WhatsApp May Soon Let You Send Read-Once Text Messages

WhatsApp is working on a feature many users have requested for years: disappearing text messages that can only be read once.

According to a report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has started testing view-once text messages in the latest iOS beta and a recent Android pre-release build. The feature expands WhatsApp’s existing disappearing content options, which already include photos, videos, and voice messages.

The new capability allows users to send text messages that automatically disappear after the recipient opens and reads them. The goal is to provide an extra layer of privacy for sensitive conversations, such as passwords, personal information, or temporary instructions.

WhatsApp testing view-once text messages

In the current iOS beta version, users can write a message and then select a new “Send as view once” option before sending it.

Once the recipient opens the message, it can only be viewed a single time. After it is read, the message disappears and cannot be reopened.

WhatsApp is also introducing several restrictions designed to prevent recipients from saving or sharing the content. Users will not be able to copy the message text, forward it to other chats, share it outside WhatsApp, capture screenshots, or record their screen while viewing the message.

These protections mirror the safeguards already available for view-once photos and videos.

A privacy feature users have wanted for years

The addition of disappearing text messages closes a gap in WhatsApp’s privacy toolkit.

Some privacy-conscious users relied on a workaround by taking a screenshot of text and sending it as a view-once image. The new feature removes that extra step and offers a native solution directly within chats.

Meta has not announced an official release date for the feature.

However, the fact that view-once text messages have already appeared in Apple’s TestFlight beta program suggests development is progressing. Features that reach beta testing often move toward wider availability after additional testing and refinement.

As with many WhatsApp features, the rollout may begin gradually before becoming available to all users on iPhone and Android.

Meta continues expanding its apps

The new WhatsApp privacy feature arrives as Meta continues introducing new capabilities across its products.

The company recently launched premium subscription options for some of its services and has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Recent announcements include AI Mode for Facebook and a partnership with Reliance to help develop a large-scale AI data center project.

For WhatsApp users, however, view-once text messages may end up being one of the platform’s most practical privacy upgrades in years.

Via Engadget