News in short
- WhatsApp View Once text messages are reportedly rolling out to select Android beta testers.
- The feature is said to let users send text that disappears after the recipient opens and closes it.
- Recipients reportedly cannot copy, forward, share or screenshot the message within the app.
- The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.6.
- WhatsApp has not announced a wider rollout date.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new way to send disappearing text messages. The upcoming View Once option could let users share written messages that recipients can open only once. The feature extends WhatsApp’s existing View Once controls beyond photos, videos and voice messages.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is reaching select Android beta testers. It could offer another layer of privacy for people who need to share sensitive information through a chat.
How WhatsApp View Once text messages may work
The feature has reportedly appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.45.6. Users may be able to activate it directly from the chat window. After typing a message, they can reportedly press and hold the send button to reveal the View Once option.
Once sent, the recipient will see a hidden message in the conversation. They must tap it to reveal the text in a separate window. The message reportedly disappears after they close that window, and they cannot open it again.
WhatsApp may also show a short introduction the first time users encounter the feature. This could explain how View Once text works before they open a message.
WhatsApp may block screenshots, copying and forwarding
The reported restrictions go beyond automatic deletion. WhatsApp is said to block recipients from copying, forwarding or sharing the text through the app. It may also prevent screenshots and screen recordings while someone views the message.
However, these controls cannot guarantee that a message stays private. Someone could still use another phone or camera to photograph the screen. Users should therefore avoid treating View Once messages as a secure way to share passwords, banking details or other highly sensitive information.
Senders may also be able to check whether a recipient has opened the message, provided read receipts are enabled. This would give users a basic indication of whether the one-time text has been viewed.
When will View Once text reach all WhatsApp users?
For now, the feature appears to be limited to select Android beta testers. WhatsApp is reportedly distributing it through the Google Play beta programme. More testers could receive access over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has not confirmed when the feature will reach the stable Android app. The company has also not announced an iOS release timeline. As with other beta features, its design and availability could change before a wider launch.
The addition would give users more control over how long certain messages remain accessible. It also builds on WhatsApp’s broader privacy tools, including disappearing messages and View Once media. For more WhatsApp developments, read our report on Samsung’s reported WhatsApp and Telegram call recording feature. You can also follow the WABetaInfo report on View Once text messages for the beta findings.
