We all know how popular and important the photo-sharing app Snapchat has become in our lives. Not sharing a screenshot while out and about or eating at a fancy restaurant is not an option. This “Snapchating” spree also includes times when we want to keep others’ snaps without letting them know.
An obvious question to this is, “Can you take a Snapchat screenshot without them knowing?” The answer to this is YES. Therefore, we are here to tell you methods to take a screenshot on Snapchat without letting anyone know about the secret work you want to do.
How to take a screenshot on Snapchat without others knowing? (Android and iOS)
Taking a screenshot on Snapchat without notifying others is possible thanks to some third-party apps, some built-in features, and other workarounds. It's pretty simple and intuitive to do once you get the hang of it.
1. Use of the built‑in screen recording device
The easiest hack to screenshot on Snapchat is to use the built-in screen recorder available on Android and iOS.
Android:
Android 11 users will find the screen recorder in the Quick Settings panel.
- Simply swipe your finger down on the screen to access the notification panel.
- Swipe again to go to the Quick Settings panel.
- Now, swipe right on the panel until you see the Screen Recording.
- Tap on it to start.
Now you can take a screenshot of your Snapchat story from the video recording.
iPhone
For iOS, the built-in screen recording feature can easily help you do this. You just need to enable the feature from Control Center by tapping on the option. If the feature is not available in Control Center, you can add it by following a few simple steps:
- Go to Settings and find the Control Center option.
- Tap on it and select the Customize Controls option.
- After that, simply add the screen recording option and you’re ready.
2. Use a screen recording app
You need to install any screen recording app for Android from the various ones available on the Google Play Store.
3. Use Google Assistant for Android devices
This is yet another hack to secretly take a Snapchat screenshot on Android with the help of Google Assistant. The steps are quite easy:
- Open Snapchat and the snapshots you want to save to your collection.
- Call the Google Assistant either by long-pressing the home button or with a simple “OK, Google”.
- Ask the digital assistant to take a screenshot verbally or by typing, and the task will be completed without anyone knowing.
However, there is a downside. There is no option to directly save the screenshot to your gallery and instead, you will be given the option to share it on other platforms. You have to send it to your email or any other platform and save it from there.
4. Use of the flight mode
This method is easy and doesn't require you to do much. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open Snapchat to make sure all snaps have loaded (but don't view them!)
- Now, turn off Wi-Fi, mobile data, and even Bluetooth. After that, turn on Airplane mode.
- Once you have confirmed that your device has no internet connection, simply open Snapchat.
- Simply open the Snap you want to take a screenshot of, take a screenshot and it's ready. After 30 seconds or a minute, enable your Internet connection.
5. Use of third-party applications
Just like third-party apps for saving a WhatsApp , there are some that save a Snapchat snapshot without anyone knowing. You can download them from the Google Play Store.
There are various apps for this purpose, such as SnapSaver (Android) and Sneakaboo (iOS), and there are several simple steps to do the same.
SnapSaver:
Download the app and open it.
- Now, you need to select from the desired options (Screenshot, Screen Recording, Burst Screenshot and Integrated) and navigate to Snapchat.
- Open the required screenshot you want to save, click on the SnapSaver camera icon that will appear on your screen and a screenshot will be taken without notifying the person involved.
Sneakaboo:
And for this app, you need to install it and log in with your Snapchat credentials. All new Snapchat stories will appear in the app and you simply need to take a screenshot as they are displayed. This will not notify the other user about the screenshot as your task is completed.
6. Register using another smartphone
This is another way to take a screenshot of a Snapchat story without them knowing. You just need to use another smartphone to record a video of a Snapchat video or take a photo of a Snapchat image.
After that, you can edit the photo or video you captured and ultimately keep a copy of other Snapchat Stories and they won't even know.
7. Using the Mirror feature on Android
This is another Snapchat screenshot hack, but it requires a bit of work. You need to use the screen mirroring (accessed from your smartphone's Settings) to cast your device to an external device, such as a smart TV.
Once that's done, you'll need to open Snapchat and use another device to record your Snapchat video or photo. After a few edits, you'll be taking someone else's Snapchat Story and they won't even know it.
How to take a Snapchat screenshot without others knowing? (Mac)
There is a simple trick to screenshot on Snapchat without others knowing . You just need to enable QuickTime Screen Capture to perform the task. For that, do as mentioned below:
- Simply connect your iPhone to the Macbook and open the QuickTime Player application.
- Click the file option and then the «new movie recording».
- Choose any of the various recording options available and select iPhone as the movie recording output which will help you mirror your iPhone to Mac.
- Once the setup is complete, you must press the record button, open Snapchat and you will be able to capture a Snapchat screenshot without notification.
It is also possible to take a Snapchat screenshot using a Windows or Mac computer, but for that, you will need to install an Android emulator and run the Snapchat app on a computer.
The best emulators for running Snapchat on a computer and Mac for taking screenshots
Whether it's a Windows/Linux computer or a Mac, there are several emulators that do a good job of running Snapchat on a desktop computer. Some popular options include BlueStacks and NoxPlayer.
There are many benefits to using Android or iOS emulators on a desktop computer for different types of users. For gamers, it’s a great way to play their favorite mobile games on a larger screen with a keyboard and mouse, or even a gamepad in some cases. When it comes to app developers, emulators help them test their original mobile apps by simulating a smartphone operating system.
Which other apps notify you when someone takes a screenshot?
Usually, most people think that Snapchat is the only app that notifies a user when someone takes a screenshot , but that’s not entirely true. This is because Instagram is another app that notifies you when someone takes a screenshot of a DM under certain circumstances. Additionally, Telegram also pings you for screenshots of your Self-Destructing Messages or Secret Chat in certain situations.
Hopefully, one of the above-mentioned ways helps you capture screen content without informing anyone. Please note that this article is not intended to promote malicious actions, but is merely for informational purposes. When using the techniques described above, you should make sure that you respect the privacy of others and do not abuse these methods.
FAQ:
Can you tell if someone takes screenshots on your Snapchat?
Snapchat notifies users if someone has taken a screenshot of their snap. However, there are many ways to take a screenshot on Snapchat without others knowing.
Why does Snapchat include screenshot notifications?
Snapchat is an app built on the idea of sharing fleeting moments. Accordingly, it notifies a user when their content is being saved as a screenshot or screen recording for privacy reasons.
Is a screenshot of a Snapchat story illegal?
It's not illegal to take a screenshot of a Snapchat story. However, make sure you have a good reason behind taking a screenshot of the person's story.
Is a screenshot of someone's Snapchat content illegal?
It depends on where you live. In some countries, like the United Kingdom , taking a screenshot of someone's private content and sharing it without consent is illegal and can result in penalties.
