Is WhatsApp a screenshot snitch app? Will it abandon you if you screenshot someone's story, chat, or “look once” message? While platforms like Snapchat and Instagram can “catch you in the act” while stalking someone, WhatsApp is your trusted friend that doesn't send screenshot notifications at all and does all the discreet stalking for you. Here's everything you need to know about WhatsApp's notification policy on screenshots.
What was once purely a messaging platform has now evolved into much more. WhatsApp Stories, business accounts, broadcast channels, and even payments, you can handle it all on the app. However, with increased exposure comes increased privacy concerns, so it's important to keep your personal life and information private. While WhatsApp's privacy policy assures you that you'll be protected from malicious activity, the onus is effectively on you to protect yourself. So let's take a closer look at whether WhatsApp notifies you about screenshots of messages, profile pictures, and status updates.
Whatsapp Screenshot Notification Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Image credit: Christian Wiediger/ Unsplash
Does WhatsApp send notifications about screenshots of chats?
This is probably the most asked question regarding WhatsApp screenshots. The answer is no. WhatsApp does not notify or warn users if they take a screenshot of a conversation. Instagram and Facebook also do not warn users if they take a screenshot of a message unless someone has turned on disappearing messages. The disappearing messages feature is not yet available on WhatsApp so there is no need to worry.
Does WhatsApp send notifications on status/story screenshots?
If you're panicking because you accidentally screenshotted someone's WhatsApp status, rest assured that the other person won't be notified. Unlike other platforms like Snapchat, WhatsApp doesn't warn users if someone screenshots their status or story. Instagram also warns users if they screenshot or screen record a photo or video that someone has sent them in a DM.
However, the number of views of your story is visible to all users on WhatsApp, so if you suspect someone has taken a screenshot of your story and spread it, you can always go back and check the viewers list to find suspects.
Does WhatsApp send notifications about screenshots of profile photos?
Again, there is no way for users to know who has viewed or screenshotted their WhatsApp profile or profile photo. WhatsApp, as well as other Meta apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, do not send any alerts if someone takes a screenshot of your profile.
Prevent users from screenshotting photos using WhatsApp's “Show once” feature
If you want to prevent people from taking screenshots of photos and media sent in your chats, you need to enable the screenshot blocking “Show Once” feature. This feature is great for protecting your photos and videos because WhatsApp doesn't send screenshot notifications. If someone tries to take a screenshot of a “Show Once” message, WhatsApp will block the action and display a “Screen capture blocked” popup to let you know that you can't proceed with your intended action.
But still, 100% security is not guaranteed: some people can install third-party apps to violate your WhatsApp privacy or use another device to take photos of your sensitive “show once” messages, so it's always best to avoid any possible mishaps.
We hope this guide answers all your questions about WhatsApp screenshot notification.
Hero image: Courtesy of Rawpixel/Freepik; Feature image: Courtesy of Freepik
Notes:
The information in this article is accurate as of the publication date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does WhatsApp send notifications for screenshots of “Seen Once” messages?
No, WhatsApp does not send screenshots of 'Show only once' messages. However, the app does not entirely allow users to take screenshots of messages sent using the 'Show only once' option.
How to know if someone took a screenshot during a WhatsApp video call?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp doesn't notify you if someone takes a screenshot during a video call.
Does WhatsApp notify you of screenshots of profile pictures?
No, WhatsApp will not notify you if someone takes a screenshot of your profile picture.
Is there a way to take a screenshot of a WhatsApp story without getting caught?
WhatsApp doesn't send any alerts or notifications when you screenshot someone's story, so you won't get caught.
What should I do if I suspect someone has taken screenshots of my messages?
If you feel that someone is spying on you and taking screenshots of your chats and stories on WhatsApp, you can either hide your stories from that person or even block them if it is still bothering you.
Are screenshots of WhatsApp chats notified?
No, WhatsApp does not notify users if someone takes a screenshot of a conversation.
