Quick Answer: Does WhatsApp Notify Screenshots?
No, WhatsApp does NOT notify users when you take screenshots of standard chats or status updates. However, privacy rules have changed in 2025:
- Chats & Conversations: Screenshots Allowed (No Notification)
- Status / Stories: Screenshots Allowed (No Notification)
- View Once Media: BLOCKED (Black Screen)
- Profile Pictures: BLOCKED (Android & iOS New Update)
There are many reasons to screenshot a WhatsApp chat: saving a funny memory, keeping proof of a conversation, or sharing a Status update. But the big question remains: Does WhatsApp notify when you screenshot?
Unlike Snapchat or Instagram vanish mode, WhatsApp is generally more lenient. However, recent security updates have introduced strict blocking for specific features like Profile Pictures and View Once messages. This guide covers everything you need to know about WhatsApp screenshot privacy in 2025.
In this article
Part 1: Does WhatsApp Notify If You Screenshot?
WhatsApp generally prioritizes user convenience, meaning they do not send alerts for most screen capture actions. However, "View Once" and "Profile Photos" are now exceptions to protect user privacy.
1. Chat Conversations
No. WhatsApp generally does not send screenshot notifications for standard personal or group chats. You can freely take screenshots of text messages and history without the other person knowing.
Note: Always respect privacy. Avoid sharing screenshots containing sensitive personal information without consent.
2. Status Updates & Stories
No. If you screenshot someone’s WhatsApp Status (Story), they will not be notified. This is different from Instagram Stories, where notifications have existed in the past.
However, keep in mind that the user can see that you viewed their status. If you view it and they know you tend to save memes, they might suspect it, but they won't receive an alert.
3. View Once Messages (Blocked)
You cannot screenshot View Once messages.
It’s not about notification anymore—it’s about prevention. If you try to screenshot a "View Once" photo or video, WhatsApp will display a notification saying: "Can't take screenshot due to security policy." The resulting image will be a black screen. This applies to both Android and iPhone users.
4. Profile Pictures (New 2025 Rule)
New Update: No, you cannot.
As of late 2024/2025, WhatsApp has officially removed the ability to screenshot other users' profile pictures. This is a major privacy update aimed at preventing impersonation and harassment. If you attempt to screenshot a profile photo in full-screen mode, the app will block the action or produce a black image. No notification is sent to the owner, but the action simply won't work.
Summary: WhatsApp Screenshot Rules vs. Other Apps
| Feature | Can You Screenshot? | Does User Get Notified? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Chat | Yes | No |
| WhatsApp Status | Yes | No |
| View Once Media | Blocked | N/A (Action Blocked) |
| Profile Picture | Blocked (New) | N/A (Action Blocked) |
Bonus: How to Monitor WhatsApp Online Activity & Status
While WhatsApp doesn't notify for screenshots, many users are concerned about their contacts' online patterns or want to ensure their family members are safe online. If you need to check if a contact is active without messaging them, you can use professional tools like WeLastseen.
What is WeLastseen?
It is a WhatsApp online tracking tool designed to help you understand online habits and ensure digital safety.
- Track Online/Offline Status: Get notified instantly when a contact comes online.
- Detailed Reports: See exactly how much time is spent on WhatsApp daily.
- Parental Control: Ensure your children aren't using WhatsApp during study hours or late at night.
- Compare Activity: Check if two contacts' online times overlap significantly.
Note: WeLastseen respects user privacy and only tracks public online status data. It does not access private message content.
Part 2: How to Protect Your Own WhatsApp Privacy
Since people can screenshot your chats and status without you knowing, how can you protect yourself? Here are 3 tips to block unwanted screenshots or exposure:
1. Use "View Once" for Sensitive Media
If sending a photo or video you don't want saved, always select the "1" icon (View Once) before sending. This ensures the recipient cannot save, forward, or screenshot the content.
2. Enable Disappearing Messages
Turn on Disappearing Messages for specific chats (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days). While this doesn't strictly block screenshots, it ensures your history is wiped automatically, reducing the risk of old chats being dug up.
3. Adjust Privacy Settings
Go to Settings > Privacy. Here you can hide your "Last Seen," "Profile Photo," and "Status" from people who are not in your contacts list. Restricting who sees your info is the best defense against unwanted screenshots.
Conclusion
To answer the question "Does WhatsApp notify screenshots?" — No, it does not. You can screenshot chats and statuses freely. However, WhatsApp has taken big steps in 2025 to protect privacy by blocking screenshots of View Once messages and Profile Pictures completely.
To stay safe, use these privacy features wisely. And if you need to monitor online activity for safety reasons, consider using a tool like WeLastseen.
FAQs
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How do you know if someone screenshots your chat on WhatsApp?
There is no way to know for sure if someone screenshots your chat on WhatsApp unless you ask the person directly or check their phone gallery for any screenshots of your texts. However, you can check who is viewing your WhatsApp account secretly. -
Which messaging apps send screenshot notifications?
Unlike WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and many other messaging apps, screenshot notifications are sent when someone screen-captures your chat, profile, or media. -
Can you screen-record on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can screen-record on WhatsApp. WhatsApp allows you to screen-record any page on the app, including chat feeds, status updates, profiles, bios, and lots more. However, you can’t screen-record view-once texts, disappearing messages, or somebody else’s WhatsApp profile photo for privacy and security reasons. -
Can I bypass the screenshot block on View Once messages?
You cannot bypass it using the phone's built-in screenshot function (you will get a black screen). The only way to capture a View Once message is to physically take a photo of your screen using a second device (like another phone or camera). -
Does WhatsApp notify when I screen record a video call?
No, WhatsApp does not notify the other person if you screen record a video call or voice call. However, ethical usage suggests you should always ask for permission before recording conversations.
