WhatsApp has begun internal testing of a “view once” option for text messages on iOS devices. Users trigger it by long‑pressing the send button and selecting “Send as view once.” The same feature rolled out to Android earlier this month, where it currently supports photos, videos and voice notes. Extending it to text completes the suite. Early feedback suggests minimal performance impact.

The one‑time view once works in both individual chats and group conversations, but it is not available in WhatsApp Channels. Unlike the earlier “disappearing messages” that vanish after a set timer, these texts disappear immediately after the recipient opens them. The capability remains confined to internal builds and is not yet part of any public beta. Beta testers report smooth integration with existing UI.

By letting a message be seen only once, WhatsApp tightens control over shared content, a response to growing privacy concerns on messaging platforms. Users who need a fleeting confirmation or sensitive information can now rely on text that leaves no trace. This move could pressure competitors to broaden their own ephemerality tools. The test indicates the company’s broader push to make ephemeral communication the default across its ecosystem.