Unable to take screenshot due to security policy – ​​Try these fixes

Seeing the message "Unable to take a screenshot due to security policy" appears when you try to take a picture of your screen can be frustrating. You may have found valuable information online and want to share it with someone exactly as it is presented. A screenshot can be the perfect way to do this.

Unable to take screenshot due to security policy

In general, the reasons for receiving this message are usually:

• A browser-related problem. For example, the screenshot feature is not available when browsing in incognito mode through Google Chrome and Firefox.
• A problem with the app. Some apps have disabled screen capture; therefore, you will receive the message when you attempt to capture one of its screens.
• A problem with the device. If a screenshot restriction is in place on your device, any screenshot attempt will show this message.

While using another device to take the photo is an option, it's not ideal. Read on for tips on how to fix each cause using the same device.

Incognito mode in Google Chrome

Since the purpose of incognito browsing is to keep sessions private, by default Chrome and Firefox disable the screenshot feature to keep sessions private.

How to fix?

To be able to take screenshots in Incognito mode using your Android device, you need to access Chrome's "Indicators menu". This is where Chrome's experimental features reside. To enable screenshots:

1. Launch Chromium.
   
2. Then enter "chrome://flags" in an address bar.
   
3. On the Chrome flags screen, type "Incognito Screenshot" in the search field. The "Private Browsing Screenshot" option will show up in the results.
   
4. Click the drop-down menu below, then select "Enabled".
   
5. For these changes to take effect, click "Relaunch" near the bottom right corner.
   

To allow screenshots in Firefox Private Browsing:

1. Launch Firefox.
   
2. At the top right of the screen, click on the three-dot menu.
   
3. Choose "Settings".
   
4. At the bottom, select “Private Browsing”.
   
5. Enable the “Allow screenshots in private browsing” option.
   

Device Restrictions

A screenshot restriction may have been put in place by an institution or the phone manufacturer:

• If you are using a work or school provided Android device, it may have a device or account-based restriction to prevent screenshotting for company security policy reasons, or
• If you've never been able to take screenshots and your device is privately owned, the feature may have been disabled since the time of purchase.

Alternatives

For institution-issued devices, you may consider contacting the IT department to ask if this is an intentional restriction and for their advice on how to take screenshots using the 'device.

Restrictions for High Security Applications

Due to the high level of security needed and required by certain applications such as financial and financial management applications, as well as those storing confidential data, the screen capture function with these platforms may be disabled.

Additionally, Facebook and Netflix may disable screen capture due to privacy protection or copyrighted content.

Alternatively, the app or device model you are using may allow you to disable the restriction preventing you from taking the screenshot. Try accessing the app settings to see what options are available.

Additional FAQs

Can I delete security policies?

If you have installed the Google Apps Device Policy app, disable and/or uninstall it to prevent security policies on your device:

1. Launch the "Settings" application, then select "Security".

2. Select one of the following:

"Select device administrators"

"Device Administrators"

3. Uncheck the Device Policy app.

4. Click on “Disable”, then on “OK”.

To uninstall the app,

1. Navigate to one of the following:

"Settings", "Applications", then "Manage applications", or

· “Settings” then “Applications”.

2. Click on the app.

3. Then select “Uninstall” or “Disable” then “OK”.

If your device was provided to you by an institution with the Device Policy app pre-installed, or if you set it up as a work device, you can unenroll accounts associated with the app, then disable and/or uninstall it:

1. Launch the Google Apps Device Policy app on your device.

2. Via the “Status” page, click on “Unsubscribe” for the accounts you have registered with the device.

3. Then navigate to one of the following:

"Settings", "Applications", then "Manage applications", or

· “Settings” then “Applications”.

4. Click on the app.

5. Then select “Uninstall” or “Disable” then “OK”.

You can also factory reset your device to remove the app. However, we recommend that you take a backup of your device as this will delete all data, apps and settings. To factory reset your device:

1. Launch "Applications" from your home screen.

2. Select "Settings", then "Backup & reset".

3. Select "Factory data reset".

4. Select “Reset Device”.

5. Click "Erase All".

Finally, free to capture your screens

The screenshot feature is great for saving information to reference later, or for sending an entire screen to someone. However, being greeted with the message "Unable to take a screenshot due to security policy" instead of the screenshot may burst its bubble. Luckily, there are ways around this problem, such as disabling or deleting the app or installing a screenshot app.

Now that we've shown you how to fix this problem, what caused it and what did you do to fix it? Let us know in the comment section below.