How to screenshot disappearing photos on instagram

Take Screenshots of Disappearing Photos on Instagram Direct Without Getting Caught « Smartphones :: Gadget Hacks

By Amboy Manalo
5/23/17 11:28 AM
1/28/19 10:39 AM
Social Media

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, then Snapchat must be blushing profusely as Instagram continues to shamelessly copy its features and dig into its wallet. Instagram has also managed to copy some of the security aspects — or lack thereof — of one of Snapchat's hottest characteristics.

One of the most notable copied features is Instagram Direct, which lets users send photos and videos that permanently expire after being viewed. And just like Snapchat, this clone even safeguards against unwanted saving by sending a notification to the sender whenever a screenshot is taken by the recipient.

There are times where you receive media that's so interesting that you're tempted to save it, but don't want to alert whoever sent it. Thankfully, there are simple ways to save Instagram Direct messages without the sender finding out. The methods are different if you're on iOS or Android, so scroll down to the relevant section for your smartphone below.

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Method 1: Airplane Mode + Uninstall/Reinstall (iPhone)

The next time you get an Instagram Direct message that you want to save, open the app to get the ball rolling, then head to the Instagram Direct page and let it load. Do not tap on "View photo" yet, as this will trigger the notification process on the sender's end.

It's now time to kill off your internet connections — both cellular data and Wi-Fi. The quickest way to do this is by turning on Airplane Mode. To do that, open the Control Center on you device by either swiping up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and below) or swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and up) of the screen. From there, tap on the airplane icon to disable your internet and Wi-Fi.

Accessing the Control Center on the iPhone X and up. Images by Justin Meyers/Gadget Hacks

Note: If you've enabled Airplane Mode in the past, then toggled Wi-Fi back on, iOS 12 remembers this and will set your connection radios to the state they were in when you last entered Airplane Mode. So double check that Wi-Fi is disabled at this point — if it's not, disable it again and it will stay turned off.

With your wireless connection completely severed, it's now safe to view the photo without alerting the sender, so tap on "View photo" to open the file you wish to see. At this point, you can take a screenshot of the picture to save and view anytime you want. But don't turn Airplane Mode off just yet.

Images by Amboy Manalo/Gadget Hacks

Unfortunately, shutting off Wi-Fi and cellular data connectivity alone won't cover your tracks when taking a screenshot of a disappearing message within Instagram. So, to avoid detection, you'll need to remove and reinstall the app.

With Airplane Mode still enabled, go ahead and uninstall Instagram the same way you would any other app. Restore internet connectivity afterward, then reinstall the app from the App Store, and log back in and you're all set.

Uninstall Instagram after you've closed the app to prevent the sender form getting alerted. Image by Amboy Manalo/Gadget Hacks

Admittedly, having to completely remove and reinstall Instagram is slightly inconvenient, as you'll need to re-position the home screen icon to where it was prior, not to mention all the permission prompts like camera and mic access that you'll have to grant all over again. That said, this hassle does save you from the embarrassment of getting caught red-handed.

Method 2: Airplane Mode + Force Stop (Android)

The process of taking secret snapshots of disappearing photos on Android is very similar to the iOS method highlighted above, but a bit easier. Start by opening the app and going to the Instagram Direct page containing the message, without selecting the "View photo" button. From there, enter Airplane Mode by swiping down from the notifications bar to open the Quick Settings menu, then tapping the airplane icon.

Images by Amboy Manalo/Gadget Hacks

Just like iOS, you're free to view and take a screenshot of the photo without the sender finding out once you've gone into Airplane Mode. But to make sure the app doesn't alert the sender of your screenshot the next time you open it, you'll have to force stop it now.

So head to your phone's main Settings menu and open the "Apps" or "Apps & Notifications" sub-menu. From there, select Instagram from the list, then tap "Force Stop" at the top of the next page. Confirm your choice on the prompt, then you'll be free to disable Airplane Mode and reopen Instagram without alerting the sender.

Unlike the iOS method, there's no need to uninstall Instagram to prevent the sender from being alerted of your clandestine screenshot. This means you can instantly restore cellular data and Wi-Fi connections as soon as you've killed the app, and reopen it without missing a beat.

This article was produced during Gadget Hacks' special coverage on becoming a social media expert on your phone. Check out the whole Social Media series.

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Cover image by Amboy Manalo/Gadget Hacks

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How to Screenshot Without Someone Knowing in Instagram

Stories are an excellent feature on Instagram. The platform intrigues users by displaying Stories that entice them. Imagine seeing a Story that you want to watch later, and you quickly grab a screenshot of it, only for Instagram to notify the poster of your action immediately.

This might make someone feel as if you invaded their privacy.

Fortunately, this doesn’t happen anymore because Instagram retired the feature. That said, you never know when this might change. And if you’re already inclined to keep your activities private, this article will show you some methods of staying truly anonymous.

Why Take an Anonymous Screenshot?

There are many reasons people take a screenshot of a person’s Story.

And contrary to what most people think, some are for legitimate purposes. For example:

You may admire apparel worn by the user and want to take a photo along on your next shopping trip.
You can use it as wallpaper.
You like the photo and wish to add it to your gallery.
You want to share it in a group chat and discuss it with your friends.

Many users will frown at a notification that tells them someone just took a screenshot of their Story. Of course, it doesn’t matter if your reason for taking the screenshot is entirely innocent.

Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure they can’t find out.

The Different Ways to Screenshot Without Them Knowing

There are many ways to stay anonymous while taking screenshots on Instagram, regardless of the company’s policies moving forward.

The good news is that they aren’t limited to phone users only.

Use the Instagram Website

Aside from the mobile app, Instagram has a fully functional website that enables users to access the platform on a desktop.

The best part is that their website is not restricted to use only on a PC. You can also use it on your smartphone, even though the app is installed.

The website has similar functionality to the app, and you can view Instagram Stories with it.

This is the easiest and safest way to screenshot an Instagram Story without alerting users and will also work for screenshotting DMs. Here is how to do it:

Go to the Instagram website on your browser and sign in.
Navigate to “Instagram Stories” in the right corner.
Open a Story you want to screenshot.
Take a screenshot using your favorite screenshot medium.

The best way to screenshot is to use the built-in screenshot keyboard shortcut for your operating system.

If you’re a Windows user, you can press “Ctrl + Shift + Print Screen” to snap a screenshot of a Story. This will save the image to your clipboard, and you can paste it into Paint, Photoshop, and other image editing apps to modify and save it.

If you’re a Mac user, you can press “Shift + Command + 3” to take a screenshot of your screen. Furthermore, you can click the thumbnail that will pop up on your screen and proceed to edit the screenshot.

Use Airplane Mode

This is an old method that is still useful for mobile device users. It will help to screenshot Stories without people knowing. Follow these steps to do it.

Go to the Instagram Story you want to screenshot (you may wait for a few seconds for it to load).
Turn on Airplane mode on your phone. Pull up the control center from the bottom and select the Airplane Mode icon on an iPhone. On Android, you will find it in Settings or the notifications tray.
Go back to the Story you want to screenshot.
Hold the Home and the Side buttons simultaneously if you are using iPhone. Or press the Volume Down and the Power buttons simultaneously using an Android phone.
You will find a preview at the bottom of the screen or the top (depending on your device).
Select the preview to edit the screenshot.
Tap “Save” to send the photo to your image gallery when done.
Turn off Airplane mode.

However, note that people will still know that you watched their Story.

Use a Screen Recorder

Here is one of the easiest methods of taking a screenshot of Stories on Instagram. There are several free screen recorders you can download and use without any permission from Instagram.

Here are the steps:

Launch the screen recorder and commence recording.
Open the Story you want to screenshot and record a copy of it.

Loom is great for hassle-free screen recording on a desktop. You can either record the entire screen or a current tab. The best part is that you can record a selfie alongside and even include a voice note.

There are many screen recorders available for iOS and Android devices. You could download AZ Screen Recorder for Android and Record It for iPhone. Both apps can be downloaded for free in the PlayStore and App Store.

Use Story Saver

Story Saver helps you download a Story directly to your phone’s gallery. It’s available on iOS (Instant Story Saver) and Android (Story Saver for Android).

Story Saver for iOS

Go to the “Stories” section of the app.
Find a Story you want to download.
Click on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Choose “Save”, “Save to Camera Roll” or “Save to Downloads.”

If you choose the latter, go to the bottom of the app to access all your downloaded Instagram Stories.

Story Saver for Android

You must log in to your Instagram account to use this app on your phone. Once you log in, you will find all the Stories from your Instagram account.

Tap on a thumbnail to view a Story.
Select the vertical three dots then click “save” to save the image or video.

If you download this app on your phone, it will automatically display all your saved collections in a folder in your gallery.

A Last Resort Method

If you’re wary of using third-party software, you’re terrified of getting caught, or you don’t care much about the image quality, there’s another option.

You can always use another device to take a picture of your screen. While it won’t technically be a screenshot, and the quality will clearly suffer, it’s an easy way to save something you want to rewatch in your gallery – without anyone ever finding out.

Avoid Notifying Instagram Yourself

Even though these methods help you screenshot without an Instagram user knowing, you should never use the screenshots for illegitimate purposes. Doing so may trigger Instagram bots, and they may begin to track your activities unknown to you.

Additional FAQs

Does Instagram ever notify users when someone takes a screenshot?

Although the social media sharing platform won’t notify users of someone taking a quick snap of their Stories, they alert this type of activity when it occurs in the DM. If you screenshot a disappearing video or picture in the DM, it will alert the user by displaying a tiny hatched circle icon.

Grab a Screenshot on Instagram Anonymously

These methods could help if you want to stay anonymous while taking a screenshot on Instagram. Although you could take multiple screenshots within a few seconds, it’s best to do it responsibly. What’s even better is that these methods will help you save screenshots of your DMs, which for the time being, is an action that triggers Instagram notifications.

Have you tried to take a screenshot of a story in the past? Did you experience any challenges? Which of these methods will you try going forward? Tell us in the comment section below.

How to take a screenshot of a photo or story (stories) on Instagram without the author noticing: 5 ways

Instagram is testing a new notification feature when someone takes a screenshot of your story. Until now, anyone could take screenshots of publicly available stories, and users were only notified if someone took a screenshot of an image in a Direct message.

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How screenshot notifications work in Direct or Instagram stories

When someone takes a screenshot of your Instagram story, you get a notification. There will even be a special section in the story, where a list of users who have taken a screenshot of your story will be displayed. A "chamomile" will appear in front of their name.

Direct mark of the screenshot taken:

The first time you take a screenshot, a pop-up notification will appear on your screen that the user will be notified about your actions next time. Instagram does not block the ability to take screenshots, and you can still save the frames you like, but now their owners will know about it.

Screenshot tagged in Stories:

Why screenshots are needed on Instagram

There are many reasons why you might need screenshots of stories or photos in Instagram conversations. Some of them are quite legal and some not so much. Maybe you want to buy a featured product in a story or use a picture you like as wallpaper. Maybe you just liked a photo of a loved one and want to keep it for yourself, or you want to show it to friends and discuss it together. Don't worry, the screenshot feature isn't going anywhere, it's just that now when you take a screenshot, the owner of the photo will know about it.

To tell the truth, knowing that the owner of the photo will know that you took a screenshot (even for the most innocent reasons) unwittingly makes you feel guilty. Luckily, there are several ways to bypass this feature, allowing you to take screenshots without fear of being seen.

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Use Airplane Mode (or turn off internet)

Open Instagram and wait for the story to load;
Enable Airplane Mode via Settings iOS (via Control Center is also possible, but it works differently). In this mode, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and all connected wireless devices will be turned off;

Go back to Instagram, select the desired story and take a screenshot;
Please wait a while and then turn off airplane mode. Just in case, before turning off airplane mode, force close Instagram.

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Use the web version of Instagram

For many years, the Instagram developers did not make the web version of their application as a matter of principle. However, Instagram now has its own website where you can also check your feed, post photos, and even view stories. The only difference between the web version and the mobile app is the lack of the ability to send private messages on the site.

The web version works great and many prefer to use it over the mobile app. Moreover, you can freely take screenshots of other people's stories, and no one will know about it. That's right, if the screenshot was taken in the browser, the corresponding notifications will not be sent. Just go to Instagram.com and open stories (in the right corner of the screen) and take as many screenshots as you like.

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Use the Chrome IG Story extension

Chrome IG Story is a Chrome browser extension that allows you to view and download friends' Instagram stories on PC or Mac. After installing it, you will see a new Chrome IG Story section at the very top of the feed.

The extension turns on incognito browser mode by default, so users won't know you've viewed their stories. Right click on the user profile and select "Download" . The extension will download all of his available stories (including videos) as a zip archive. If you are in stories, you can also download them by right-clicking on them.

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Use the Story Saver app for Android

After you install and log into the Story Saver app on your mobile device, a list of your friends' stories will open. Click on the desired user and you will see a list of his stories. Click on the preview and select the desired option ( "Repost" , "Save" and "Share" ). If you select "Save" , the story will appear in your "Gallery".

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Use the Repost app

There are a number of third-party iOS apps to save Instagram Stories directly to 's Camera Roll on your device. One such application is Repost . As soon as you log into it through your Instagram account, you will see an interface that resembles Instagram itself. Click on the desired user to see all of their stories. Touch the story you are interested in, click on the menu icon (in the form of three dots) and select the option "Save" , and voila - the photo or video will be saved in your "Camera Roll" , and its author will not know about it.

BY TOPIC: How to repost on Instagram: 3 ways.

…Or just use the camera

If you need to save someone's story and don't have time to install a dedicated app, just grab another device with a camera and take a picture of the screen. Of course, the image quality will be quite average, but the history will be saved in the blink of an eye.

No matter what, you can still just take a screenshot. If you decide to save yourself, say, a review of a restaurant, then it does not matter that someone else finds out about your actions.

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Be moral

There are many harmless reasons to keep other people's stories, and you should not use the above anonymity methods with malicious intent. In other words, don't act like a stalker or crazy fan, it's because of stalkers and crazy fans that Instagram is now testing a new alert feature.

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How to take a screenshot of a photo from a direct message on Instagram? ~

How to take a screenshot of a photo from a direct message on Instagram? If you don’t know how to do this and not sleep, then I’ll tell you everything in detail now.

Foreword

You know this feature of Instagram: if the interlocutor sent you only the photo taken in DM, and you take a screenshot… Then your interlocutor will receive a notification that you have screened everything!

Notifications come only under the following conditions:

your interlocutor in a dialogue with you clicked on the camera icon (on the left) and took a selfie/selected a photo from the Gallery;
you made a screen of just such a photo.

DO NOT!

ATTENTION! If you were sent a photo in this format - DO NOT SCREEN!!! THE INTERVIEWER WILL BE NOTIFIED.

By the way, you can't record your screen either! You will receive exactly the same notification.

POSSIBLE!

Everything! Under other conditions, notifications do not come. That is, if you were sent a picture / photo / video through the icon with the image (it is located on the bottom right) ... And you made a screen - the notification will not come to the interlocutor.

ATTENTION! If you were sent a photo in this format - YOU CAN SCREEN! NOTIFICATION TO INTERCOMER WILL NOT COME .

Spy MOD ON

But! If you were nevertheless sent a picture that was taken directly in direct, then it can still be saved without a trace.

What to do:

So, let's say you were sent a photo/video in this format.
Click on See photo .
Next, click on the camera icon , which is located at the bottom left. A small photo that the interlocutor has just sent you will appear in the upper left corner.
Then use your fingers to gently enlarge this picture.
And take a screenshot.
Done! Nobody will burn you.

WARNING! It is very important to enlarge the picture to fit the screen so that there are no gaps! If the image is too small, the notification to the interlocutor, after all, may come.

C ovation

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