Did someone take a screenshot? This app lets you know

We live in an era where digital privacy has become a precious commodity.

With the popularization of instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Instagram, millions of people exchange personal information daily – often without knowing that their conversations can be recorded by third parties, through screenshots.

But what if it were possible to be automatically notified when someone takes a screenshot of your conversation? This feature, which seems futuristic, is already present in some apps focused on digital security and privacy. In this article, you will find out how these apps work, which ones already offer this technology, and how they can help protect your messages.

What are apps that detect screenshots?

Screenshot detection apps are programs designed to alert users when someone takes a screenshot of a conversation, image, or content within the app. In some cases, they can block the screenshot functionality or at least warn users that someone has attempted to capture the screen.

Applications that notify or block prints

Check out below some applications that already have features related to detecting or blocking screenshots:

1. Snapchat

Snapchat automatically notifies you when someone takes a screenshot of a snap or conversation. The notification is instant, and the screenshot icon appears next to the conversation. This feature has been standard on the app since its earliest versions.

2. Instagram (in specific cases)

Instagram doesn't notify you of screenshots of stories, regular conversations, or posts, but it still sends alerts if someone takes a screenshot of a temporary photo or video sent via Direct.

How to enable this feature on Instagram:

1. Access Direct and open a conversation.
2. Tap the camera icon and capture a photo or video.
3. Before sending, select “View once” or “Allow replay”.
4. Send normally.

If the recipient takes a screenshot, the app displays an alert with an icon and, in some cases, a message informing about the capture.

3. Confide

Confide is a messaging app focused on security. It blocks screenshots on Android devices and warns of attempts. In addition, messages are self-destructive after being read and cannot be forwarded.

4. Signal

Signal allows you to enable screenshot blocking for both the sender and receiver. While it doesn't send alerts, it does prevent screenshots from being taken.

5. Telegram (secret mode)

In “secret chat” mode, Telegram blocks screenshots on many Android devices and allows you to set messages to self-destruct after reading.

6. Private Screenshots (Android)

This application allows private captures, outside the system gallery. Some versions offer capture monitoring or alert features, but with limitations.

Important limitations

• No app shows exactly who took the screenshot.
• Detecting prints only works within the application itself.
• Detection features work best on Android as iOS is more restrictive.
• It is not possible to detect external prints (such as another cell phone taking a picture of the screen).

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does WhatsApp notify you if someone took a screenshot?
No. WhatsApp currently does not have any feature to alert or block screenshots.

Does Instagram notify you about screenshots?
Yes, but only on temporary photos or videos sent in “View Once” mode via Direct.

Does any app show who took the screenshot?
No. No app informs the name or profile of the person who took the screenshot, only that a capture was detected.

Can I block screenshots on my cell phone?
Yes, in apps like Signal and Telegram (secret mode), you can enable screenshot blocking.

Does it work on iPhones?
With limitations. iOS doesn't allow apps to have as much access to the screen as Android does.