Snapchat’s eyes only feature allows users to send disappearing photos and videos to specific friends that can only be viewed once. After the recipient views the snap, it is automatically deleted. This creates an extra layer of privacy and security, as eyes only snaps do not get saved by default on either the sender or receiver’s device.
However, there are a few methods that the sender or recipient can use to recover and save eyes only snaps before they disappear forever. With some effort, it is possible to retrieve eyes only photos and videos on Snapchat.
Saving eyes only Snaps as a sender
If you are the sender of an eyes only snap, you have a couple options to save it before sending:
- Use a third party app or tool to record your device’s screen as you take and send the snap. This will capture a video of the snap that you can then save to your camera roll.
- On iOS, press and hold on the snap in the chat screen before sending it. An option to ‘Save’ will appear, allowing you to save it to your Memories.
- On Android, take the snap then exit the app before sending. The unsent snap will be saved in the ‘Pending’ section of your Memories.
However, it’s important to note that saving an eyes only snap without the recipient’s consent raises privacy concerns. If you want to be able to access a snap after sending it, consider using a different Snapchat feature like Chat or Memories.
Recovering eyes only Snaps as a recipient
If someone sent you an eyes only snap that you want to recover, you have a few options:
- Screen recording – Enable screen recording on your device before opening the snap, so it gets captured in the video.
- Airplane mode – This prevents the snap from being automatically deleted after viewing. You can then take a screenshot of it after.
- Unlock rooted Android – With root access on Android, apps like Lucky Patcher can be used to bypass restrictions and save eyes only snaps.
- Jailbroken iOS – Similarly, jailbroken iPhones can use tweaks like Snapper 2 to disable auto-deletion and save eyes only photos.
However, these methods involve tampering with Snapchat’s intended functionality. Saving eyes only snaps without consent raises ethical issues around trust and privacy. The safest approach is to simply avoid eyes only if you want to be able to recover the photos.
Why eyes only snaps disappear
Understanding why eyes only snaps are ephemeral can help inform appropriate ways to recover them if desired.
There are a few reasons why Snapchat makes eyes only snaps disappear by default:
- Privacy – The ephemeral nature gives an extra layer of privacy and control over who can view the snap and for how long.
- Security – The auto-deletion prevents snaps from being saved and potentially leaked or hacked later on.
- Authenticity – Deleting snaps after viewing fosters authentic, in-the-moment connections without worrying about permanence.
While these goals are admirable, sometimes snap senders or receivers want to recover eyes only photos for personal use. But it’s wise to carefully consider the privacy implications before doing so.
Ethical concerns around recovering eyes only snaps
Although it may be technically possible to recover eyes only snaps in some cases, doing so raises some ethical concerns:
- Consent – Saving or recording snaps without the other person’s knowledge removes their agency and ability to consent.
- Trust – It undermines the sender’s trust and expectation that the photo will vanish after opening.
- Privacy – Bypassing auto-deletion infringes on the intended ephemeral privacy.
- Data protection – Saved snaps now carry a responsibility of protecting that data from leaks and hacking.
Ultimately, while you may be able to recover expiring eyes only photos using various technical workarounds, doing so can violate the consent, trust, and privacy of the other person. It subverts Snapchat’s goal of authentic, in-the-moment connections.
Best practices for handling eyes only snaps
To enjoy eyes only snaps responsibly and ethically:
- Discuss expectations – Talk to the other person about whether saving or recording snaps is acceptable.
- Ask permission – Request consent before taking any action to keep their snap without their knowledge.
- Respect their privacy – Allow eyes only snaps to disappear as intended after viewing once.
- Use an alternative – If you want to be able to save a snap, request they send it through Memories instead.
Ultimately, consent and transparency are key when handling expiring or sensitive photos. While recovering eyes only snaps may be technically possible in some cases, the ethical approach is to respect the sender’s intentions for privacy and ephemerality whenever using Snapchat for trusted communication.
Conclusion
While there are techniques that allow Snapchat users to recover and save eyes only photos before they automatically delete, actually doing so raises significant ethical concerns around consent, trust, and privacy. The intended ephemeral nature of eyes only snaps should be respected to maintain the sender’s agency and ability to consent on the handling of sensitive media. If saving a disappearing photo is important, users should opt for an alternative Snapchat feature or app that is designed for permanence, instead of undermining the trust and privacy of eyes only communication.