No, it is not possible to take a screenshot of a one time view image or video on WhatsApp. WhatsApp has designed the one time view media feature specifically to prevent recipients from saving or capturing that media in any way.
What is a one time view media on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp introduced the view once media feature in 2021. This allows senders to share photos or videos that can only be viewed once by the recipient. After the recipient opens the media, it is automatically deleted. The recipient cannot view it a second time or save it to their device.
This feature provides more privacy and security for sensitive media that you only want the recipient to see once. It can help avoid situations where private photos or videos are accidentally saved, screenshotted, or shared further, as the sender has more control.
Why you cannot screenshot a WhatsApp one time view
When you send a view once photo or video on WhatsApp, the app disables the ability for the recipient to screenshot that content. If the recipient tries to take a screenshot, the image will just appear blacked out. This prevents capturing or saving that one time view media.
Some of the security measures WhatsApp uses to prevent screenshotting include:
- Disabling capture of the WhatsApp screen using native phone screenshot features
- Detecting and disabling third party screenshot apps
- Overlaying a black cover over the media element if a screenshot is attempted
In addition, WhatsApp states that they do not store or collect data around the one time view media shared. So there is no way to retrieve the media after it has been viewed.
This combination of technical and policy measures by WhatsApp ensures that one time view content truly vanishes after being opened once by the recipient, and cannot be captured, saved or reused in any way.
What happens if you try to screenshot a WhatsApp one time view
If you attempt to take a screenshot of a WhatsApp one time view image or video, here is what will happen:
- The screen will flash indicating a screenshot has been triggered.
- The image/video content will be replaced by a black screen in the screenshot.
- You will only capture a black image, not the actual media content.
- The one time view media itself will still be deleted from the WhatsApp chat after being opened.
Essentially, your screenshot attempt will fail while the one time view functionality works as intended – you see the media once, and cannot capture or access it again.
Ways people try to screenshot WhatsApp one time views
Despite the preventative measures, some WhatsApp users still attempt to screenshot or record one time view media. Some common methods include:
- Using a second phone or camera to photograph the content on their screen.
- Trying to run screen recording apps in the background.
- Turning to third party apps that claim to bypass WhatsApp protections.
- Rooting or jailbreaking devices to disable security limits.
However, WhatsApp works actively to detect and disable these kinds of workarounds. The app scans for any processes that could be trying to intercept the visual stream and then blocks them. So most attempts will just result in a black screenshot.
Why taking screenshots is blocked
WhatsApp introduced view once media with the specific intent of making them impossible to capture via screenshots. This provides:
- Privacy – Recipients can’t keep or reuse sensitive content sent for one time viewing.
- Control – Senders have more control over media sharing and distribution.
- Security – Reduces misuse of private or confidential information.
- Trust – Users feel more confident sharing momentary glimpses of media.
By technical and policy design, taking screenshots fundamentally goes against the purpose of WhatsApp’s one time views. Allowing screenshots would defeat the privacy protections. So blocking screenshots is necessary to maintain the integrity of this feature.
Risks of attempting to screenshot
Trying to forcibly screenshot or record WhatsApp one time view media carries a few risks, including:
- Account ban – WhatsApp may ban accounts detected repeatedly trying to violate one time view restrictions.
- Legal issues – Capturing and distributing private media without consent may breach laws in some regions.
- Malware – Third party apps that claim to enable screenshots may contain malware.
- Device instability – Rooting or jailbreaking to get past blocks can destabilize the device.
Users are advised to avoid trying to screenshot one time views, as the content is intended to be temporary. Attempting to bypass or ignore WhatsApp’s security could have unwanted consequences.
What recipient can do with one time views
As a recipient, when you receive a photo or video as a one time view on WhatsApp, you are able to:
- Open and view the media content once within the WhatsApp chat.
- Reply in chat about the content, e.g. send a text response.
- Report objectionable content to WhatsApp if needed.
However, you cannot:
- View that media a second time, as it will be deleted after opening.
- Save, screenshot, record or otherwise capture the content.
- Forward or share the one time view – the forward option is disabled.
Make sure to view any important details in the one time media when you open it, as you only get one chance. And avoid trying to circumvent WhatsApp’s restrictions, which violates the intent of the feature.
Conclusion
Screenshotting or recording WhatsApp one time view media is blocked by design to protect privacy. While some users try workarounds, WhatsApp actively safeguards against capturing these disappearing photos and videos. Any screenshot attempt will fail, replacing the content with a black screen. So one time views sent on WhatsApp can only be viewed once as intended, then vanish entirely.