How to Screenshot on Snapchat Without Them Knowing
Snapchat is one of the best platforms when it comes to interacting with your friends in an active, fun way.
You can use snaps to send a Snapchat video, a photo, and basically any multimedia content you want.
Nonetheless, there’s a slight inconvenience with the Snapchat application: it doesn’t allow users to take screenshots on Snapchat without the other person noticing.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t take a screenshot; it just means that the other user is going to receive a screenshot notification on their mobile device.
Now, of course, this is not a problem if your friend doesn’t mind that you save snaps, but if you want to know how to screenshot on Snapchat without them knowing, then this guide is for you.
In today’s new blog post, we are going to teach you:
- Why there are screenshot notifications on Snapchat;
- How to screenshot snaps using various apps;
- Other methods to take Snapchat screenshots while avoiding the notification.
Why Are There Notifications for Screenshot Snapchat?
So, what’s up with Snapchat screenshot notifications? This doesn’t happen in other apps such as Telegram or Whatsapp.
Well, it’s a standard policy of the company to let them know when the other person makes a Snapchat screenshot.
This always happens in the app since there isn’t an option to remove the screenshot notification in the notification panel.
Besides, let’s be honest - we all would like to know if someone is taking screenshots without our permission.
Does Snapchat Notify When You Screenshot a Story?
Yes, it does - Snapchat has been sending notifications for story screenshots since the beginning of time! Thus, unless the other user has turned off Snapchat notifications, they will indeed get a pop-up message on their home screen telling them what you just did.
As you might know, even if you have a public profile, you can’t see who viewed your account.
On the other hand, there are two scenarios where you are able to know if the other person took a Snapchat screenshot.
Read also: Do you want to know more about Public Profiles on Snapchat? Then, take a look at our guide and let the world see the potential of your profile!
Screenshot Snapchat Story
Whenever you see someone’s Snapchat stories, they will receive a notification that looks like this:
They will be able to see a little screenshot icon in their Snapchat Story, so, if you don’t want them to know that you just did that, you better plan ahead.
Screenshot Chat Window
It doesn’t matter if you just received a text message, a video, or a photo - if you take a screenshot, the notification will appear.
Imagine that you are saying something private to someone and they just take a screenshot.
How would you feel? That’s why it’s important to learn a useful Snapchat screenshot hack.
How to Screenshot on Snap Without Them Knowing
Now, the moment of truth: let’s take a screenshot without them knowing we did!
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to achieve this, and we are going to show you them all.
Method #1: Built-in Screen Recording Function on Your Device
Luckily, your iOs device or your Android phone both have a built-in screen recorder that you can use effortlessly.
You get where we are going with this - you need to screen record snaps in order to save them in your device and then, once it’s done, you will have the file saved on your phone.
Android Devices
If you have the latest Android software, all you need to do to access the screen recorder is to swipe down, and the record button will appear.
This will allow Android users to open Snapchat and video capture the file they want to get.
iPhone Device
iOS users can also perform movie recording on their phones from their main iPhone screen: swipe down, tap the button and start recording.
Then, just open Snapchat and let the screen recorder do its job.
Method #2: Third-party Screen Recorders App
There are some useful third-party apps that could also help you with this matter.
However, make sure to research every Snapchat screenshot apps before using them.
Screen record snaps inside Snapchat don’t always go as you think!
Sneakaboo
Even though this isn’t an app used exclusively for video recordings, you can still use it on your iPhone to save everything you want on Snapchat.
On the downside, you need to put your Snapchat account credentials into the application, which some users might not find very amusing.
Go to the Google Play Store on Android
There are literally thousands of third-party apps available for Android devices.
Just go to the Play Store and select the movie recording app you like the most!
Method #3: Use Airplane Mode
This is a trick that all old-school Snapchatters know.
Using Airplane mode to take a screenshot is a classic on this app, but it must be done carefully.
First, turn off your mobile data and Wi-Fi - your phone must not have an internet connection whatsoever.
Then, turn on Airplane Mode, go to Snapchat, take the Screenshot and close Snapchat.
Some iOS users recommend you open the Control Center immediately after doing this.
Don’t forget to Clear Cache!
This is a crucial step to prevent the notification from appearing.
If you forget to clear the cache on the Snapchat options, once you turn off Airplane Mode, there’s a chance for the other person to get a SS notification.
You can quickly clear cache on your phone’s settings regardless of the OS you use.
Once the cache is cleared, you can go back to normal with your phone.
Method #4: Use the Screen Mirroring Feature
This option is tricky, but it’s an excellent alternative to take screenshots on this app.
There are two main ways to use the Mirror Feature on Android:
- Connect your phone to a TV or a laptop with an HDMI cable;
- Use the Control Centre to connect to a different screen from your phone.
Of course, you will need another device to capture the multimedia file on the new screen.
Method #5: Use a Second Phone to Record
This option is rather rudimentary.
Just find another phone and video record the Snap story or video you want to save.
Naturally, the quality won’t be the best, but at least the job will be successfully done.
Method #6: Ask Google Assistant to Screenshot Snapchat
Android users can use Google Assistance for multiple purposes, such as deleting Google search history or to capture screenshot effortlessly.
In fact, some users have mentioned that using Google to capture screenshots is a great way to screenshot Snapchat without them knowing. In order to do so, follow these quick three steps:
- Launch Snapchat app on your phone as you normally do;
- Go to the profile of the Snapchat user that you want to screenshot on Snapchat without them knowing;
- Say “Ok Google” and then say “Capture a Screenshot.” If you cannot use the Google screen recording feature, then troubleshoot the app by clicking here: fix GA screenshots.
Google Assistant will automatically save this screenshot, and you will be able to access the picture from your camera gallery.
Nonetheless, this method doesn’t always work, so make sure to try out other alternatives before relying on this one.
Method #7: QuickTime Player App on Mac
If you own a Mac, then saving a screenshot or a video will be really easy for you.
You just need to follow three quick steps:
- Connect your iPhone and open QuickTime Player. A small arrow will appear; you just need to click on “Select iPhone.”
- Now, click on “new movie recording” input on the Quicktime screen capture option.
- This way, you will mirror your iPhone’s screen on the Mac - all you need to do now is save what appears on the Snapchat screen, and you will be ready to go.
Method #8: Android Emulator on Windows (PC)
The best Android emulator out there is BlueStacks.
Download BlueStacks for Windows and open the Snapchat application.
Now, all you need to do is open the story, photo, or video you want to capture on your PC.
That will allow you to save it as a file without the other person knowing you did it.
As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives to take a screenshot without having an annoying notification popping up.
And remember, if you want to know if others have screenshotted your Snapchat videos, images and stories, make sure to turn on your Snap Stories notifications accordingly.
If you found this guide useful, check out other articles - we have more amazing pieces of content such as this one on GrowFollowing!
Snapchat Screenshot FAQ
Does Snapchat Notify You When You Screenshot A Story?
Yes, it does. It doesn’t matter if you want to capture a video or a story - the other Snapchatter will still receive an alert.
How Do You Remove the “you took a screenshot” alert on Snapchat?
You can’t remove notifications once they appear. That’s why it is essential to plan ahead to prevent the alert from appearing.
Why Does it Say I Screenshotted on Snapchat When I Didn’t Do it?
This was an old Snapchat glitch where people claimed they didn’t take a screenshot, but the alert still appeared to other users.
It’s now reportedly fixed by the company.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.