Privacy is one of the biggest concerns for WhatsApp users. If you're worried someone might get a notification when you take a screenshot in WhatsApp, here's the short answer: WhatsApp does not notify anyone if you screenshot regular chats or status updates. However, some privacy features block screenshots entirely for certain types of content. Wanna know more about WhatsApp screenshot notification? This guide walks you through official facts and practical solutions to protect your privacy on WhatsApp.

π‘TL;DR:
No, WhatsApp doesn't notify the other person for screenshots of regular chats, status updates, or calls. For profile photos, as well as View Once media and voice messages, WhatsApp blocks screenshots entirely on supported devices.
- Part 1. Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots?
- Part 2. Why WhatsApp Doesn't Send Screenshot Alerts?
- Part 3. How to Block Screenshots on WhatsApp
- Part 4. Conclusion
Part 1. Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots?
Screenshots are a quick way to save conversations, photos, and status updates. But the worry is simple: Does WhatsApp show if you screenshot? Common fears include:
- Taking a screenshot of a private chat and alerting the other person
- Saving a WhatsApp Status without being caught
- Capturing View Once photos or videos
- Screenshotting profile pictures
FAQs about WhatsApp Screenshots Notification
About WhatsApp screenshot notification, users have posted many questions on different platforms, such as Reddit and Quora. Here we answered those frequently asked questions about WhatsApp screenshot notification.
Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots of Chat?
Screenshots of chats on WhatsApp are allowed, but no notification is sent to the other person. If you have enabled end-to-end encryption, it keeps the chat private, but doesn't stop captures.
Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots of Story?
No alerts are sent when someone take a screenshot of Story on WhatsApp. You can freely have screenshots of someone's WhatsApp story without them being notified.
Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots of Profile Picture?
Screenshot blocking of profile photos is built into WhatsApp for Android or iOS, which cannot be disabled in settings. Without a doubt, there is no screenshots notification of profile picture.
Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots of Status?
There's no built-in screenshot detection in WhatsApp's status feature. You can screenshot any status without alert on your smartphone or computer.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown of WhatsApp Screenshots Notification
Whether having screenshots on WhatsApp for mobile, desktop, or web, there is no notification. To have a more clear understanding of WhatsApp screenshots notification, the following is a feature-by-feature breakdown table.
WhatsApp Feature | Screenshot Allowed? | Notification Sent? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Regular chats | β | β | Recipients won't know you captured the chat. |
Status updates | β | β | You can take screenshots without alerts. |
Vide Once photos/videos | β | β | WhatsApp prevents screenshots directly on-device. |
View Once voice messages | β | β | Screenshot is blocked and no alerts. |
Profile photos | β | β | Screenshot blocking is built-in and cannot be disabled. |
Voice/video calls | β | β | Capturing is possible, but not recommended for privacy reasons. |
Desktop/Web | β | β | Advanced Chat Privacy does not block screenshots. |
Part 2. Why WhatsApp Doesn't Send Screenshot Alerts?
There is no official statement explaining why WhatsApp doesn't notify users when a screenshot is taken, regardless of chat type, content form, or platform. Compared to a direct notification, WhatsApp chooses to block certain content types like Vice Once. If you're disappointed without screenshot notification, some other messaging apps have the screenshot notification feature. Here are a few messaging that notify when someone takes a screenshot.
No.1 Snapchat (Pioneer of Screenshot Alerts)
Snapchat always notifies when a screenshot is taken in chats, snaps, or stories. Even screen recording triggers an alert, although some devices may bypass this with third-party tools.
No.2 Instagram (For Disappearing Messages Only)
Instagram sends a notification is a screenshot is take of a disappearing photo or video sent via Direct Messages. But there are no alerts for screenshots of regular feed posts, reels, and stories.
No.3 Telegram (Secret Chats Only)
Telegram notifies the other party if you take a screenshot inside a Secret Chat. But there are no screenshot notifications when someone has screenshots of regular chats.
No.4 Facebook Messenger (Vanish Mode)
Messenger has a Vanish Mode designed for temporary conversations, including screenshot detection. In Vanish Mode, Messenger alerts the other person when a screenshot is taken.
No.5 Signal (Option Feature)
Signal offers a Screen Security setting that blocks screenshots and can detect attempts in some cases. When enabled, users can't take screenshots of the app.
In fact, in addition to WhatsApp, several widely-used messaging apps like WeChat, Viber, LINE, Skype, and Google Messages don't send screenshot alerts at all. On these platforms, any image, message, or status can be captured without the sender's knowledge.
Part 3. How to Block Screenshots on WhatsApp
Now, you know that WhatsApp doesn't send a notification when a screenshot is taken. No matter, even without screenshot notifications, you can still take control of your content's visibility. To protect your privacy on WhatsApp, we strongly recommend proactive measures. Here's how to block screenshots on WhatsApp to protect privacy.

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Method 1. Use View Once for Photos and Videos
WhatsApp's View Once feature is the only native way to block screenshots directly inside the app. When enabled, it prevents recipients from taking screenshots or screen recordings of a photo or video. Here's how to enable View Once.

Step 1. Open a chat in WhatsApp and tap the attachment icon.
Step 2. Select the photo or video you want to send.
Step 3. Tap the View Once icon that appears near the send button.
Step 4. Tap the OK button to confirm, then send your media.
π‘Important Notes:
The feature applies only to media, not text messages. Once opened, the media disappears immediately and cannot be reopened.
Method 2. Use Disappearing Messages to Limit Exposure
While disappearing messages do not block screenshots, they shorten the time your messages remain alive. You can set messages to disappear after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. Follow the steps below to turn Disappearing Messages on.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings in WhatsApp and tap Privacy.
Step 2. Scroll down to tap Default message timer.
Step 3. Choose your preferred timer like 24 Hours, 7 Days, or 90 Days.
Method 3. Control Status Visibility in WhatsApp
Usually, your status updates on WhatsApp are shared with all of your contacts. But if you reduce the risk of screenshots from your contacts, you can choose to only share your status with some selected persons. Here's how to choose who can see your status updates.

Step 1. In WhatsApp, tap Settings > Privacy.
Step 2. Tap Status and choose who can see your status.
Method 4. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Text in Plain Chats
WhatsApp currently doesn't block screenshots of text messages. So, if you must share highly sensitive information, use code words or partial details instead of full data. Or switch to messaging apps with screenshot blocking for ultra-sensitive exchanges.
Part 4. Conclusion
Currently, WhatsApp never sends a notification when you take a screenshot of chats, status updates, or calls. Instead of alerting, the app uses blocking measure for certain features like View Once media and profile photos. While these tools increase privacy, no app can fully prevent content from being captured. So the safest approach is to share only what you're comfortable with others keeping.