How to Take Screenshot of Social Media on Restricted Devices: Facebook, WhatsApp, and More

With the increasing privacy concerns and security measures, taking a screenshot on your device has become more difficult, especially on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. This guide offers several effective strategies to bypass these restrictions and take screenshots even on restricted devices.

For Android Devices

Android devices come with various security settings that can block the built-in screenshot feature. Here’s how to overcome these issues:

Check App Permissions

Go to Settings Apps Facebook. Check if there are any permissions related to storage or screenshots that can be adjusted.

If you find any restrictive permissions, you can change them to allow screenshot access.

Use a Different Method

If adjusting permissions doesn't work, you can use a third-party screen recording app. Many offer an option to take snapshots of the screen which often bypass the restrictions placed by the device.

Disable Security Features

Some devices have features like Secure Folder or Screen Pinning which can lock apps in a secure environment. If such a feature is active, the app may not be able to take screenshots.

To disable such features:

Go to Settings Security Secure Folder. Check if the app is running within this secure environment and disable it if possible.

For iOS Devices

Apple devices are known for their strict security policies. Here’s how to take screenshots on iOS:

Check Restrictions

Go to Settings Screen Time Content Privacy Restrictions. Ensure no restrictions are set that would block screenshots.

Use AssistiveTouch

If the default screenshot feature is restricted, you can use AssistiveTouch to create a custom gesture for taking screenshots. Here’s how:

Go to Settings Accessibility Touch AssistiveTouch. Enable AssistiveTouch. Create a custom gesture, say a swipe or tap, to take a screenshot.

General Tips

Update the App

Make sure you are using the latest version of the Facebook app. Updates often change permissions or fix bugs, potentially enabling the screenshot feature.

Try a Different Device

If you can, try taking a screenshot on a different device. Sometimes, the app may not have the same restrictions on another device.

Third-Party Apps

Some third-party apps may allow you to capture screenshots. However, be cautious as this may violate Facebook's terms of service.

However, if none of these options work, you may need to accept that certain content on Facebook or WhatsApp is protected against screenshots for privacy reasons.

Additional Note

For locked or private profiles, the ability to take screenshots is restricted by the platform itself. This is a common feature in many apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and various banking apps like Schwab. If it's a corporate policy or a government policy, you may not be able to change it. In such cases, the security policy is designed to protect user data and privacy.

If you are using Incognito Mode, note that Android OS now prevents screenshots from being taken. For this issue, you can try using Firefox in Incognito Mode to bypass the screenshot prevention.

Conclusion

Although taking screenshots on restricted devices can be challenging, these methods should help you overcome most of the obstacles. Always ensure that you are following the terms of service while using third-party apps to capture screenshots.