WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily communicate with friends, family and coworkers. However, as with any messaging app, there can be concerns around privacy and security of sensitive conversations. One common question around WhatsApp privacy is whether it’s possible to prevent the recipient from taking screenshots of your chats. Here’s what you need to know about restricting screenshots on WhatsApp.
Can I stop others from taking screenshots on WhatsApp?
Unlike some other messaging apps, WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature to prevent recipients from taking screenshots. This means if you send a WhatsApp message, photo, video or any other media, the recipient can take a screenshot and save it on their device.
There are a few reasons Why WhatsApp does not restrict screenshots:
- User experience – Preventing screenshots would degrade the user experience, making it harder to save or share important information.
- Platform limitations – WhatsApp’s platform and encryption protocol does not allow selectively restricting screenshots.
- User trust – WhatsApp relies on user trust and etiquette around screenshotting sensitive conversations.
So in summary, there is no setting within WhatsApp itself to disable screenshots. Anything you send via WhatsApp can be screenshotted without your knowledge by the recipient.
What are some workaround to prevent screenshots on WhatsApp?
While you can’t completely prevent screenshots, there are some workarounds you could try to discourage or limit screenshots of your WhatsApp messages:
Use disappearing messages
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature causes new messages to disappear after 7 days. This won’t prevent screenshots directly but it limits how long the screenshot can be retained.
To enable disappearing messages:
- Open the WhatsApp chat
- Tap the contact’s name at the top
- Tap Disappearing messages
- Select On
Use viewing once media
When sharing photos or videos, enable the ‘view once’ setting. This prevents recipients from being able to view the media after the first time. They would have to take a screenshot as they are viewing it.
To use view once media:
- When sharing a photo or video tap the 1 icon above the caption
- Confirm you want to send the media as view once
Avoid sending confidential data
If you need to share highly confidential information that should not be screenshotted under any circumstances, avoid using WhatsApp for that conversation.
Instead use an enterprise messaging platform with screenshot prevention capabilities, or an encrypted messaging app like Signal which lets you enable screenshot blocking.
Ask recipient not to screenshot
Before sending a sensitive message, you can request that the recipient does not take screenshots of your chat. This relies on the user respecting your wishes, but they are under no technical restrictions.
Say something like “Please no screenshots of this conversation” to set expectations.
Use screenshot deterrence apps
Third party mobile apps exist that claim to deter and detect screenshot capturing. They may show a popup warning when screenshots are attempted.
Examples include NoScreenshot, Anti-Screenshot and BlockShot. However effectiveness can vary across devices and Android versions.
What happens if someone takes a screenshot on WhatsApp?
There is no notification or indicator if someone screenshots your WhatsApp message or media. The app is designed this way for user privacy.
So if someone takes a screenshot of your chat:
- You will not receive any alert
- There will be no notification within WhatsApp
- You will not see any indicator or screenshot image in the chat
You have no definite way to know if a screenshot was taken. The only way would be if the user intentionally lets you know or shares the screenshot.
Should screenshot blocking be a default WhatsApp feature?
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There are reasonable arguments on both sides for and against making screenshot blocking a standard feature in WhatsApp.
The benefits around privacy and security are obvious. But adding restrictions could make the app more difficult to use, especially for sharing harmless content and information.
Overall the broader market has not demanded screenshot protections to date. And the disruption may outweigh the potential privacy gains for the majority of general consumers.
WhatsApp’s stance
According to WhatsApp, their goal is to provide a simple, reliable, and secure messaging experience. Introducing screenshot blocking could undermine that.
There are also technical challenges associated with selectively blocking screenshots on an opt-in basis for specific chats. This would be harder to implement cleanly in WhatsApp compared to a purpose built enterprise platform.
For now, WhatsApp maintains screenshot protection does not align with their product philosophy. Users must continue relying on trust, judgement and third party apps if they want to discourage screenshots.
How can I delete a screenshot someone took of my chat?
Unfortunately, there is no way to delete or remove a screenshot taken of your WhatsApp chat from the other user’s device.
Once the screenshot is captured, it is saved locally on the recipient’s phone storage. You have no ability to access or control their device.
Some options if an unwanted screenshot was taken include:
- Ask the user politely to delete it
- Report the user if it violates WhatsApp’s terms (e.g. bullying)
- Block the user to prevent further screenshots
But in general, you can’t force deletion of screenshots others take of your chats. You need to be careful what media and messages you send.
Should I use an alternative app with screenshot prevention?
If you have major concerns around your chats being screenshotted, using an alternative messaging app can provide more security.
Apps like Signal and Telegram offer encrypted messaging plus screenshot blocking options. Enterprise messaging platforms also exist to secure business communication.
Key features to look for include:
- Opt-in screenshot prevention settings per chat or user
- Screen recording blocking
- Tools to blur sensitive media
- Deletion of unauthorized screenshots
However these apps typically prioritize security over ease of use. And your contacts would need to join the same platform.
Signal
Signal allows users to block screenshots in 1-on-1 chats. All participants must have the latest version of Signal installed.
To enable screenshot blocking in Signal:
- Open a 1-on-1 chat
- Tap the user’s name at the top
- Toggle on ‘Screen security’
Telegram
Telegram screenshots can be prohibited in Secret Chats. This is Telegram’s 1-to-1 encrypted messaging mode.
To start a Secret Chat in Telegram:
- Open the contact’s chat
- Tap their name at the top
- Tap Start secret chat
Screenshots will then be automatically disabled for that chat.
Enterprise messaging apps
Paid enterprise messaging platforms like Symphony, Teams, and Slack enable admins to control screenshot permissions across the organization.
This prevents leakage of confidential business data via screenshots. But the tools are focused on internal corporate communication rather than consumer chat.
Key takeaways
- It’s not currently possible to prevent screenshots in WhatsApp
- You will not be notified if someone takes a screenshot of your chat
- Use disappearing messages or view once media to limit screenshot risks
- Avoid sending private data on WhatsApp if you need stringent screenshot protection
- Alternative apps like Signal offer screenshot blocking but reduce ease of use
Conclusion
Screenshots can never be fully prevented on end-to-end encrypted platforms like WhatsApp without degrading the user experience. There will always be workarounds. The app relies on users being responsible and using good judgment about what chats they screenshot.
If you need robust screenshot protection for sensitive information, use a dedicated secure enterprise messaging platform designed for that purpose. For most purposes, WhatsApp works well, but users should understand screenshots simply can’t be blocked if the recipient is determined.