Snapchat’s initial concept was to allow happy-go-lucky people to send photos and videos, knowing that they would be deleted after a few seconds. This post was lost to digital history. But once something digital is out there, it’s impossible to be certain that it’s gone forever. The screenshot notification is one feature that provides users with peace of mind. The screenshot notification is sent to the user when you take a screenshot from a Snapchat user using the traditional method.

Since the launch of the app in 2011, screenshot cheat sheets have circulated the web. There have been many people trying everything from forcing Snapchat to close the app and putting their phones in airplane mode, all the way to force-quitting it before Snapchat registered the screenshot. People also try manual techniques, such as using another person’s phone to capture the screen.

Snapchat shut down many of these avenues, even third-party apps promising to hide screenshot activity. One avenue remains open. This doesn’t involve asking a friend for their smartphone to record any interaction you have on Snapchat. Continue reading to learn more.

How to take Snapchat secret screenshots

The native iOS toolkit is the key to taking screenshots on Snapchat. To capture your interaction on social media apps, the screen recording feature is used. The screen recording feature was not available on Android phones prior to now.

Note: Our tests in February 2022 showed that the screenshot notification was not sent to the other user. However, our readers have confirmed that they received a screenshot notification. This is the best method to try if you want to make it work for you.

Secretly Screenshotting Snapchats with an iPhone

Screen recording a Snap was once possible for iPhone users. In May 2022, however, this was no longer possible. Our tests revealed that the notification was sent to the other user for screen captures and screen recording.

Third-party apps on the App store don’t seem to be very reliable. We didn’t find any of the apps we tried to work with. Some sent out a notification. This could be due to the most recent updates. Keep checking the App Store if you want to use third-party apps to take screenshot Snaps.

iPhone users have one choice: Get another device. To capture Snaps and not send screenshot notifications to other parties, you will need another phone or tablet.

Snapchat Secret Screenshots Using Android

There were many third-party screen recorders available before Android 10. Now, screen recording is available on Android 10.

Screen Recording in Android 10+: Secretly Screenshot Snapchats

Android users can view the Snap they are interested in screen-shooting, then pull down from their top to access the control panel.

1. Click on the Snap that you wish to capture.
2. You can access the Control Panel from the top of your screen by pulling down.
3. Swipe to locate the function.
4. Tap on to “Record.”
5. The countdown starts, and then the Snap image is saved to your phone. To stop the recording, tap the icon. A screenshot alert will not be displayed.

Screen recording can only be initiated if you are in the middle or viewing a snap. It is best to determine if a shot is worth recording before you open.

Be cautious. Be careful. You can test it on a friend’s Snap (someone that doesn’t mind you taking screenshots), before you try it.

Use Airplane Mode to Secretly Take Snapchat Screenshots – Does it Work?

There was once a simple way to take screenshots. But Snapchat, like any good developer, realized this and destroyed it. No. This is a no-win solution.

According to tests done in February 2022, Snapchat alerted our dear recipient whenever we took a picture.

We tried this:

• Turn Airplane Mode ON, switch Wifi OFF, then open Snap and take a screenshot.
• Turn Airplane Mode On, Keep Wifi On, Open the Snap, and Take a screenshot
• After opening the Snap, turn Aeroplane Mode ON.
• Close Snapchat and turn Aeroplane Mode On. After that, re-open Snapchat to take a screenshot.

The screenshot notification showed up regardless of what we did.

You may be able to get away with using an older version of Snapchat on an older device. The instructions are left here. We recommend that you test it with a friend.

This is how to take a screenshot with Android 9 and earlier or in an older version of Snapchat:

1. Open Snapchat, and go to the snap. But don’t open it yet. It should still have “New Snap.”
2. While Snapchat runs in the background, go to your settings and activate Aeroplane Mode.
3. Take a screenshot of the Snap you want to capture. Do not exit Aeroplane Mode.
4. Retire from the Snap and click on your “profile”. It is located in the upper right corner.
5. Tap the “Settings” cog in the upper right-hand corner.
6. Tap to “Clear Cache”. then choose to “Clear all.”
7. After clearing the Cache, you are able to close Snapchat and switch off.

Disclaimer: This is a morally questionable feature that may not work on Android 9 and earlier. Even if you take a funny selfie of your grandparents, it will still be a very flattering one.

Snapchat Secret Screenshotting FAQs

These are more frequently asked questions.

Is it against the law to take a screenshot of someone’s Snapchat content

Although it is considered morally wrong to take a screenshot of someone’s Snapchat uploads it is not illegal. There are many factors that will determine whether or not this action is legal.

Taking a screenshot is legal. Anyone using the app knows that they are putting information online for others to see.

It is up to you what to do with the screenshot. You could be subject to severe legal consequences, in addition to possible civil repercussions due to copyright infringement.

What the screenshot contains? If it is an explicit photo of a minor, even possessing such an image could land you in serious legal trouble.

This is the second type of extortion. You take a picture of someone without their permission and tell them that you will share it with them if they don’t comply with your demands, which was recently in the news.

While there are legal implications (we aren’t lawyers so we won’t go too deep into this subject), you can be banned from Snapchat. The person who captured your content could report you to Snapchat. Your account could be deactivated if they find out.

Can I delete a photo after it has been sent?

It is possible to recall Snapchat messages you have sent to other users if you have read this article. You can go to your messages, and long-press the Snap/message.

A pop-up menu will appear and you can tap “Delete.” After you confirm your action, the Snap disappears. However, other users will notice that you deleted something. If the Snap has not been opened by the user, you are probably safe. If they have already opened the Snap and taken a screenshot of it, you can’t go back.

Snapchat includes screenshot notifications.

App development is making screenshot notifications more prominent. iPhone now alerts users when someone takes a screenshot of their FaceTime call. These features are now available because developers want to protect internet privacy.

Snapchat cannot prevent you from taking screenshots, but it can let other people know. It’s best to not post anything on Snapchat that you don’t want anyone to see.

Can the Screen Record function capture images/videos without notifying the user

Yes, it is possible to secretly record your screen using the “Screen Recorder” function. It still works for videos and photos as well. It works only on Android devices.

iOS users will inform the other person that the screen was recorded.

Is the Third-Party App/Aeroplane mode workaround that was used in the past still applicable?

Snapchat has since fixed the problems that caused these old methods to fail, so you can use the app or method again.