How to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp 2024

WhatsApp has become a frequent means of quick communication. A screenshot of a discussion on WhatsApp, if shared outside the intended group or used out of context, can lead to the spread of false information and can be used negatively against a person.

Restricting screenshots guarantees that conversations and media exchanges stay within the confines of chat and do not spread around. It preserves confidentiality in WhatsApp conversations and safeguards sensitive information. Thus, knowing how to prevent screenshots on WhatsApp adds an extra layer of protection, averting the risk of misinterpretations.

Part 1: Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots?

No, WhatsApp does not notify when screenshots are taken, as all the screenshots on WhatsApp are private by default. However, if you are concerned about it and wondering if you can prevent someone from taking screenshots on WhatsApp, then you must look into the following innovative WhatsApp features aimed at deterring screenshots:

• WhatsApp automatically blocks screenshots of profile pictures on Android and iOS devices, and the impressive feature is that it cannot be disabled.
• In its beta version, the app also introduced a new feature for Android users. It safeguards WhatsApp profile pictures by disabling the option to save or download them.
• WhatsApp users can customize their settings and actively manage access to their personal information. This would help them mitigate the risk of unauthorized and out-of-context sharing.

Part 2: How to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp?

It would be helpful to know that there’s no definite method to prevent screenshots on WhatsApp. WhatsApp does not interfere with or block users from taking screenshots. The downside is that, unlike some applications like Snapchat, WhatsApp does not detect or alert users if someone screenshots a message or media message.

Therefore, users must be careful and adopt a mindful approach while sharing sensitive information on WhatsApp. For security, users can use the “View once” option, which restricts anyone from taking screenshots of the chats. They can rely on adjusting WhatsApp’s privacy settings to secure their conversation. Here are a few more best practices that help maintain security when using WhatsApp.

1. Restricting Access to Sensitive Conversations

Users can turn on disappearing messages in a WhatsApp chat to restrict access to sensitive conversations after a set period. Once turned on, sensitive messages in the chat will disappear after the chosen duration.

Step 1: Select the contact’s name from WhatsApp chats and tap on “Disappearing Messages.”

Step 2: Now, under the “Message timer,” select the time duration, which can be 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.

2. Using The View Once feature

You can restrict access to sensitive conversations by opting for WhatsApp's “View Once” feature. This feature effectively enhances privacy for messages and media. When you send a message as "View Once,” the recipient can only view it once, and if they try to take a screenshot, it will be blocked. Also, they won't be able to save the message or the media.

Step 1: Open the chat where you intend to send a “view once" message.

Step 2: Feed in your message or choose a photo or video to send.

Step 3: Now, before sending the message or media, tap the "1" icon next to the send button, which represents "View Once.”

3. Adjusting Status Privacy

By adjusting the privacy settings of Whatsapp statuses, users can control who sees their status updates and limit them to their recognized persons. Alternatively, users can share their status with specific contacts using WhatsApp's "Only Share With" option. This approach will effectively restrict unauthorized screenshots of WhatsApp status and assure privacy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the status privacy on WhatsApp:

Step 1:On WhatsApp, in the top right corner, tap on the three vertical dots, and from the drop-down menu, select the "Settings” option.

Step 2:Opt for the "Privacy" option from the Settings menu.

Step 3:Now, scroll down to find, and tap the "Status" option.

Step 4:Select "My contacts except" from the status option.

4. Using Other Applications

To prevent screenshots on WhatsApp, users can use other social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram. These applications are widely used communication platforms that offer their users an added layer of privacy controls compared to WhatsApp.

• When a user posts a story on Snapchat or Instagram, they can choose who can view it and restrict screenshots taken without their consent.
• Both applications allow users to set their stories to "Private" or limit viewers to their trusted audiences, reducing the risk of unauthorized screenshots.
• Snapchat notifies its users when someone takes a screenshot of their story, not letting anyone evade the privacy of their content.

5. Blocking a User Directly

If you want to restrict someone from taking screenshots on WhatsApp, sending messages, or seeing your profile updates, you can simply block them. It is an effective way to limit access; here are the steps to prevent someone from taking screenshots on WhatsApp by blocking them:

Step 1: From the WhatsApp chat list, search for the contact you want to block.

Step 2: At the top right corner of the chat, click on the three vertical dots.

Step 3: From the dropdown menu on the screen, opt for "More."

Step 4: Finally, tap on "Block."

Part 3: How to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp Status?

There is no built-in feature on WhatsApp to prevent someone from taking screenshots of the status. The application’s end-to-end encryption does not prevent screenshotting. However, there are a few workarounds, such as monitoring the views, choosing who sees your WhatsApp status, and excluding specific contacts to improve privacy. Here are some more ways to keep your WhatsApp status confidential and preserve integrity:

• Think cautiously about what you share on status. Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information on WhatsApp status.
• Consider adjusting the privacy settings, hiding the status from specific users, and limiting who can see the updates.
• Enabling two-step verification and setting up a PIN to access the WhatsApp account adds an extra layer of privacy.
• To prevent users from taking screenshots on WhatsApp, it is best to monitor who views the status updates and block any suspicious users.
• Instruct the contacts in WhatsApp not to take screenshots of the status updates without proper consent.

Part 4: How to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp Video Calls?

It is necessary to know that WhatsApp messages and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, allowing for chances of screenshotting personal conversations. When curious about how to prevent screenshots on WhatsApp video calls, know that WhatsApp has not released a feature to block screenshots on video calls.

WhatsApp disables screenshots of messages and videos sent using the "View Once" feature. However, it allows users to take screenshots of WhatsApp video calls. Making it necessary that users know the following measures to take to ensure complete privacy during video calls:

• Don’t share critical information during video calls, such as financial details, OTP, passwords, etc., with another person on WhatsApp.
• Assess the country code before picking up calls from strange numbers. If you see a strange number, refrain from accepting the call, as it might be from a scammer.

Part 5: How to Monitor Someone's WhatsApp with Screenshots Remotely?

For the attentive parents, some of the chats and behaviors of their children on whatsapp are also something to be concerned about. There are always dangers lurking online such as online predators and cyber bullies, and if a child is not willing to voluntarily share details, it may be important to use external software to view and ensure your child's internet safety.

Then you can try FamiGuard for WhatsApp, it is a suitable WhatsApp monitoring software and you can monitor your children' WhatsApp activities with it.

How to Set Up FamiGuard for WhatsApp for Monitoring Remotely?

Step 1: Tap the Monitor Now button below and select a subscription plan suitable for you. Tap Sign Up to register a FamiGuard account.

Sign In/Up View Demo

Step 2: Log in to FamiGuard website, click on your profile in the upper-right of the screen, enter the Member Center, find FamiGuard for WhatsApp on the page of My Product, and click Start Monitoring.

You'll enter a web control panel, click on the "Add A New Device" button, choose the device type fo the target device to be monitored, and there will be instructions of how to set up this app on different devices.

Follow the accordingly instructions to download this appon the individual's  phone.

After installation finished, click Verify Setup to bind the individual's phone to your online FamiGuard account.

Step 3: After completing all the above steps, you will be brought to a web control panel and can monitor the messages of on WhatsApp.

FAQs about Screenshots on WhatsApp

1. Can you prevent someone from taking screenshots on WhatsApp?

Yes, WhatsApp automatically blocks screenshots and restricts users from taking screenshots of profile photos on Android and iOS versions. There is no foolproof way to prevent screenshotting on WhatsApp. Use the "View Once" feature to restrict someone from screenshotting WhatsApp communications.

2. How to block screenshots on WhatsApp profile pictures on iPhone?

WhatsApp automatically blocks screenshots and restricts users from taking screenshots of profile photos on iOS devices. This suggests that users can’t take a screenshot of another person's profile picture, and they can’t screenshot your profile picture.

3. How do I stop taking a screenshot on WhatsApp?

To stop someone from taking a screenshot on WhatsApp, start sending the message using the "View Once" feature on WhatsApp. The recipient will only be able to view it once, and when taking a screenshot, it will be blocked.

4. How can I protect my WhatsApp pic from screenshots?

To help protect user privacy, WhatsApp automatically blocks users from taking screenshots of profile photos. Users can’t take a screenshot of another person's profile picture. Alternatively, configure the WhatsApp Settings by opening privacy, clicking the profile photo option, and setting it to “Nobody” or “My Contacts.”

5. How do I send a picture that can't be screenshotted on WhatsApp?

To send a picture that can't be screenshotted, try sending the message as "View Once." The recipient will only be able to view it once, and if anyone tries to take a screenshot, it will be blocked. WhatsApp introduced this feature to enhance the privacy of messages and media shared.

Conclusion

Preventing screenshots on WhatsAppwould help users watch over their privacy and protect their communication during daily interactions. WhatsApp is not entirely error-proof, as it allows users to take screenshots and does not even notify users that someone took a screenshot.

By taking the right measures, users can mitigate security vulnerabilities associated with personal data and confidential messages or media. Restricting screenshots will be crucial to creating a safer communication environment on WhatsApp.

FamiGuard’s parental control app can foster safe and balanced digital well-being to enhance the impact. Detailed reporting of screen time, app usage, browser history, location, and more can let hustling parents have a stress-free state.

Buy NowView Demo