhatsApp View-Once Text Messages

Can I screenshot a view-once text message?

No. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will block screenshots and screen recordings for these messages to protect user privacy.

WhatsApp view once text messages feature

Will view-once texts work in WhatsApp groups?

Yes, the feature will be available in both individual and group chats.

Is this feature available in WhatsApp Channels?

No. The functionality is not intended for Channels due to the nature of broadcast communication.

When can I start using view-once texts?

The feature is currently in development for iOS and Android. It is not yet available to the general public or all beta testers.

What do you think about the move toward more ephemeral messaging? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest privacy updates.