WhatsApp’s one-time photo sharing feature allows users to send photos that disappear after the recipient views them once. This prevents the recipient from saving or screenshotting the photo. However, some users want to bypass this restriction and save one-time photos. This article will explore methods to screenshot or save WhatsApp’s one-time photos on both iPhone and Android devices.
Why Would You Want to Bypass One-Time Photo Restrictions?
Here are some common reasons people want to save one-time WhatsApp photos:
- To have a permanent record of important photos like receipts, documents, or memories
- To archive or backup conversations
- To share the photo with someone else later
- To view the photo for a longer period of time
While WhatsApp intends the one-time photo feature for privacy, sometimes users have legitimate reasons to save or screenshot them.
Can You Screenshot One-Time Photos on iPhone?
Yes, it is possible to screenshot and save one-time WhatsApp photos on an iPhone. Here are three methods:
Using the Home + Power Buttons
When you receive a one-time photo in WhatsApp, open it and simultaneously press the Home button and Power button on your iPhone. This will screenshot the current screen. You can find and view the screenshot in your Photos app.
Using AssistiveTouch
The AssistiveTouch feature in your iPhone’s Accessibility settings allows you to create a virtual home button. To screenshot with AssistiveTouch:
- Enable AssistiveTouch in your Accessibility settings
- Create a custom gesture that taps the screen and presses the Home button
- When viewing a one-time photo, perform the custom gesture to trigger a screenshot
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Apps
You can install third party screen recording apps from the App Store to record your screen when viewing a one-time WhatsApp photo. Popular options include DU Recorder, AirShou, and QuickTime Player. Just start a screen recording and open the one-time photo. Then stop the recording and you’ll have a video containing the photo.
Can You Screenshot One-Time Photos on Android?
Android also provides several ways to screenshot and bypass WhatsApp’s one-time photo restriction, including:
Using Volume + Power Buttons
Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously when viewing a one-time WhatsApp photo. This will capture a screenshot on most Android devices.
Using Three Finger Screenshot Gesture
Many Android devices allow you to swipe down with three fingers to trigger a screenshot. Enable this in your phone’s settings.
Using Screen Recording Apps
As with iPhone, install screen recording apps from the Play Store to capture your screen when viewing a one-time photo. AZ Screen Recorder and Mobizen Screen Recorder are popular options.
Using ADB on Computer
You can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands on a computer to remotely take a screenshot of your Android phone when viewing a one-time photo. This method is more complex but very effective.
Third Party Apps for Saving WhatsApp Photos
In addition to built-in screenshot methods, third party apps can let you bypass WhatsApp’s one-time photo restriction and permanently save photos. Here are some top options:
WA Tweaker (Android)
This app clamps down on WhatsApp’s restrictions and allows saving one-time photos. It also has other features like scheduling messages.
WAMR (Android)
WAMR is a WhatsApp mod that lets you bypass one-time photo restrictions and has automatic backup capabilities. However, using unauthorized mods can get your WhatsApp account banned.
SaveChat (iOS)
SaveChat enables you to extract and save photos and videos from WhatsApp chats on your iPhone. It can automatically save one-time photos before they disappear.
Watusi (iOS)
This app lets you save one-time photos, preview videos before downloading, and more. But it requires a jailbroken iPhone.
Using WhatsApp Web to Save Photos
You can also use WhatsApp Web on your computer to view and screenshot one-time photos:
- On your phone, open the one-time photo received in WhatsApp.
- On your computer browser, go to web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code to link your WhatsApp account.
- The one-time photo will be visible on the Web version for you to screenshot and save with your computer.
The photo will still disappear after viewing on your phone. But this method lets you screenshot it with your computer first.
Using Notification Previews to View Photos
On some devices, one-time WhatsApp photos will be partially visible in your notifications panel or screen lock screen when received. This allows you to view the photo for a longer time:
- When you get the one-time photo notification, don’t open it right away.
- Pull down your notification drawer (Android) or lock screen (iPhone) to preview the photo.
- Screenshot the preview if you want to save the photo.
- Then you can open the photo normally in WhatsApp without having the timer start yet.
This gives you more time to view, screenshot, or screen record the photo.
Using Accessibility Services to Disable Photo Deletion
On Android, certain accessibility services can prevent WhatsApp from deleting one-time photos. This method keeps them visible in your chat so you can save them later.
To try this method:
- Enable the “Universal Copy” accessibility service from your Android settings.
- Open WhatsApp and view the one-time photo as normal.
- The photo should not disappear and remain accessible in your chat.
- You can now long press it to save it to your gallery.
However, this exploit may not work forever as WhatsApp works to close loopholes like this.
Using Third Party Apps to Extract from Cache
Some apps claim the ability to extract photos from your WhatsApp cache, even after they’ve been deleted. Apps like Notification History, WAMR, and All Transfers state they can retrieve deleted media using this method.
However, it’s unclear if these apps work consistently. The WhatsApp cache is encrypted and inaccessible to other apps in general. Proceed with caution using such apps.
Using Local Data Backups
If you have local WhatsApp backups enabled, the one-time photo may be included there allowing you to restore it later.
To try this:
- After viewing the one-time photo, back up WhatsApp locally from Settings.
- The photo should now be in the encrypted backup located at WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images on your phone storage.
- You can use file explorer apps to find the backup and extract the photo file.
However, this method is hit or miss as local backups don’t contain all deleted content.
Can You Save Disappearing View Once Videos?
The methods for saving WhatsApp’s view once videos are similar to those for photos:
- Screen record the video instead of screenshotting it.
- Use a third party app like WAMR to prevent deletion.
- View the video notification preview before opening.
- Use WhatsApp Web to view and save from computer.
However, view once videos present an additional challenge. Since they can be longer, screen recording the entire video may not be possible in the limited view duration.
You’ll need to be strategic, like screen recording sections at a time and merging them together later. Or using multiple devices with WhatsApp Web to watch and record simultaneously.
Ethical Concerns with Bypassing One-Time View
While there may be legitimate reasons to save one-time WhatsApp media, it also raises ethical issues to consider:
- The sender intended the photo to be viewable only once.
- Bypassing this can violate their consent, trust, and privacy.
- You could be saving sensitive content meant to disappear.
- Storing one-time photos long-term carries risks like hacking, sharing, etc.
Always think carefully before capturing and saving private or sensitive media that the sender wanted to be temporary. Make sure to protect and responsibly handle any media you do end up saving.
WhatsApp’s Consequences for Violating One-Time Photo Rules
WhatsApp aims to protect users’ privacy and security with one-time media expiration. So what happens if you violate the rules?
Potential consequences of repeatedly saving and sharing one-time WhatsApp photos include:
- The sender gets notified you captured the photo against rules.
- WhatsApp may detect and flag your account for violations.
- You could get banned from using WhatsApp temporarily or permanently.
While WhatsApp’s enforcement tends to be limited, malicious users who share non-consensual media get banned swiftly and more aggressively. Don’t abuse WhatsApp’s one-time view trust mechanisms.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp intends one-time photos to be temporary and private, users have found ways to bypass the restrictions and save media. Methods range from built-in screenshot techniques to third party apps and tricks. However, consider the ethics and security risks before capturing and storing sensitive content meant to disappear. WhatsApp aims to protect user privacy but also enforces its policies against abuse of one-time photo features. Use wisely and legally.