Short answerUse an end-to-end encrypted messenger with disappearing or view-once messages, turn off location in the share sheet, avoid public cloud links, and assume the recipient can always screenshot or photograph the screen.
Before you send
- Strip location. In the share sheet, tap Options and turn off Location.
- Crop. Remove faces, tattoos, street signs or anything identifying you don't need to share.
- Check the background. Mirrors, windows and screens reveal more than you think.
Choose the channel
| Channel | End-to-end encrypted | Expiry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iMessage | Yes | No | Copies sync to the recipient's devices |
| Signal | Yes | Disappearing messages, view-once | Screenshot blocking on some platforms |
| Yes | Disappearing, view-once | May save media to the recipient's camera roll | |
| Cloud link | Usually no | Sometimes | Anyone with the link can open it |
| Usually no | No | Lives forever in two inboxes |
What view-once really does
View-once removes the photo after it's opened in that app. It doesn't stop a screenshot on every platform, and nothing stops a second camera. Treat it as a courtesy, not a guarantee.
Coming to VaultBolt
VaultBolt's planned sharing encrypts each share end to end, with the key kept out of our relay. You set expiry, open limits or view-once, can revoke later, and see when a share was opened. It will still state the same honest limit: a recipient can always photograph their screen.
Frequently asked questions
Can view-once photos be screenshotted?
Some apps block or detect screenshots, but no app can stop someone photographing the screen with another phone.
Does VaultBolt support secure sharing?
Secure sharing with expiry, open limits, view-once and revoke is planned for VaultBolt Pro after launch. Opening shares will be free.
