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Why Is My View Once Photo Not Opening on WhatsApp? [2025 Fix Guide]

Axel Nash
Axel Nash Originally published Jul 29, 25, updated Oct 27, 25

Struggling with "WhatsApp View Once photo not opening"?This common issue prevents photos from loading, often due to connectivity problems or app glitches. Quick fixes include checking your internet, restarting WhatsApp, or updating the app; we'll explain how.

In this article
    1. Check Network Settings
    2. Recover via MobileTranshot
    3. Enable Media Permissions
    4. Clear WhatsApp Cache
    5. Update WhatsApp
    6. Ask Sender to Resend
    7. Contact WhatsApp Support

Part 1: Why is WhatsApp View Once Not Opening?

Can't open View Once photos on WhatsApp? Here are common reasons for the problem:

  • Poor Network/Connection Issues: You need a stable Wi-Fi or data network to open View Once photos on WhatsApp.
  • View Once photo has been opened before: Once a View Once photo has been opened, you can't reopen it on WhatsApp unless the sender resends it.
  • WhatsApp Version is Outdated: Outdated WhatsApp versions can't open View Once photos because they don't meet the minimum operating system requirements.
  • View Once photo only opens on the app: Unlike other media on WhatsApp, you can't open View Once photos via the web or linked devices.
  • View Once photo has expired: You only have 14 days to open a View Once photo after it is sent. After 14 days, the image will expire, and you will no longer be able to open it on WhatsApp.

Part 2: How to Fix WhatsApp View Once Not Opening - Android & iOS

Now that you know the possible reasons you can't open a View Once photo on WhatsApp, let's check out easy methods to fix the problem:

1. Check the Network and Connectivity Settings

Open your phone and check your network settings. Disable Airplane Mode, connect to a ber Wi-Fi network, and turn off Low Data Mode.

how to disable low data mode

If that doesn't work, you should return your device to its default network settings.

How to Reset iPhone Network Settings
  • Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap on General.
  • Scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPhone.
network settings on iphone
  • Tap on Reset > Reset Network Settings.
how to reset network settings iphone
How to Reset Android Network Settings
  • Go to Settings > System or General Management.
  • Tap on Reset > Reset Network Settings.
how to reset network settings android

2. Recover Opened View Once via MobileTrans

If you have already opened the View Once photo, it won't open again. However, you can use the MobileTrans - WhatsApp View Once recovery tool to retrieve it.

The MobileTrans - View Once recovery app is a secure and user-friendly tool that allows you to recover deleted, missing, and closed View Once images to your phone or PC.

How to Open View Once Photos via MobileTrans - WhatsApp Recovery App

Step 1: Launch Your MobileTrans - Recovery App

Launch MobileTrans on your computer and select the WhatsApp Recovery mode from the app's main interface. Tap on View Once Recovery.

mobiletrans whatsapp recovery app

Step 2: Select Your View Once Photos

Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code on your computer screen and link your PC to your WhatsApp account.

how to open whatsapp view once

Step 3: Export WhatsApp View Once Videos Successfully

Choose the View Once photos to recover and click on Export.

whatsapp view once successfully opened
Pros
  • You can recover View Once photos, videos, and audio.
  • The MobileTrans app keeps the original resolution of your photos.
  • The app has a user-friendly design and intuitive interface.
  • MobileTrans supports both Android and iOS devices.
Cons
  • You have to create a user account to use the MobileTrans app.
Available on:
mobiletrans-horizontal
Recover WhatsApp View Once Messages in a Click

3. Enable Media Permissions for WhatsApp

If you don't grant media permission via Settings, WhatsApp will be unable to open View Once photos.

How to Grant Media Permissions for WhatsApp on Android
  • Go to Settings > Apps.
app settings android
  • Scroll down and tap on WhatsApp.
  • Tap on Permissions > Photos and Videos.
how to enable whatsapp media permission
  • Tap on Allow.
how to allow media permission android
How to Enable Media Permissions for WhatsApp on iPhone
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
privacy and security settings android
  • Tap on Photos and scroll down to WhatsApp.
enable media permission android
  • Tap on WhatsApp and select the All Photos.
open whatsapp view once android

4. Clear WhatsApp Cache

WhatsApp automatically stores temporary files on your phone to optimize its speed and performance.

  • Go to Settings > Apps.
  • Tap on WhatsApp > Storage.
whatsapp storage settings android
  • Tap on Clear Cache.
how to clear whatsapp cache

5. Update Your WhatsApp Version

  • Open the App Store on your iPhone or the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
  • Search for WhatsApp and tap on the Update icon next to the app symbol.
how to update whatsapp
Available on:
mobiletrans-horizontal
Recover WhatsApp View Once Messages in a Click

6. Ask the Sender to Resend the Photo

If a WhatsApp View Once photo won't open because the image has been deleted or expired, you can politely ask the sender to resend the photo to you.

7. Contact WhatsApp Support

Still can't open WhatsApp View Once photos after using all the steps above? You may need to contact WhatsApp support for help.

Bonus: A New Way to Track WhatsApp Online Status - WeLastseen

The WeLastseen Online Status Tracker app is designed to improve communication efficiency on WhatsApp.

right-icon
Track Online Status: Track the current online status of your close contacts on WhatsApp.
right-icon
Check Hidden Last Seen: Show hidden and frozen WhatsApp last seen.
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Track Multiple Contacts at Once: Track multiple people simultaneously.
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Robust Security: Utilizes bank-level encryption.
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How to Track WhatsApp Online Status via WeLastseen

Step 1: Install the WeLastseen App

Go to the Google Play store on your Android phone and search for the "WeLastseen: Chat App Tracker." Tap "Install" to download the app.

Mutsapper-square
Track WhatsApp Last seen data

Step 2: Choose Who to Track

Tap on Add Contacts > Allow. Then choose which of your WhatsApp contacts you want to track online status for.

how to add contact to welastseen

Step 3: Start Tracking

Tap on the Start Tracking button at the bottom of the screen.

start tracking button welastseen

Step 4: Set Online Notifications

Go to Profile Icon > Notifications. Choose to receive Online Notifications.

how to get online notifications
Pros
  • The app requires no prior training.
  • Very secure
  • WeLastseen online works on all mobile devices.
  • You can track the online status for multiple WhatsApp contacts simultaneously.
Cons
  • The app is currently only available on Android phones.

Conclusion

In summary, the issue of View Once photos not opening on WhatsApp is a common problem among users, and several possible causes exist for this issue.

Available on:
mobiletrans-horizontal
Recover WhatsApp View Once Messages in a Click

FAQs

  • Why can't I see the View Once photos I send on WhatsApp?
    You can't see WhatsApp View Once photos after sending them due to WhatsApp's privacy policies. After you send a View Once photo online, you can no longer view the image.
  • What to do immediately if it's not showing on WhatsApp?
    You should reconnect your device to a ber mobile or Wi-Fi network and see if that fixes the problem. Next, ensure you have the correct data and connection settings on your smartphone and allow media permissions for WhatsApp via the Settings menu.
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