How to Take Screenshots on Restricted Apps on Android 2023

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wanted to take a screenshot on an app, but it had restricted the feature? It can be frustrating, especially when you need to capture important information or share something with others. In this article, we will share with you several methods on how to take screenshots on restricted apps on Android. Whether you want to disable the screenshot restriction in the app settings, use Google Assistant, or even use another phone or camera, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find out how to overcome this limitation.

Why Do Some Apps Restrict Screenshots?

Before we jump into the methods, let’s first understand why some apps have restrictions on taking screenshots. One of the primary reasons is to protect users’ privacy and prevent the misuse of sensitive information. For example, banking apps may restrict screenshots to prevent unauthorized access to account details. Similarly, messaging apps may restrict screenshots to maintain the privacy of conversations.

Another reason for restricting screenshots is to protect copyrighted content. Apps like streaming platforms or e-books may prevent users from capturing screenshots to prevent the unauthorized distribution of their content.

List of popular apps with screenshot restricted:

Chrome: To protect user privacy, Google Chrome blocks screenshots in its Incognito tabs and windows.
Firefox: Firefox incognito browsers do not allow screenshots.
Telegram: It is not possible to screenshot Telegram’s self-destructing photos.
Facebook: Copyright issues can prevent you from taking screenshots on Facebook.

While these restrictions are put in place with good intentions, there are times when you may need to take a screenshot for personal use or troubleshooting purposes. That’s where these methods come in handy.

Method 1: Disable The Screenshot Restriction in The App Settings

The first method to take screenshots in restricted apps is to check if the app itself provides an option to disable the screenshot restriction. Some apps have settings that allow you to enable or disable the screenshot feature. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the app that has a screenshot restriction.
Go to the app settings or preferences.
Look for a section related to privacy or security.
Check if there is an option to enable or disable screenshots.
If there is, disable the screenshot restriction and try taking a screenshot again.

Please note that not all apps have this option, as it depends on the app developer’s decision. If you don’t find any settings related to screenshots, don’t worry. We have other methods to try.

Method 2: Use Google Assistant to Take Screenshots on Android Restricted Apps

If the app you are using doesn’t have an option to disable the screenshot restriction, you can try using Google Assistant to capture screenshots. Google Assistant is a virtual assistant developed by Google that can perform various tasks, including taking screenshots. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the app you want to capture a screenshot of.
Activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or by long-pressing the home button.
Once Google Assistant is active, say “Take a screenshot.”
Google Assistant will capture the screenshot and save it to your device.
You can access the screenshot from the Photos app or the Gallery app on your Android device.

Using Google Assistant to capture screenshots in restricted apps is a convenient workaround, especially when the app restricts the traditional screenshot method. However, keep in mind that not all Android devices have Google Assistant built-in. If your device doesn’t support Google Assistant, don’t worry. There are more methods to explore.

Method 3: Using Android Screen Recorder to Take Screenshots in Restricted Android Apps

If the previous methods didn’t work for you, another way to take screenshots on restricted apps is by using the built-in screen recording feature on Android devices. This method allows you to record your screen and capture screenshots during the recording. Here’s how you can do it:

Swipe down from the top of your Android device to access the Quick Settings panel.
Look for the “Screen Recorder” option and tap on it to start screen recording.

android-screen-recorder

Once the screen recording is active, open the app you want to capture a screenshot of.
Pause the screen recording and take a screenshot using the regular screenshot method for your device.
Resume the screen recording and continue using the app as needed.
Once you are done, stop the screen recording, and the captured screenshot will be saved along with the recording.

The screen recording method allows you to capture screenshots on restricted apps on Android seamlessly. However, keep in mind that this method records your entire screen activity, so make sure to pause the recording while capturing the screenshot to avoid unnecessary footage.

Method 4: Using Another Phone or a Camera to Take Screenshots on Android Restricted Apps

You can resort to using another phone or a camera to capture screenshots on restricted apps. This method involves physically capturing the screen using a secondary device. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the app you want to capture a screenshot of on your Android device.
Take another phone or camera and position it in a way that captures the screen of your Android device.
Capture the screen using the camera or a secondary phone.
Transfer the captured image to your primary device using methods like Bluetooth, email, or messaging apps.

While this method may not provide the best quality screenshots, it can be useful as a last resort when all other options fail. It may require some trial and error to position the camera correctly and ensure a clear image.

Method 5: Take Screenshots Using Scrcpy

For those who are comfortable with using command-line tools, the Scrcpy method provides an alternative to capture screenshots on restricted apps. Scrcpy is an open-source tool that allows you to mirror and control your Android device from your computer. Here’s how you can use it to capture screenshots:

Download Scrcpy on your computer from GitHub.
Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
Open the Scrcpy ZIP file on your computer and unzip it.
Double-click the Scrcpy.exe file to start screen mirroring and recording.
Open the restricted app on your Android device. Use the regular screenshot method on your computer to capture a screenshot.
Stop the screen recording on your computer, and the captured screenshot will be saved along with the recording.

Using Scrcpy may require some technical knowledge and familiarity with command-line tools. However, it provides a reliable method to capture screenshots on restricted apps without relying on the app’s restrictions.

Method 6: For rooted Android phone: Use Xposed module to Enable Screenshot Capturing

If you have a rooted Android device, you can use Xposed modules to enable screenshot capturing on restricted apps. Xposed is a framework that allows you to modify the behavior of their Android devices at the system level. Here’s how you can use Xposed modules to capture screenshots:

First, root your Android device.
After rooting your device, install and open the Xposed installer on your device.
Download the Re-Enable Screenshot Module.

Re-Enable Screenshot Module

Activate the Re-Enable Screenshot Module from the Modules menu.
Restart your device.
Launch the Re-Enable Screenshot Module on your device.
You can see all the apps installed on your device in a list form. Put a tick on the checkbox that is next to the app name that has the screenshot restriction.
Launch the apps that you ticked and you will be able to disable the flag secure with Xposed Re-Enable Screenshot Module to enable screenshot capturing on your rooted Android.

Method 7: Use iKeyMonitor to Take Screenshots Automatically

If you are looking for an automated solution to capture screenshots on restricted apps, you can use iKeyMonitor. iKeyMonitor is a powerful and easy-to-use monitoring app that allows you to monitor and control the phone activities of your children or employees. One of the features of iKeyMonitor is the ability to take screenshots automatically on an Android phone. You can use this feature to capture images of any app or screen on your phone, such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and more. To use iKeyMonitor to take screenshots automatically on Android, you need to follow these steps:

Sign up for a free iKeyMonitor account.

Log in to the Cloud Panel and download iKeyMonitor on your children’s devices.
Install iKeyMonitor and register it with your license key.
Follow the wizard to configure it.
Then, iKeyMonitor will automatically take screenshots in the background. You may adjust the automatic screenshot interval according to your needs.
Log into your cloud panel, and go to Logs > Screenshots to check screenshots of the target app.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on restricted apps on Android can be challenging, but with the right methods, it’s still possible to capture the desired screens. In this article, we explored a number of different methods to overcome the screenshot restrictions on Android devices. You can use Google Assistant, the built-in screen recording feature, or a monitoring app like iKeyMonitor, depending on your needs and preferences. Remember to respect the privacy and terms of use for each app or platform you use, and use these methods responsibly.