Mumbai: WhatsApp may soon expand its privacy-focused features by introducing view-once text messages, according to reports based on findings from a recent beta version of the app. The feature, which is still under development, could allow users to send plain text messages that can only be viewed once before disappearing permanently.
The development was reportedly spotted in a beta build of the messaging platform, indicating that the feature is currently being tested internally and has not yet been released to users.
New privacy feature may extend beyond media files
At present, WhatsApp allows users to send photos, videos and voice notes in a view-once format. These messages can only be opened a single time and cannot be saved, forwarded or viewed again after being accessed.
The proposed feature would bring the same level of privacy to regular text messages. If introduced, users could send sensitive information without worrying about the content remaining permanently in chat histories.
Reports suggest that the feature may be activated through a long press on the send button, which could reveal a new “Send as view once” option.
How the feature is expected to work
Once a view-once text message is sent and opened by the recipient, the content would become inaccessible. Similar to existing view-once media, the message may not be available for repeated viewing.
The feature is expected to offer an additional layer of protection for users sharing temporary passwords, confidential work information, personal details, verification codes or surprise event plans.
Privacy-focused users have increasingly sought more control over how their messages are stored and accessed, making such a feature potentially useful for a wide range of scenarios.
WhatsApp continues expanding privacy tools
Over the past few years, WhatsApp has introduced several privacy-focused features, including disappearing messages, chat locks, end-to-end encrypted backups and view-once media.
Its parent company, Meta, has been investing heavily in privacy and security features across its communication platforms as users demand greater control over personal data and conversations.
The addition of view-once text messages would represent another step in that direction, offering users more flexibility in deciding how long their content remains accessible.
Feature remains under development
Despite growing interest, WhatsApp has not officially announced the feature or provided a timeline for its release. Reports indicate that the functionality has not yet reached public beta testing and remains under active development.
As with many WhatsApp features, it is expected to undergo testing before being rolled out more broadly. There is also a possibility that the feature could be modified or delayed before its public release.
For now, users will have to wait for an official announcement from WhatsApp regarding availability and supported devices.
What it could mean for users
If launched, view-once text messages could become one of WhatsApp’s most significant privacy additions in recent years. The feature would complement disappearing messages while offering a stricter form of message control, ensuring that certain conversations remain temporary by design.
As digital privacy continues to be a major concern globally, features that limit message retention are likely to attract considerable interest from both personal and professional users.