WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows people to easily communicate with friends, family and co-workers through text, voice messages, video calling and more. However, one concern many have with WhatsApp is that it’s easy for others to take screenshots of your private conversations without you knowing.
In this article, we’ll explain why people may want to take screenshots on WhatsApp, ways they can capture your chats, and tips to prevent others from taking screenshots of your WhatsApp messages.
Why Do People Take Screenshots on WhatsApp?
There are a few reasons why someone may want to take a screenshot of your WhatsApp chats:
- To save important information you shared like addresses, phone numbers, etc.
- To share funny or interesting conversations with others
- To have evidence of conversations in case of future disputes
- For inappropriate reasons, like sharing private messages without your consent
Regardless of their motivation, it’s understandable if you want to prevent people from capturing screenshots of your private WhatsApp chats.
How Can Someone Take a Screenshot on WhatsApp?
There are a couple ways others can take screenshots of your WhatsApp messages on both iPhone and Android devices:
Using the Screenshot Function
The easiest way is by simply using their device’s screenshot function. On iPhone, they would press the Side and Volume Up buttons simultaneously. On Android, they can press Power + Volume Down together.
This will save an image of whatever is currently on their screen, including your WhatsApp chat if open.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are various third-party applications that allow discreetly taking screenshots. Some popular options include:
- NoCrop: An iPhone app that ensures screenshots don’t get saved to the camera roll.
- Invisibility Screenshot: An Android app that hides screenshots from the notification bar.
- Secret Screenshot: Another Android app that captures screens without leaving evidence.
These apps make it even easier to take WhatsApp screenshots without detection.
How Can I Prevent Snapshots of My Chats?
Unfortunately there is no foolproof way to completely prevent someone from taking screenshots on WhatsApp if they have physical access to your phone. However, here are some tips to help minimize the chances:
Use Privacy Settings
Enable WhatsApp’s privacy setting to help avoid unwanted screenshot notifications:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and turn off ‘Screenshot Notification’.
- Android: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and disable ‘Read Receipts’.
This won’t stop them from taking screenshots, but at least you won’t be tipped off and can stay unaware of their actions.
Be Cautious with Sensitive Info
Avoid sending any sensitive, private information over WhatsApp that you wouldn’t want potentially captured via screenshot. This includes things like:
- Confidential work documents
- Bank account details
- Passport/ID numbers
- Credit card information
The more sensitive the information, the more incentive someone may have to screenshot your chats.
Use Ephemeral Messaging
WhatsApp’s ‘disappearing messages’ feature causes new messages to automatically delete after 7 days. This makes it much harder for others to find and screenshot older messages.
To enable it:
- iPhone: Open chat > Tap contact’s name > Scroll down to ‘Disappearing Messages’ and select On.
- Android: Open chat > Tap contact’s name > Tap ‘Disappearing messages’ and turn on.
Be Wary of File Sharing
Avoid sending files like photos, videos or documents over WhatsApp that you don’t want screenshot. Once sent, the recipient can easily screenshot the media you share.
If you need to share sensitive files, use encrypted cloud storage or email instead of WhatsApp to retain more control.
Turn Off Preview
You can stop message previews in notifications to prevent screenshots of message snippets:
- iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Show Preview = ‘When Unlocked’
- Android: Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Show message preview = Off
Use a Secure Messenger
Apps like Signal and Telegram offer enhanced security and control vs WhatsApp, making screenshots tougher.
For example, Signal lets you block recipients from taking screenshots in the app settings. Telegram has a ‘Self-Destruct’ feature to make messages disappear without a trace.
Can I Tell if Someone Takes a Screenshot on WhatsApp?
Unfortunately there is no way to definitively know if a screenshot was taken of your WhatsApp messages. However, here are some clues that may indicate a screenshot occurred:
- You stop receiving ‘read’ receipts from a contact
- A contact’s ‘last seen’ status disappears
- Messages marked as ‘delivered’ change back to just ‘sent’
- A contact makes reference to previous messages that were deleted
These signs don’t guarantee your chats were screenshot, but if you notice one or more it may be worth investigating further or being more cautious with sharing private info over WhatsApp.
What Happens When You Take a WhatsApp Screenshot?
When you take a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat, here’s exactly what happens:
- The screenshot image is saved to your device’s photo gallery.
- On iPhone, a thumbnail preview shows at the bottom left corner.
- Your contact is not directly notified about the screenshot.
- There is no log or history of the screenshot within WhatsApp.
So the person whose chat you screenshot has no definite way to know it happened unless you directly tell them. The screenshot is only saved locally to your device.
Can I Stop Someone Taking a Screenshot on Android?
On Android devices, there is no built-in way to fully prevent screenshots in WhatsApp or other apps. However, there are a few options to help reduce the likelihood:
- Use Apps that Hide Screenshots – As mentioned earlier, apps like NoCrop and Invisibility Screenshot can take more discreet screenshots.
- Disable Status Bar Icons – Hide the screenshot notification icon in Android’s status bar under Settings > Notifications > Advanced > Screenshot.
- Restrict Notification Access – In Settings > Apps & Notifications > Special access, disable notification access for screenshot apps.
- Use Secure Folder – Install WhatsApp in Samsung’s Secure Folder, which adds an extra layer of security.
While not foolproof, combining some of these options can help reduce the ease and visibility of Android screenshots to the average user.
Can I Stop Screenshots on iPhone?
Unfortunately on iPhone there is no direct way to disable screenshots in WhatsApp or iOS either. But here are some tips to help prevent it:
- Disable Previews – As mentioned earlier, disable message previews from the lock screen.
- Use Focus Mode – iOS 15’s Focus Mode blocks notifications, which can stop screenshot previews.
- Don’t Share Passcode – Don’t share your passcode with anyone you don’t fully trust.
- Third-Party Apps – Look into third-party screenshot blocking apps from the App Store.
The only way to fully prevent iPhone screenshots is with custom mobile device management (MDM) controls. But this requires owning the device and complex setup.
Conclusion
Screenshots on WhatsApp still remain relatively easy to capture on both iPhones and Android phones. There is no definitive way to stop someone from taking a screenshot if they have physical access to your device.
The best approach is being cautious about the private information you send over WhatsApp. Also enable settings like disappearing messages for extra protection. If you heavily mistrust someone, consider using a more secure messenger like Signal instead.
While inconvenient, try not to overshare sensitive chats that could be compromising if screenshot. With caution and extra setup, you can reduce the risks of unwanted screenshots from most average WhatsApp users.