The little-known trick to see self-destructing photos again on WhatsApp
How do self-destruct photos work on WhatsApp
WhatsApp introduced the “view once” feature to offer greater privacy when sending images and videos. When the recipient opens the file, it disappears immediately and is not stored in the gallery or in the conversation.
How to recover a self-destructing photo on WhatsApp from your iPhone
To make this trick work, it is essential to act quickly, as the image will only be available for a short period in the device’s temporary memory. If WhatsApp clears its cache before you complete the steps, the image will be lost forever.
Steps to try it:
- Open the self-destructing photo on WhatsApp, but do not close the app immediately.
- Quickly go to the WhatsApp settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Storage and data.
- Access Storage management.
- Look for the conversation where you received the photo:
- If you don’t see it immediately, use the magnifying glass to search for it.
- Sort the files by “Most recent” using the arrow button in the lower left corner.
- If the trick worked, you will see an image with a question mark icon in the list of files. Quickly open it to see the photo again before it disappears completely.
Does this trick always work?
No. This is a temporary solution that depends on several factors. If WhatsApp clears the cache before you access storage management, there will be no way to recover the image. Additionally, each app update strengthens security measures, so this trick may stop working in future versions.
Some users have shared on social media, especially on , that they have been able to recover images with this method. However, the key is speed: if you take too long, WhatsApp will erase any trace of the photo and there will be no turning back.
Is it worth trying?
If you have ever experienced an image disappearing too quickly and you don’t want to go through the hassle of asking for it to be resent, this trick can be a useful option. Although it is not foolproof, keeping it in mind can make a difference when you need it most. Next time you receive a self-destructing photo, try it quickly and see if you still have a second chance.
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