View-once Media

Use Signal Android or Signal iOS to send individual photos and videos that are automatically removed from a conversation thread after they have been viewed.

• Blog post
• Sender
• Receiver

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Sender

How can I send a view-once message?

1. On Signal iOS or Signal Android, navigate to your group or individual conversation.
2. Select an image or capture a photo or video.
3. Tap the  icon to switch to the view-once icon .
4. Select Send  or .
   
    

How long can I open the view-once message that I sent?

The media file can no longer be seen by you after selecting Send  or .

 

What happens after I send a view-once message?

• After selecting Send  or , you can not view the message.
•  Media is shown in its place.
• The photo or video won't be stored in your Signal conversation history after the send is complete . 

		Android
		iOS
		Desktop

 

Receiver

How do I open a view-once message that I received?

• Tap or select the  video or photo message bubble to view it in full screen.
• Tap X or press back to close the full-screen view.

		Android
		iOS
		Desktop

 

How long do I have to open a view-once message that I received?

The media message is removed in whichever scenario comes first:

• You opened the message.
• You have not opened the message and the disappearing message timer ticks down.
• You have not opened the message and it is 30 days after the message was sent to you.

 

What happens after I open a view-once message that I received?

• The photo or video won't be stored in your Signal conversation history.
•  Viewed is shown in its place.

		Android
		iOS
		Desktop

Are you seeing other icons for the view-once media? Follow these steps to update and enable automatic updates.