WhatsApp does not directly notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their photos. There is no built-in feature that alerts a user if another person screenshots their photo. However, there are some indirect ways the original sender can find out their photo was screenshotted.
No Direct Notifications for Screenshots
Unlike some other messaging apps, WhatsApp has no option to enable notifications when a screenshot is taken. This applies to both personal chats and group chats. There is no setting you can toggle on to be alerted when another user captures a screenshot of a photo you sent. The app is designed this way to protect user privacy and avoid potential harassment or discomfort from screenshot notifications.
Some users wish WhatsApp would add screenshot notifications as an optional feature, but this seems unlikely. The developers have avoided implementing it thus far to prevent abuse. Overall, the app favors a more discreet approach when it comes to screenshots.
Indirect Ways to Know if a Photo Was Screenshotted
While WhatsApp does not directly tell you about screenshots, there are some indirect clues you can watch for:
- View once media – If you send a photo or video as “view once”, it should disappear after the recipient opens it. If you notice it did not disappear, that likely means they took a screenshot.
- File info – On iPhone, you can check the info for a photo you sent to see if it was saved. Go to Photos > Albums > Sent to [contact] and tap the “i” icon. If there is a Saved Photos album, it was likely screenshotted.
- Ask the recipient – You can simply ask the person if they took a screenshot. If it’s someone you trust, they may admit to taking one if they did.
- Third-party apps – Some unofficial third-party WhatsApp mods claim to notify you about screenshots, but these are not endorsed by WhatsApp and break its terms of service.
Why WhatsApp Avoids Screenshot Notifications
There are a few reasons why WhatsApp has not added native screenshot notification capabilities:
- Privacy – WhatsApp prioritizes user privacy. Screenshot notifications could enable digital stalking or harassment if misused.
- User preference – Many users prefer taking silent screenshots without worrying about alerting the sender.
- Msg context – The context of a msg may warrant a screenshot for practical purposes, not ill intent.
- Metadata – Screenshot metadata can already help senders figure out if a screenshot occurred.
- Competitive difference – Lacking this feature gives WhatsApp a differentiation from apps like Snapchat.
Overall, WhatsApp limits screenshot notifications to empower user privacy and choice. The developers feel silently allowing screenshots creates a better, safer user experience.
WhatsApp Screenshot Detection Methods
While WhatsApp itself does not have screenshot detection, some third-party apps claim to offer this functionality by taking advantage of WhatsApp’s API and notification access on Android. However, these apps have limitations:
- They only work on Android due to tighter permissions on iOS.
- They can only detect screenshots taken within WhatsApp, not from the phone’s gallery after saving the photo.
- They may cease to work if WhatsApp changes its APIs or blocks the app.
- They encourage violation of WhatsApp’s terms of service.
Examples of third-party apps that claim to provide WhatsApp screenshot alerts include WAMR and Screenshot Alert. However, most tech experts advise avoiding these due to privacy risks and lack of reliability. They also undermine WhatsApp’s intent to avoid screenshot notifications as a core product decision.
How to Take Screenshots on WhatsApp
Despite the lack of notifications, it is easy to take screenshots within WhatsApp. The process differs slightly depending on your device:
iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the photo.
- Tap and hold your finger on the photo until a menu pops up.
- Tap “Save Photo” to save it to your Camera Roll.
- Open the photo in your Camera Roll.
- Take a screenshot by pressing the Side Button + Volume Up Button simultaneously.
Android
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the photo.
- Tap and hold your finger on the photo until a menu appears.
- Tap “Save image” to save it to your device’s local storage.
- Open the photo in your device’s Gallery app.
- Take a screenshot by pressing the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time.
Desktop
- In WhatsApp Web/Desktop, right click the photo and choose “Save image as.”
- Open the saved photo file on your computer.
- Take a screenshot using your computer’s shortcut, such as Shift+Windows+S on Windows or Shift+Command+5 on a Mac.
Ethics of Taking Screenshots
While WhatsApp allows silent screenshots, it is wise to consider the ethics of taking screenshots in certain contexts. For example:
- Ask permission first if the image is intimate or private.
- Respect the sender’s wishes if they request no screenshots.
- Delete screenshots containing sensitive data after use.
- Use discretion when screenshotting confidential business communications.
Ultimately, the person taking the screenshot is responsible for doing so appropriately and morally. WhatsApp cannot monitor this, so users must exercise good judgement.
Screen Recording Content
In addition to screenshots, some users may try to screen record a WhatsApp photo or video. This results in the same outcome as taking a screenshot, but is initiated differently:
- On Android, enable screen recording in Quick Settings then open the chat.
- On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and tap “Start Recording” before the chat.
- On WhatsApp Web, use screen recording software for your operating system.
Like screenshots, screen recordings made externally are not detectable by WhatsApp. The ethics and privacy precautions discussed for screenshots apply equally to screen recordings.
Closing Thoughts
WhatsApp prioritizes user privacy and choice by not including native screenshot notifications for photos. While this makes it easier to stealthily take screenshots, it prevents abuse and aligns with why many prefer WhatsApp over apps like Snapchat. Be mindful of screenshot etiquette, and do not rely on third-party apps that claim to provide screenshot alerts by circumventing WhatsApp.