WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature adds a layer of privacy by allowing users to send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed once. While this helps safeguard personal content, it can also pose challenges if you wish to preserve meaningful or sentimental media. Although WhatsApp doesn’t provide an official way to save this content, safe and respectful workarounds exist.
This guide explores two effective methods for saving ‘View Once’ media—one using a Chrome extension on PC and the other via the Beeper app on mobile. Remember, these methods should only be used with permission to maintain trust and respect for the sender’s privacy.
Why Save ‘View Once’ Media?
The ‘View Once’ feature emphasizes privacy and control, which is vital in the digital age. However, there are situations where saving the content may be necessary, such as:
- Preserving memories: Sentimental photos or videos from friends and family.
- Important information: Receipts, instructions, or documents shared via ‘View Once’ that you may need later.
- Unintended deletion: The sender might lose the content and ask you to retrieve it.
Despite these scenarios, always ensure that saving such media aligns with ethical practices and the sender’s consent.
How to Save ‘View Once’ Media on WhatsApp
Method 1: Use a Chrome Extension on PC
If you frequently use WhatsApp Web, a Chrome extension called ‘View Once Photos Bypass for WhatsApp Web’ allows you to save disappearing media. This method is simple and compatible with most Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Brave.
Steps to Use the Chrome Extension:
- Install the Extension:
- Open the Chrome Web Store and search for ‘View Once Photos Bypass for WhatsApp Web’.
- Click ‘Add to Chrome’ and follow the prompts to install it.
- Open WhatsApp Web:
- Visit WhatsApp Web on your browser and log in by scanning the QR code with your phone.
- View and Save the Media:
- Once the extension is active, all ‘View Once’ photos and videos will behave like regular media files.
- You can view, screenshot, or download them without restrictions.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If media fails to load, try these steps:
- Refresh WhatsApp Web.
- Reinstall the extension.
- Restart your browser.
Note: The media will still disappear from your phone after viewing it once, but it remains accessible on WhatsApp Web as long as the extension is active.
Method 2: Use the Beeper App on Mobile
For mobile users, the Beeper app provides an excellent alternative. Beeper is a cross-platform messaging app that consolidates messages from various platforms, including WhatsApp. Interestingly, Beeper does not enforce WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ restrictions, making it possible to save or screenshot media seamlessly.
Steps to Use Beeper:
- Download and Install Beeper:
- Beeper is available for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS. Download it from your device’s app store or Beeper’s official website.
- Sign Up and Link WhatsApp:
- Open Beeper, sign up with your email, and follow the prompts to link your WhatsApp account.
- Access WhatsApp Chats in Beeper:
- After linking, your WhatsApp messages, including ‘View Once’ media, will appear in Beeper’s interface.
- Save the Media:
- When a ‘View Once’ photo or video is received, it will display as a regular media file. Save or screenshot it without restrictions.
Limitations of Beeper:
- Voice notes: Beeper does not yet support saving voice notes sent as ‘View Once.’
- Initial setup: First-time users may need to configure their account on a PC for smooth integration.
WhatsApp’s Privacy Intentions
The ‘View Once’ feature is designed to enhance privacy and control over shared media. When using these workarounds, it’s crucial to respect the original intention of this feature. Misusing it to save or share media without consent could violate trust and WhatsApp’s terms of service.
Key Ethics to Follow:
- Always request permission before saving someone’s media.
- Avoid sharing or redistributing saved media without the sender’s explicit consent.
- Use these techniques responsibly for personal purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the sender tell if I save their ‘View Once’ media?
No, neither the Chrome extension nor Beeper notifies the sender if you save the media. However, respect their privacy and trust.
2. What should I do if the Chrome extension fails to work?
Refresh WhatsApp Web, reinstall the extension, or restart your browser. If issues persist, check for extension updates or compatibility with your browser.
3. Can Beeper save all types of WhatsApp media?
Beeper supports saving photos and videos but does not yet allow saving ‘View Once’ voice notes.
4. Is using these methods against WhatsApp’s terms of service?
Yes, these methods may bypass WhatsApp’s privacy protections, potentially violating its terms. Use them at your own risk.
5. Are these methods compatible with iOS devices?
The Beeper method works on iOS, while the Chrome extension is limited to desktop-based WhatsApp Web.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature prioritizes privacy, there are valid reasons to save such media. By using the methods outlined above—Chrome extensions for PC or Beeper for mobile—you can preserve important content responsibly. However, always prioritize the sender’s privacy and obtain their consent before saving media. Ethical practices ensure that digital tools enhance trust rather than erode it.