Snapchat's original premise was that happy users could send photos and videos knowing that their content would expire after a few seconds were lost in digital history. However, once something digital hits the stratosphere, you can never be sure it's gone for good. One of the features that gave users this peace of mind was the screenshot notification. Whenever you take a screenshot of a user's Snapchat using the traditional method, the user is notified.
Screenshot cheat sheets have been circulating the internet since 2011, when the app was launched. People have tried everything from putting their phone on airplane mode and force quitting the app before Snapchat saved the screenshot to the much more manual technique of using someone's phone another to capture what appears on your screen.
Snapchat has shut down many of those avenues now, including third-party apps that promised the elusive secret screenshot. However, there remains an open avenue. This does not include soliciting a friend's smartphone to document any interaction you have on Snapchat. Read on to find out what it is.
The secret to screenshotting on Snapchat lies in the trusted native iOS toolkit. Screen recording feature is used to capture your interaction on social media app. Although Android users had to wait for some time for the screen recording feature, it is now available for Android 10 and newer phones.
Notes: Based on our May 2022 testing, the other user did not receive a screenshot notification. But, the feedback we received from our readers indicated that they did. If this is the method you want to use, it's best to test it with a friend first.
Secret Snapchats Screenshot Using iPhone
iPhone users were once able to save a Snap without being detected. Unfortunately, in May 2022, this is no longer possible. The other user received notification for screenshots and screen recording feature based on our testing.
Even third-party apps on the App Store don't seem very reliable. Most of the apps we tried didn't work at all. Others still sent a notification. Of course, it could be due to the latest updates. So if you are trying to use a third-party app to capture Snaps, keep checking the App Store.
This situation leaves only one option for iPhone users: to use another device. You will need to use another phone, tablet, etc., to capture a Snap to avoid screenshot notifications.
Secret Snapchats Screenshots Using Android
Before Android 10, there were many third-party screen recording apps and even workarounds in Android game launcher. But now there is a screen recording feature just like the iPhone.
To access screen recording on Android:
Android users can open the Snap they're interested in, then pull down from the top of their phone to access the control panel.
Swipe and locate the Screen recording feature and tap Record. A countdown will begin and you will have successfully captured an image of the Snap on your phone.
Tap the stop icon to end the recording and no screenshot alert will appear. This workaround still works as of May 2022 on Android.
The only time you can't start a screen recording is when you're viewing a snapshot, so it's best to know whether or not a shot will warrant recording before opening it. .
Beware. In some cases, the sender is notified if you took a screenshot or saved their photo or video. If you are currently in a previous version of the application, you can filter the content of registration correspondents safely, knowing that they are not aware of your ways of exploiting. Your best bet is to test it out on another friend's Snap (someone who doesn't mind you taking screenshots) before trying it out.
Using Airplane Mode to Secretly Take Snapchat Screenshots: Does it Work?
There was a simple workaround for taking screenshots, but of course, like any good developer, Snapchat figured out the workaround and choked it. Coming to the point, no, this workaround no longer works.
Based on our May 2022 testing, Snapchat alerted our dear recipient every time we took a screenshot.
What we tried:
- Turn on airplane mode, turn off Wi-Fi, open the Snap and capture a screenshot.
- Enable airplane mode, keep Wi-Fi on, open the Snap and take a screenshot.
- Open the Snap, then enable Airplane mode.
- Close Snapchat, enable Airplane mode, then reopen the app and screenshot.
As you can see, no matter what we did, the screenshot notification appeared.
Of course, if you're using an older version of Snapchat, you might be able to get away with it. We will leave the instructions here. Just be aware; try it on a close friend first.
To take a screenshot without notifying anyone, follow these steps:
- Open Snapchat and head to the snap, but don't open it yet. It should always say "New Snap"
- Leave Snapchat running in the background while you head to settings and enter airplane mode
- Navigate to the Snap you want to capture and take your screenshot. DO NOT exit airplane mode yet
- Exit Snap and go to your profile icon in the top right corner
- Tap the settings cog in the top right corner
- Tap “Clear Cache” under “Account Actions” and tap “Clear All”
- Once you've cleared the cache, you can close Snapchat and turn off airplane mode.
Disclaimer: If you didn't already know that, it's morally questionable. Even if it's just a hysterically unflattering selfie of your newly initiated grandparents.
Snapchat Secret Screenshots FAQ
Is it illegal to take a screenshot of someone's Snapchat content?
While we've mentioned that it's morally frowned upon to screenshot someone's Snapchat uploads, it's not necessarily illegal to do so. The legality of such an action depends on several factors.
Simply taking a screenshot is not illegal. Anyone who uses the app knowingly puts something on the internet for you to see.
Now what you do with the screenshot is another matter. Aside from possible civil repercussions (someone may have a viable lawsuit against you based on copyright infringement), you could face serious legal consequences.
The first legal issue you might encounter is what did you screenshot? Assuming it's an explicit image of a minor, the mere possession of such an image can get you in trouble for life.
The second is extortion; Taking a photo of someone without their consent and telling them you'll share it if they don't comply with your demands has been in the news lately.
There are other legal ramifications (we're not lawyers, so we're not going to delve too deeply into this) of screenshotting someone's content on Snapchat, but it's also worth mentioning that you might find yourself banned from using the app. If the person whose content you captured finds out, they can report you to Snapchat. As a result, your account could be disabled for violating Community Guidelines.
Can I delete a snap after sending it?
If you read this article and decided to recall something you sent to another user on Snapchat, you can. Go to your messages and long press on the Snap or message.
A context menu will appear and you can press "Delete". Once you confirm, the Snap will disappear (although the other user will see that you deleted something). Assuming the person has already opened the Snap, you're probably safe. But if they opened it and took a screenshot, there's no way to get it back.
Why does Snapchat include screenshot notifications?
Screenshot notifications are becoming more and more important with app development. The iPhone, for example, now notifies users if someone screenshots their FaceTime call. Developers now include these features on the assumption that users should maintain some semblance of privacy on the Internet.
While Snapchat can't prevent you from taking a screenshot, it can at least let the other person know. As a Snapchat user, it's best to avoid uploading anything you don't want everyone to see.
Does the screen recording feature capture images/videos without informing the user?
Yes, as of 26/03/2022 secret screen recording using the Screen Recording feature has been tested and it still works for photos and videos.
Does the XNUMXrd party app/airplane mode workaround used in the past still work?
No, even if you've used a particular app or method in the past, it's likely that Snapchat has since fixed the issues allowing those outdated methods to work.
