Technology Desk: WhatsApp is continuously working on new features to enhance the user experience. As part of this effort, the company is preparing to introduce a feature that users have been anticipating for a long time: the ‘View Once’ option will now be available for regular text messages. This means the recipient will be able to open and read the message only once; once closed, it cannot be viewed again.
Currently, this feature is being rolled out to select Android beta users, with plans to expand it to other beta users gradually.
‘View Once’ option now for text messages too
The ‘View Once’ feature already exists on WhatsApp, allowing users to send photos, videos, and voice messages that can be viewed or listened to only once. The company is now extending this functionality to text messages.
This feature enables users to send messages that they do not wish to keep permanently in the recipient’s chat. Notably, once a message has been read, it cannot be opened again.
How to send a ‘View Once’ text message?
If this feature is available on your WhatsApp account, using it is quite simple:
Open WhatsApp and go to the chat of the person you wish to message.
Compose your text message as you normally would.
Press and hold the green ‘Send’ button.
Select the ‘View Once’ option from the menu that appears on the screen.
Send the message.
The recipient will then be able to read the message only once. Currently, there is no option to schedule such text messages.
How will the message appear to the recipient?
A text message sent via ‘View Once’ will not appear directly in the regular chat. To read it, the recipient must tap on the message, which will then open on a separate screen.
Once the recipient closes that screen after reading the message, it will not be possible to open it again. In the chat, an indicator will appear in place of the message, showing that it has been opened. If ‘read receipts’ are enabled, the sender will also be notified that the recipient has read the message.
No option to take screenshots or copy content
Privacy has been given special attention in this feature. Taking screenshots or screen recordings while viewing a ‘View Once’ text message will be blocked. Furthermore, the recipient will not be able to copy, save, or forward the message to another chat.
Users can utilize this feature to share private or sensitive information. However, it does not guarantee that the information will remain secure in every respect.
Currently available only to Android users
According to reports, WhatsApp has begun testing the ‘View Once Text Messages’ feature in the Android beta version 2.26.45.6. At present, this feature is available to a select group of beta users and is being rolled out in a phased manner.
The company has not yet clarified when this feature will be made available to all Android users.
