In the realm of modern communication, our methods have evolved over the years. We began with phone calls, transitioned to text messages, and found ourselves communicating through our screens. However, we often felt that something was missing. Phone calls took up too much time and typing lengthy thoughts on a touchscreen could have been more convenient. Thus, the voice message was introduced as a simple way to share our thoughts on the fly without committing to a full call or typing endlessly on our smartphones.
But as with any messaging method, there are times when we don’t want our voice messages to linger forever. Perhaps you made a mistake in your message and prefer it not to haunt you. Or maybe you have some confidential information to share without leaving any evidence behind.
This is where the “view once” feature comes in handy. It allows you to send messages, photos, and videos for one-time viewing only, erasing them for good once they’ve been seen, much like Snapchat. However, voice messages have been an exception to this feature on WhatsApp — until now.
WhatsApp is currently testing the ability to send voice messages using the “view once” feature, so the message disappears after the recipient listens to it. This is similar to how voice messages work on iOS: they default to self-deletion two minutes after being played.
Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available to the general public. To give it a try, you need to be part of the WhatsApp beta testing program. If you are an iOS user who hasn’t enrolled in the beta, you may have to wait for its official release. However, if you’re using Android, you’re in luck as the beta program is open to everyone. According to WABetaInfo, the feature is rolling out in WhatsApp beta versions for Android (2.23.21.15 and 2.23.22.4) and iOS (23.21.1.73).
How to Send Disappearing Voice Messages in WhatsApp
If you’re using the WhatsApp beta, you can start sending voice messages that disappear:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to send a voice message.
- Hold down the microphone button to begin recording your voice message.
- Pull up to switch the recording into hands-free mode.
- You will see a new (1) icon at this point. Tap it, and your voice note will be sent in “view once” mode.
Please note that once you send a voice message this way, you won’t be able to listen to it again, so it’s a good idea to review it before tapping (1). Similarly, once the recipient listens to or dismisses the message, it will vanish, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of your voice messages.
WhatsApp’s “view once” feature for voice messages is a promising addition, making it easier to share fleeting thoughts or confidential information without worrying about their lasting presence. If you’re an Android user and part of the WhatsApp beta program, you can already enjoy this feature, while iOS users may need to wait a little longer.