Self-Destructing Images: Share Screenshots That Delete Themselves

Ever needed to send a sensitive screenshot, like a confirmation code or a private chat, but worried about it lingering on the receiver's device or on a server? Curato's "Self-destruct after viewing" feature is designed for exactly this scenario.

What Are Self-Destructing Images?

A self-destructing or "view-once" image is a picture you can share that is automatically and permanently deleted from our servers the moment the recipient views it. This ensures the information is seen only once and doesn't leave a digital trace, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.

This is perfect for:

• Sharing login credentials or 2FA backup codes.
• Sending temporary access details or QR codes.
• Sharing confidential screenshots that you don't want to be saved or re-shared.

How to Share a Self-Destructing Image with Curato

Sharing a disappearing photo is simple and takes just a few clicks. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select Your Image File

On the Curato homepage, make sure you are on the Send tab. Drag and drop your single image file (like a .png or .jpg) into the upload area, or click to browse and select it from your device.

Step 2: Open Sharing Options

Once your image is selected, a "Sharing Options" button will appear. Click on it to reveal the advanced settings for your transfer.

Step 3: Enable "Self-destruct after viewing"

You will see a switch labeled "Self-destruct after viewing". Toggle this switch on. This option is only available for single image transfers to ensure a focused, secure viewing experience.

Step 4: Share Your File

Click the "Share File" button. Curato will process your image and generate a unique, secure share link and a QR code. Since this is an encrypted transfer, you must share the full link with the recipient. The simple 6-digit code will not work for encrypted or self-destructing shares.

What the Receiver Sees

When the recipient opens the link, they will see the image. The moment they close the tab or navigate away, the image is permanently deleted from our servers. If they try to open the link again, they will receive an error message stating the transfer has expired.

Why This is More Secure

Unlike sending an image through email or a messaging app, Curato's self-destruct feature ensures the file has a minimal digital footprint. It combines end-to-end encryption with single-use access, giving you peace of mind when sharing transient, sensitive information.