Taking screenshots on Snapchat without the other person knowing is a common desire for many users. Snapchat’s premise is that all messages, photos, and videos disappear after they are viewed, so taking permanent records goes against this idea. However, there are a few clever workarounds that allow you to screenshot Snapchat without sending a notification to the other user.
Why Would You Want to Take Secret Screenshots on Snapchat?
There are a few main reasons why someone may want to take screenshots on Snapchat in secret:
- To save a funny conversation
- To preserve photos/videos you want to look at again
- To have evidence of something important that was said
- To share a conversation with someone else
While these may be understandable reasons, it is still worth keeping in mind the privacy of the other person. Secretly taking screenshots violates their trust. You should only do it with caution and consideration.
How Snapchat’s Screenshot Detection Works
When you normally take a screenshot on Snapchat, the app immediately alerts the other person with a notification saying “_____ took a screenshot.” This happens no matter what type of message (photo, video, chat, etc.) you take a screenshot of.
The reason Snapchat can detect screenshots is because mobile operating systems provide apps with notifications when screenshots occur. When you press the buttons to capture a screenshot, Snapchat receives notification of this and can pass that information to their servers and the other user.
Ways to Take Secret Screenshots on Snapchat
Despite Snapchat’s screenshot notifications, there are still a few tricky ways to bypass this and take screenshots without the other person knowing. Here are a few main methods:
Using Another Device
One of the simplest ways to take secret screenshots is by using a second device. For example:
- Open the Snapchat message/image you want to screenshot on your phone.
- Use a second phone or tablet to physically take a photo of your phone’s screen displaying the Snapchat message.
This avoids triggering the screenshot notification since you are not actually taking a screenshot. The second device is just taking a photo of what is already on your screen.
Airplane Mode Trick
You can manipulate Snapchat’s screenshot detection by using Airplane Mode:
- Open the Snapchat message/photo you want to capture.
- Put your phone into Airplane Mode – this cuts off internet access.
- Take a screenshot of the Snapchat.
- Close Snapchat and take your phone out of Airplane Mode.
Because internet access was disabled, Snapchat will not receive the screenshot notification and will be unaware. The image will save in your photos. The downside is the other person may realize something is wrong if your Snapchat Bitmoji does not immediately update to show you opened the message.
Third-Party Apps
There are apps you can download that are designed to allow secret Snapchat screenshots:
| App | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Stealth Snap | Takes screenshot of screen without triggering notification |
| SnapTrix | Saves Snapchats discreetly in background |
| SnapSaver | Screen record Snapchat without detection |
The exact methods these apps use vary, but usually involve circumventing the screenshot notifications and overlaying other apps on top of Snapchat. These apps can be effective, but often stop working as Snapchat updates its software.
Rooting/Jailbreaking Your Phone
If you root (Android) or jailbreak (iPhone) your phone, you gain administrative access to change system settings that can disable Snapchat’s screenshot detection. It requires technical knowledge, but can be done by:
- Rooting Android – Allows changing permissions so Snapchat cannot receive screenshot notifications.
- Jailbreaking iPhone – Can use software like Snapboost to prevent detection and take secret screenshots.
Overall, rooting or jailbreaking works by blocking Snapchat’s access to screenshot notifications at the operating system level. Advanced users can maintain this access permanently.
Other Ways People Try to Screenshot on Snapchat
Beyond the main methods above, there are some other creative ways people try to secretly screenshot on Snapchat:
- Recording screen using a computer – Can mirror phone screen and record using desktop recording software without notifications.
- Hacking Snapchat – Stealing the source code or exploiting security flaws to disable screenshot notifications.
- Recording with a camera – Pointing an external video camera at the phone screen to manually record.
However, these alternatives tend to be unreliable, extremely challenging, or produce low quality results. The main methods listed earlier are simpler and more effective in most cases.
Why Snapchat May Still Detect Your Screenshots
Despite the variety of approaches available, Snapchat likely has additional ways they can detect secret screenshots. Here are some reasons the app may still figure out what you did:
- Activity patterns – Unusual activity from your account indicates cheating the system.
- Network data – Analyzing internet traffic can reveal manipulation.
- Machine learning – Advanced algorithms can identify suspicious behavior.
- Metadata – Details like timestamp mismatches on media can give it away.
While Snapchat allows some wiggle room for the occasional secret screenshot, systematic abuse will probably result in your account being flagged or banned. Don’t rely on these tricks too extensively.
Ethics of Taking Secret Screenshots
Before secretly taking screenshots, consider whether doing so is ethical. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable with covertly violating someone’s privacy and consent?
- What will I use the screenshot for – is my purpose ethical?
- How would I feel if someone took secret screenshots of my content?
- Is there any other way to achieve my goal besides a secret screenshot?
Think carefully and assess your motivations. If you still decide to proceed:
- Take the absolute minimum screenshots needed.
- Crop out identifying information if possible.
- Delete screenshots when no longer needed.
With careful consideration for others’ privacy and the ethical implications, secret screenshots can be acceptable in moderation.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots in Snapchat without the other person knowing comes down to finding ways around Snapchat’s screenshot notification system. The main approaches include using a second device, engaging Airplane Mode, downloading third-party apps, rooting/jailbreaking your phone, or recording using an external camera. However, Snapchat likely still has ways to detect many of these workarounds. Before taking secret screenshots, think carefully about whether doing so is absolutely necessary and ethical.