5 Steps to Disable Screenshot Security on Android Devices

Have you ever tried to take a screenshot on your Android phone or tablet only to get an error message saying “Can’t take screenshot due to security policy”? Many apps, especially those dealing with sensitive information like banking or messaging apps, have built-in security features that prevent users from taking screenshots. While this is intended to protect your privacy and data, it can be frustrating if you legitimately need to capture what’s on your screen.

Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to bypass screenshot restrictions on Android without compromising security. Whether you need to take screenshots for work, troubleshooting, or personal reference, follow these steps to disable screenshot blocking on your Android device.

1. Check for App-Specific Settings

Before resorting to more advanced measures, first check if the app you’re trying to screenshot has a built-in option to allow screenshots:

1. Open the Settings menu within the app that’s blocking screenshots. This is often found by tapping the three-dot overflow menu icon.
2. Look for options related to Security & Privacy or Permissions. The exact labels will vary by app.
3. See if there is a toggle to Allow screenshots or Disable secure window. Enable this setting if available.
4. Restart the app and try taking a screenshot again to see if it works.

Not all apps include configurable screenshot settings, so if you don’t see this option, move on to the other methods below.

2. Enable Screenshots in Chrome Incognito Mode

If you’re trying to capture a webpage in Chrome’s Incognito mode, screenshots are blocked by default. However, you can enable them through an experimental flag:

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://flags into the address bar.
2. In the search box at the top, type incognito screenshot.
3. Tap the dropdown menu next to the Incognito Screenshot flag and change it to Enabled.
4. Tap the Relaunch button at the bottom to restart Chrome and apply the change.
5. Open an Incognito tab and try taking a screenshot. It should now work without any security errors.

Keep in mind that this flag is still experimental, so it may not be available on all versions of Chrome or could be removed in future updates.

3. Use the Google Assistant

Google Assistant has a built-in screenshot tool that can sometimes bypass app restrictions:

1. Open the app or screen you want to capture.
2. Trigger the Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing the Home button.
3. Say “Take a screenshot” and the Assistant should snap a picture of your screen, even if the app normally blocks it.
4. The screenshot will be saved to your device’s Photos or Gallery app where you can view and share it.

This method isn’t foolproof, as some high-security apps can still prevent the Assistant from capturing the screen. But it’s a quick and easy way to try circumventing the restriction.

4. Cast Your Screen

If you have access to another device, you can cast your Android’s screen to it and take a screenshot there instead:

1. Install the Google Home app on both your Android device and the second phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Open the Google Home app on your Android device and tap the Account tab.
3. Verify that Mirror device is turned on under the Services section.
4. On the second device, open the Google Home app and look for your Android phone or tablet under the Devices tab.
5. Tap on your Android device to connect to it and mirror its screen.
6. Use the screenshot function on the second device to capture your Android’s screen.

Since the screenshot is taken on a separate device, any restrictions on your Android phone or tablet won’t apply. The downside is this method requires additional hardware and a bit more setup time.

5. Use Third-Party Apps

There are several apps on the Google Play Store specifically designed to get around screenshot blocking. Here are a couple popular options:

• Screenshot Touch: This app adds a small overlay button to your screen that triggers a screenshot when tapped. It claims to work with most apps that normally prohibit screenshots.
• AZ Screen Recorder: In addition to screen recording, this app has a built-in screenshot tool that can capture restricted apps. You’ll need to enable the AZ overlay in your phone’s settings for it to work.

As with any third-party app, be cautious about granting permissions or entering sensitive info while using these tools. Stick to well-reviewed apps from reputable developers.

Conclusion

Screenshot blocking is an important security feature for apps that handle private data, but it can get in the way when you have a valid reason to capture your screen. By checking app settings, enabling Chrome flags, using the Google Assistant, mirroring your screen, or installing third-party apps, you can usually find a way to take screenshots on Android without compromising your device’s overall security.

Just remember to be mindful of what information you’re capturing and sharing. Never screenshot sensitive details like passwords, financial info, or private messages unless absolutely necessary, and always keep your screenshots secure. With these tips and a bit of caution, you can safely disable screenshot restrictions on Android and capture the content you need.