WhatsApp’s view once feature allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after being opened. However, sometimes you may want to view a one time photo again after it has disappeared. There are a few different methods you can try to recover and view again a WhatsApp one time photo.
Save the Photo Before Opening
The easiest way to be able to view a WhatsApp one time photo again is to save it before opening the message. Here’s how:
- When you receive a WhatsApp message with a view once photo, do not open it.
- Instead, press and hold on the message.
- A menu will pop up – choose the option to save the photo.
- The photo will be saved to your device’s gallery so you can view it again later.
Saving the photo before opening the message is the only way to guarantee you’ll be able to view the one time photo again. However, if you already opened the message, don’t worry, there are still a few other options you can try.
Recover from Google Photos Backup
If you have Google Photos backup enabled on your Android device, there’s a chance the photo was backed up automatically before it disappeared. Here’s how to try finding it again in Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app on your device and view the Library tab.
- At the top, tap on the Search icon.
- Type in a relevant search term like “WhatsApp” or the sender’s name.
- Scroll through the search results to see if the one time photo shows up there.
- If you find it, tap to open the photo and view it again.
The backup happens behind the scenes, so you won’t know if the image was captured until you search. This method relies on having backups enabled and doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try.
Use a File Recovery App
If you weren’t able to save the photo before opening the message, your best bet is to use a file recovery app. Here are the general steps:
- Download a reputable file recovery app on your device. Some top options include DiskDigger, Dumpster, and Recuva.
- Grant the app the necessary permissions to search your phone’s storage.
- Scan your device’s storage using the app.
- The app will display recoverable files – browse the results for the WhatsApp one time photo.
- If it is found, recover it to your device’s gallery so you can view it again.
File recovery apps scan your phone’s residual storage and can sometimes resurrect the auto-deleted photo. This method takes some effort but has decent success rates in recovering disappeared WhatsApp media.
Use WhatsApp Export
WhatsApp has a built-in chat export feature that can be used to save your conversation history. Here’s how it works:
- Open WhatsApp and go into the chat that contained the one time photo.
- Tap the More Options icon (3 dots at top right).
- Choose More > Export Chat.
- Select to export Chat With Media to save photos.
- Choose a destination like Google Drive or your device storage.
- Open the exported chat file to see if it contains the disappeared photo.
This method is hit or miss since WhatsApp may not have fully captured the media before it was deleted. But for recent chats, it’s still worth a shot.
Retrieve from Device Backups
If your phone is set up to do regular device backups, you may be able to find the deleted WhatsApp photo in your backups:
- Access your phone’s built-in backup features usually in Settings.
- Find and restore a backup that was created around the time the photo was received.
- Once the backup is restored, check your WhatsApp media to see if the photo is present.
This option is time-consuming but can retrieve more than just the one item. If you have backups enabled and stored, scouring them can potentially resurrect any lost media.
Use a Third Party App
Some third party apps claim the ability to recover and save expiring WhatsApp photos. Here are some options to research:
- WAMR – Stands for “WA Message Recovery.” Claims to automate saving of expiring media.
- WhatsSave – Another auto-saving app to record expiring media before it’s deleted.
- Dumps – A more manual tool that can scan for and extract leftover files.
The reliability of such apps varies. Make sure to research reviews and check required permissions before installing anything. But they present another avenue to possibly recovering that one time WhatsApp photo.
Ask the Sender to Resend
If all else fails, you can always just ask the sender to resend the photo. They’ll still have the original on their device and can send it to you again if they want.
Be aware that if the sender wants the photo to be view once only, they may decline. But it never hurts to ask politely – many people are happy to reshare.
Prevent This in the Future
To avoid this situation going forward, be proactive about saving one time media:
- Always save photos before opening if you think you may want to view them again.
- Enable backups so content gets archived regularly.
- Use a third party app to automatically record media before it disappears.
- Ask the sender to send the photo normally instead of using view once.
The view once feature is designed for privacy. But with the right preparation, you can still safely save photos to view indefinitely when needed.
WhatsApp One Time Photo Recovery: FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about recovering deleted WhatsApp one time photos:
Does WhatsApp keep any temporary copies of view once photos?
No, WhatsApp is designed so that view once photos are automatically deleted immediately after being opened. No temporary copies are retained on their servers. Your best chance of recovery is checking your own device storage.
Can I recover a WhatsApp view once photo without an app?
It’s very difficult to recover a deleted view once photo without a file recovery app. Your phone system does not make it easy to access deleted files manually. A file recovery app automates the digging process to have a chance of finding residual copies of the photo.
How long does a WhatsApp one time photo stay on a device?
There is no set duration – it may disappear instantly or take a few minutes. For your best chance of recovery, use a file recovery app as soon as possible after the photo disappears. The longer you wait, the lower your chances of finding it. Act quickly for best results.
Can law enforcement recover deleted WhatsApp photos?
In extreme criminal cases, law enforcement may be able to work with WhatsApp to recover deleted content through legal channels. But for ordinary users, there are no options to retrieve deleted WhatsApp content through official means – you need to try DIY data recovery methods.
What happens if I delete a WhatsApp view once photo I sent?
If you delete a view once photo you originally sent, the recipient will no longer have access to it. Like with any deleted message, it’s removed from your end of the conversation as well. The recipient’s access expires when yours does.
Conclusion
While intentionally ephemeral, it is possible to recover and view again deleted WhatsApp one time photos in some cases. With quick saving, regular backups, and the help of file recovery apps, you stand the best chance of being able to retrieve the photos. Just act quickly after the disappearing act. With the right tools and techniques, you can resurrect and preserve view once media.