View-Once Photos and Videos: Share Without Leaving a Copy

Some pictures are meant to be seen, not kept — an ID for a quick check, a private photo, a document someone only needs to glance at.

#How to send view-once media

1. In a chat, tap the **attachment** button and pick a photo or video. 2. In the send screen, switch on **View once**. 3. Send.

The recipient sees a "view once" bubble. When they open it, it plays or displays once; after they close it, it's gone from the chat for both of you.

#What view-once protects

- The media doesn't stay in the chat or gallery. - It's **never copied into Yapie's recovery vault**. - You can see in the chat that it was opened.

#What it can't stop

- **Screenshots or a photo of the screen** taken with another device. - Someone memorising details.

For truly sensitive material, think twice before sending at all.

#Related tools

- **Hide with spoiler** — blur a photo until the recipient taps it. Good for surprises or sensitive images in group chats. - **Restrict saving content** (group and channel setting) — admins can stop members saving or forwarding media. - **Disappearing messages** — set a timer for a whole chat. See [disappearing messages](/blog/disappearing-messages-guide).

#Frequently asked questions

How do I send a photo that disappears after viewing?

Pick the photo, switch on View once in the send screen, and send it.

Can view-once photos be recovered?

No. They aren't kept in the chat or in Yapie's recovery vault.

Will I know if they opened it?

Yes, the chat shows when a view-once message has been opened.