How to Send “View Once” Photos and Videos on WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the dynamic world of instant messaging, privacy and control over shared content have taken center stage. WhatsApp has rolled out a feature that adds an extra layer of privacy to your media sharing: “View Once” photos and videos. This much-awaited feature allows users to send media that disappears after the recipient has viewed it. Here’s a detailed guide on how to send “View Once” and how to use this feature across different devices.

Sending “View Once” Photos and Videos on WhatsApp

For Android Devices:

How to Send “View Once” Media:

1. Initiate the process: Start by opening an individual or group chat.
2. Attach media: Tap the attach button (the paperclip icon), and you have two options:
   • Choose Camera to take a fresh photo or video.
   • Select Gallery to pick an existing photo or video from your phone.
3. Activate “View Once”: Before sending, tap on “View Once” (represented by an icon with the numeral ‘1’).
4. Send: After selecting the “View Once” option, tap send.
5. Confirmation: Look out for an “Opened” receipt in the chat, which confirms that the recipient has viewed the media.

Opening “View Once” Media:

• To view, simply tap on the media marked with “1”.
• Once you’ve viewed it, swipe or tap back to exit the media viewer.
• Remember, there’s no going back. Once exited, you won’t be able to view it again.

For iOS Devices:

How to Send “View Once” Media:

1. Open Chat: Choose an individual or group chat on WhatsApp.
2. Capture or Select Media: Tap on the camera for a new photo/video or go to Albums to pick an existing file.
3. Select “View Once”: Tap on the “View Once” icon before sending.
4. Send it off: Hit send and wait for the “Opened” receipt for confirmation.

Opening “View Once” Media:

• Tap on the media with the “1” icon to view it.
• Swipe or tap back to exit, knowing that this is your only chance to see it.

Note: For this to work, WhatsApp requires access to your iPhone’s Photos and Camera. These permissions can be granted in your iPhone Settings under Privacy & Security.

For KaiOS Devices:

The availability of “View Once” on KaiOS depends on the version. If it’s available:

How to Send “View Once” Media:

1. Open Chat: Choose an individual or group chat.
2. Attach Media: Press ‘+’ and select ‘Picture’ or ‘Video’.
3. Choose “View Once”: After selection, press ‘Options’ and then choose “View Once”.
4. Send: Press ‘SEND’ and you’re done.

Opening “View Once” Media:

• Open the media with the “1” symbol.
• After viewing, the media will no longer be accessible.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Update WhatsApp: Ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp to use the “View Once” feature.
• Privacy: Sent media won’t be saved in the recipient’s gallery and cannot be forwarded.
• Limitations: You cannot view it again, forward, save, star, or share “View Once” media.
• Read Receipts: The opening of “View Once” media is only indicated if read receipts are enabled.
• Time-Sensitive: The media expires if not opened within 14 days.
• Backups: “View Once” media is included in backups only if unopened at the time of backup.

Important Considerations:

• Trust is Key: Send “View Once” media to trusted contacts, as recipients can still capture the content by other means, such as taking a picture with another device.
• Screenshot Blocking: Newer WhatsApp versions prevent taking screenshots of “View Once” media for added security.
• Server Storage: Encrypted “View Once” media may be stored on WhatsApp’s servers temporarily even after sending.
• Reporting Media: Recipients can report “View Once” media, and it will be made available to WhatsApp for review.

In conclusion, “View Once” is a step towards enhanced messaging privacy, giving users more control over their shared content. By following the above steps, you can confidently share media, knowing it leaves no digital footprint once viewed. Happy private sharing!