WhatsApp introduced disappearing messages in 2020, allowing users to send photos, videos, GIFs, and messages that automatically get deleted after 7 days. While this can be useful for sharing temporary content, you may want to save certain disappearing pictures before they get automatically deleted.
The good news is there are a few different ways to save disappearing WhatsApp pictures on both iPhone and Android devices before they vanish. Here are step-by-step guides for the various methods.
Save Disappearing WhatsApp Pictures on iPhone
If you have an iPhone and want to save a disappearing WhatsApp picture, here are three options:
Method 1: Save from WhatsApp Chat
1. Open the WhatsApp chat containing the disappearing photo you want to save.
2. Tap and hold the photo to open it.
3. Tap the Share button in the bottom left corner.
4. Scroll down and tap ‘Save Image’ to save the photo to your iPhone’s camera roll.
Method 2: Screenshot the Picture
1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the disappearing photo.
2. Tap the photo to view it full screen.
3. Press the Side button and Volume Up button at the same time to take a screenshot.
4. The screenshot will be saved to your phone’s Photos app.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
1. Download a third-party save image app like SaveGram, IMG Save, or Screenshot Grab from the App Store.
2. Open the app and give it the required access permissions.
3. Open WhatsApp and view the disappearing picture you want to save.
4. Tap the floating button over the image and select ‘Save image’.
5. The picture will be saved to your camera roll.
Save Disappearing WhatsApp Pictures on Android
Android users also have a few options for saving disappearing WhatsApp photos before they get deleted, such as:
Method 1: Save from WhatsApp Chat
1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the disappearing picture.
2. Tap and hold on the image to open it.
3. Tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
4. Select ‘Save image’ to save the photo to your device’s gallery.
Method 2: Screenshot the Image
1. Open the chat with the disappearing picture in WhatsApp.
2. Tap on the image to view it full screen.
3. Press the Volume Down and Power buttons together to capture a screenshot.
4. The screenshot will be saved to your phone’s gallery.
Method 3: Use Third-Party App
1. Install a save image app like ImgSaver, SaveIt, or PicSave from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant required permissions to the app.
3. View the disappearing photo in WhatsApp you want to save.
4. Tap the app’s floating button and select ‘Save image’.
5. The image will be saved to your device storage.
Extra Tips for Saving WhatsApp Disappearing Pictures
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when saving disappearing WhatsApp photos:
- Act quickly as the images will get deleted automatically after 7 days.
- You can view pending disappearing messages in WhatsApp by going to Settings > Account > Privacy > Default Message Timer.
- Screen recording is another option to save disappearing content on WhatsApp.
- You can disable disappearing messages by going to Contact Info > Disappearing Messages > Off.
- Saved images may have a watermark from third-party apps.
- Deleting the WhatsApp message won’t delete saved versions of the photos.
Can Someone Tell if You Save Their Disappearing WhatsApp Picture?
A common concern is whether someone can tell if you’ve saved their disappearing WhatsApp picture. The answer is no – there is no way for the sender to know if a recipient has saved a disappearing photo before it gets automatically deleted.
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature is based on the concept of ephemerality. Any action taken on the recipient’s end, like taking a screenshot, screen recording, or saving the picture with a third-party app does not notify the sender.
So you do not need to worry about the sender finding out if you save their disappearing WhatsApp picture. The onus is on the recipient to voluntarily comply with the ephemeral nature of the message.
Pros and Cons of Saving Disappearing WhatsApp Pictures
Here are some of the key pros and cons to weighing when deciding whether to save a disappearing photo on WhatsApp:
Pros
- You can preserve important or sentimental pictures that would otherwise get deleted.
- Saving a screenshot helps retain a record of the conversation.
- You have time to decide if an image is worth keeping.
- It provides more control over ephemeral messaging.
Cons
- It violates the intent of disappearing messages which is temporary sharing.
- Saving without consent is ethically questionable in some cases.
- The sender expects the media to vanish and may feel betrayed if you save it.
- You will end up with more saved images that may never get viewed or used.
Ultimately, whether you decide to save a disappearing photo or not depends on evaluating the benefits vs. drawbacks based on the specific situation.
Disappearing Message Alternatives on WhatsApp
If you want to share temporary photos but are concerned about the recipient saving them, WhatsApp does offer some alternatives to disappearing messages:
View Once
This allows sending photos, videos, and GIFs that can only be viewed once before they get deleted. Screenshots are blocked but screen recording could still be used to save.
Status Updates
You can post images to your status where recipients have a limited window to view them before they expire. But others can still screenshot your status.
Group Chats
In a group, you can mention a user and share a temporary image visible only to the two of you. But any participant could save it.
Manual Deletion
Rather than automatic deletion, you can choose to manually delete a message after it’s seen. But the recipient could’ve saved it in the meantime.
While these provide alternative ways to share ephemeral content, none prevent saving completely like true end-to-end encrypted vanishing messages would.
Should You Save Disappearing WhatsApp Pictures?
Here are some guidelines on when you should or should not save a disappearing photo on WhatsApp:
| Save the Picture | Don’t Save the Picture |
|---|---|
| It contains important information you need to recall later. | The sender shared it solely for a temporary laugh or reaction. |
| It has special nostalgic or sentimental value to you. | Saving it could violate the sender’s privacy or wishes. |
| You want to preserve a fun memory with friends. | It does not really align with your values or interests. |
| It took effort to create and you want to appreciate it. | It could be embarrassing or harmful if viewed out of context. |
Ultimately it comes down to carefully thinking through the situation and sender’s expectations. If saving the image could violate trust or understandings in your relationship, it may be better to let it expire.
Conclusion
Although WhatsApp has a disappearing messages feature, recipients can still save photos before they get automatically deleted using various techniques. Both iPhone and Android users can save disappearing WhatsApp pictures directly from chats, via screenshots, or using third-party apps.
The sender is not notified if you save their disappearing photo. Consider the context and your relationship with the sender carefully. In many cases, it may be advisable to respect the ephemeral nature of the message and allow the images to get deleted as intended.