Saving fleeting media from WhatsApp: A guide to preserving transient photos and videos

WhatsApp’s latest update allows for ephemeral photos and videos that disappear after viewing. These fleeting media files can be important, but if you need to save them to your gallery, there are several methods you can use. However, always ensure that the sender is aware of your intentions before saving their content.

For Android users, taking a screenshot is a common method for saving these types of images. If the native method doesn’t work, consider using a third-party app like SnapSaver or QuickPic. On iPhone, AssistiveTouch can be used to take a screenshot without pressing any physical buttons.

If you need to save a one-time viewing video, screen recording apps like Screen Recorder or Record It can be used. These apps require permission to access your camera and microphone, so make sure you grant these permissions before recording the video.

Rooted Android users have an alternative method of saving these files by accessing the folder where WhatsApp stores one-time viewing photos using a file explorer like ES File Explorer or Xfile Explorer. Alternatively, disabling FLAG_SECURE using apps like Magisk or Xposed allows you to take screenshots of disappearing media without restriction. Just remember to restart your phone after enabling this feature.

By using these methods, you can save and store important ephemeral photos and videos from WhatsApp without losing valuable information. However, always take appropriate precautions and respect the privacy of the content shared with you.