WhatsApp is testing a new feature on iOS that will allow users to send text messages that can be viewed only once before disappearing, expanding its suite of privacy-focused messaging tools.
The feature, currently under internal testing, extends WhatsApp’s existing “view once” functionality, which is already available for photos, videos and voice messages.
View Once Text Messages Coming to WhatsApp
Under the new feature, users will be able to send text messages that automatically disappear after being viewed a single time by the recipient.
To use the feature, users will reportedly need to long-press the Send button and select a new “Send as view once” option before sending the message.
Once opened, the text message will no longer be accessible, offering an additional layer of privacy for sensitive conversations.
Expanding Existing Privacy Features
WhatsApp first began testing view once text messages on Android earlier this month and has now expanded testing to iOS devices.
The Meta-owned messaging platform has steadily increased its focus on privacy features in recent years, introducing disappearing messages, chat locks and view once media sharing.
With the addition of text messages, users would be able to apply one-time viewing restrictions across nearly all major message formats available within the app.
Available in Chats and Groups
According to reports, the feature will work in both individual conversations and group chats.
However, view once text messages are not expected to be supported in WhatsApp Channels, which are designed primarily for one-way broadcasts and public updates.
The feature remains in internal development and is not yet available to public beta testers.
Different From Expiring Messages
The new functionality differs from another feature reportedly discovered earlier this year that would allow messages to expire after a user-selected period of time.
Instead of disappearing after a set duration, the view once option removes access immediately after the recipient opens and reads the message.
WhatsApp has not announced when the feature will become available to beta users or when a wider public rollout may begin.
The testing reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to provide users with greater control over their privacy and message visibility within the platform.
