WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that allows users to send text messages that disappear after being read. The feature is now available to some Android beta testers. The messaging platform already supports View Once photos, videos, and voice messages. However, it has been working on bringing the same functionality to text messages over the past few months.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature is now available to selected users running WhatsApp beta version 2.26.45.6 on Android.
How WhatsApp’s View Once Text Messages Work
The new feature works much like WhatsApp’s existing View Once media options. Once a recipient opens a text message, it disappears after they close it. The message cannot be opened again. To send one, users need to type their message and press and hold the send button. They can then select the “View Once” option. WhatsApp displays a brief explanation the first time users access this feature.
After sending, the message does not appear as regular chat text. Instead, the recipient must tap it to read its contents in a separate interface. Once they close that screen, the message becomes unavailable.
WhatsApp also marks the message as opened. However, this status is only visible to the sender if read receipts are enabled.
The feature also prevents recipients from copying, forwarding, or saving these messages. Additionally, WhatsApp blocks screenshots and screen recordings while the message is open. This could make the feature useful for sharing sensitive information.
However, the protection is not completely foolproof. Recipients can still use another camera to capture the message. Neither WhatsApp nor the sender can prevent this.
There is another limitation worth noting. WABetaInfo reports that users cannot schedule View Once text messages. It remains unclear whether WhatsApp will address this before the feature reaches all users. For now, the feature remains limited to selected Android beta testers. WhatsApp has not announced a public release date.
