WhatsApp Tests Self-Destructing Text Messages

WhatsApp is testing a new privacy feature that would extend its existing “view once” option from photos and videos to plain text messages. The feature was spotted in the latest Android beta, according to WABetaInfo, and is aimed at people who need to send sensitive information such as temporary passwords, access details, or personal data.

If launched, users would be able to choose “Send as view once” immediately after typing a message. Once the recipient opens and reads it, the text would disappear permanently from the chat, with no way to recover it or view it again.

WhatsApp is also preparing safeguards to prevent leaks, including blocking text copying, stopping forwarding to others, and preventing screenshots. The company has not released the feature to users yet, and it remains in an early testing stage.

The code discovery suggests WhatsApp is moving toward giving users more control over how long shared information remains available. As with other beta features, the company is expected to refine the tool based on tester feedback before any wider public rollout.