WhatsApp has started rolling out a new privacy feature for text messages. The update allows users to send messages that disappear after recipients read them.

The feature is called View Once for text messages. It is currently available to selected Android beta testers running WhatsApp version 2.26.45.6.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature extends WhatsApp’s existing View Once functionality. Previously, users could send photos, videos and voice messages with this option.

The latest development brings similar privacy controls to regular text conversations. It gives users another way to share information they do not want stored in chats.

Unlike standard disappearing messages, View Once texts have no countdown timer. Instead, recipients can access the message only once.

How WhatsApp View Once Text Messages Work

The new feature allows senders to share text messages that recipients can open only once.

To use this option, users must first type their message in the chat box. They then need to press and hold the send button.

A View Once option will appear on the screen. Users can select it to send their message with the new privacy setting.

WhatsApp displays an explanation when someone uses this feature for the first time. Users must tap OK to proceed.

After delivery, the message’s actual content will not appear directly in the conversation. Instead, recipients will see an option to open the message.

Tapping the message opens it in a separate viewing interface. Once recipients close this screen, the message becomes inaccessible.

WhatsApp also marks the message as opened. However, senders can see its read status only when read receipts are enabled.

Screenshots and Message Forwarding Restrictions

WhatsApp has introduced several restrictions to protect View Once text messages. These controls aim to prevent recipients from saving or sharing the content.

Recipients cannot copy, forward or save these messages through the application. The platform also blocks screenshots and screen recordings while messages remain open.

Once a recipient views and closes a message, neither participant can access its contents again. This makes the feature different from regular disappearing messages.

However, the protection does have certain limitations. Recipients could still use another device to photograph or record the displayed message.

Therefore, users should avoid sharing highly sensitive information through this feature. External recording methods remain possible despite WhatsApp’s restrictions.

View Once Text Messages Cannot Be Scheduled

The current version does not support scheduling View Once text messages. According to WABetaInfo, users cannot arrange these messages for automatic delivery later.

It remains unclear whether WhatsApp will add scheduling support in future updates. The company has not confirmed any plans regarding this functionality.

Availability of the New WhatsApp Feature

WhatsApp has reportedly been developing View Once text messages for several months. The feature has now reached selected Android beta testers.

Users running WhatsApp beta version 2.26.45.6 can access the functionality. However, its availability may vary among beta testers.

The feature has not yet reached all Android users. WhatsApp has also not announced an official public release date.

It remains uncertain whether iPhone users will receive the feature simultaneously. The company has not shared a confirmed rollout schedule for iOS.

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For now, the update represents another addition to WhatsApp’s privacy features. Users will need to wait for a wider rollout before accessing it through regular app updates.