WhatsApp Fixes View Once Media Bug

WhatsApp has been a leader in messaging apps, constantly evolving to meet user needs. In August 2021, the platform introduced the ‘View Once’ feature for photos and videos, allowing users to share media that disappears after being viewed once. In December 2023, this feature expanded to include voice messages. However, a recent bug raised concerns about the effectiveness of this feature. Users discovered that they could access ‘View Once’ media multiple times, undermining its intended privacy. Fortunately, WhatsApp has quietly rolled out a fix for this issue.
Understanding the View Once Feature
The ‘View Once’ feature is designed to enhance privacy when sharing media. When a sender shares a photo, video, or voice message with this feature enabled, the recipient can only view or play it once. After that, the media disappears from the chat. To activate this feature, the sender simply taps the โ1′ icon before sharing the content. This functionality is particularly useful for users who want to share sensitive or temporary information without leaving a digital footprint.
However, the recent bug allowed recipients to bypass this limitation. Users on iOS could access the ‘View Once’ media again by navigating through the appโs settings. They would go to Settings, select Storage and Data, and then Manage Storage. By finding the contact who shared the media and sorting the storage details by Newest, they could see the previously viewed media at the top of the list. This loophole raised significant privacy concerns among users who rely on the feature for secure communication.
WhatsApp’s Response to the Bug
In response to the bug, WhatsApp has taken steps to address the issue. According to a report from Android Police, the company has rolled out a fix that prevents users from accessing ‘View Once’ media after it has been viewed. The bug was primarily affecting iOS users, while Android versions of the app remained unaffected.
The Android Police team was able to replicate the bug on January 23 but found that it was no longer possible to access ‘View Once’ media multiple times after the fix was implemented. This suggests that Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, acted quickly to resolve the issue, although they have not publicly acknowledged the problem or the fix. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining user trust, especially in an era where privacy concerns are paramount.
Previous Issues with View Once Media
This is not the first time WhatsApp has faced challenges with its ‘View Once’ feature. In September 2024, a similar issue was reported for WhatsApp Web users. Although the app did not officially support viewing ‘View Once’ media on the web, some users managed to access and save the content. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges WhatsApp faces in ensuring the security and privacy of its features across different platforms.
The company addressed this issue in December 2024, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy. These incidents underscore the importance of continuous updates and fixes in the tech industry. As users increasingly rely on messaging apps for personal and professional communication, companies must prioritize security features to protect user data.
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