WhatsApp has started testing a new “view once” feature for text messages on iOS, extending its disappearing message options beyond media files. The feature allows users to send a message that can be opened only once. After it is viewed once, the message automatically disappears from the chat.
According to the source, to use this option, users will need to long-press the Send button while composing a message. A new setting will appear that lets them choose “Send as view once.” Once selected, the message is sent in this mode and becomes unreadable after the recipient opens it.
WhatsApp initially began testing the same functionality on Android earlier this month. Now, the company is expanding internal testing to iOS devices as well. This indicates that WhatsApp is working to bring a consistent experience across both major mobile platforms.
Currently, WhatsApp already supports view-once messages for photos, videos, and voice notes. However, the company is now extending this privacy-focused feature to text messages, aiming to cover all major communication types within chats.
The feature will work in both one-to-one conversations and group chats. However, it will not be available for WhatsApp Channels, which remain focused on broadcast-style updates rather than private exchanges.
At this stage, the feature is still under internal testing and has not reached any public beta release. This means it is not yet available for general users or testers outside WhatsApp’s development environment.
This new system is also different from another disappearing message feature that was spotted earlier in May. That feature allows messages to expire after a set time period chosen by the user.
In contrast, the “view once” text message option is more immediate. It deletes the message right after it is opened one time, giving users tighter control over sensitive information shared in chats.
