WhatsApp introduced the ‘View Once’ feature to enhance privacy for users when sharing sensitive or temporary media. This feature allows you to send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed one time, similar to Snapchat. While the feature is great for privacy, it has also raised curiosity about how one could save or download these temporary files before they vanish.
Though WhatsApp doesn’t offer a built-in option to save ‘View Once’ photos and videos, there are some workarounds that allow you to do so. Here are three methods to download ‘View Once’ media on WhatsApp.
1. Take a Screenshot or Screen Recording (Android & iOS)
One of the simplest ways to save ‘View Once’ media is by capturing the screen during the brief moment when the photo or video is visible. However, there are some key considerations and steps you need to follow to ensure this method works.
Steps for Photos (Screenshot):
– When viewing a ‘View Once’ photo, quickly take a screenshot using the appropriate method for your phone.
– For Android, press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
– For iPhone, press the Side button and the Volume Up button simultaneously.
Steps for Videos (Screen Recording):
– For videos, use the screen recording feature to capture the entire video as you watch it.
– For iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the Screen Recording icon before viewing the video.
– For Android, you can use the built-in screen recording feature (available on most recent Android versions) or third-party apps like AZ Screen Recorder.
Note: WhatsApp does not notify the sender when you take a screenshot or screen record, so this method is discreet.
2. Use a WhatsApp Web Extension (PC)
Another method is to use WhatsApp Web, combined with browser extensions that allow you to intercept and save media. Here’s how you can do this:
Steps:
1. Open WhatsApp Web on your computer.
2. Install a browser extension like WAIncognito (available on Chrome).
3. This extension allows you to view ‘View Once’ media without it disappearing and enables saving options.
4. After viewing the media, right-click on the image or video and select Save As to download it.
This method is slightly more technical but offers a more permanent way to save the media without relying on your phone.
3. Use File Recovery or Cache Apps (Android Only)
On Android, it is possible to recover media files from the system cache even after they’ve been deleted. This method involves using a file recovery app to search for the media file after viewing it.
Steps:
1. Download a file recovery app like DiskDigger or File Explorer.
2. Open the app and navigate to the WhatsApp cache folder.
3. After viewing the ‘View Once’ media, check the cache folder to see if the media is still stored temporarily.
4. If found, copy or save the media file to a different location.
While WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature ensures privacy, these workarounds can help you download or save the media before it disappears. Whether using simple screenshots or advanced recovery tools, these methods give you control over temporary media while still respecting WhatsApp’s privacy features.