Instagram‘s Stories feature great. By displaying Stories that interest them, the platform captivates users.
Imagine seeing a Story you want to watch later and quickly taking a screenshot, only for Instagram to notify the poster of your action right away.
This could make someone feel like you broke into their space.
Fortunately, Instagram removed this feature, so this no longer applies. Still, you never know when this might change. And if you already want to keep your activities secret, this article will show you some methods for staying truly anonymous.
Why Take an Anonymous Screenshot?
People take screenshots of a person’s Story for a variety of reasons.
And, contrary to what most people think, some are for good reasons. For instance:
- You might like the clothes the user wears and want to take a photo with you the next time you go shopping.
- You can use it as wallpaper.
- You want to add the photo to your gallery because you like it.
- You want to discuss it with your friends in a group chat.
Many users will frown when notified that someone has taken a screenshot of their Story. Of course, it doesn’t matter if the reason you’re taking the screenshot is completely innocent.
Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure they can’t find out.
The Different Ways to Screenshot Without Them Knowing
Regardless of Instagram’s future policies, there are many ways to remain anonymous while taking screenshots.
The good news is that they aren’t just for phone users.
Use the Instagram Website
Instagram has a website that users can access from a desktop and a mobile app.
The best part is that you don’t have to use a PC to use their website. Despite installing the app, you can still use it on your smartphone.
You can view Instagram Stories on the website, which functions similarly to the app.
This is the easiest and safest way to screenshot an Instagram Story without alerting other users. You can also screenshot DMs using this method. Here’s how to do it:
- First, go to the Instagram website in your browser and sign in.
- In the right corner, click “Instagram Stories.”
- Open the Story whose screenshot you want to take.
4. Using your preferred screenshot tool, take a screenshot.
The best way to screenshot is to use the built-in screenshot keyboard shortcut for your operating system.
You can take a screenshot of a Story if you’re a Windows user by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Print Screen.”
This will save the image to your clipboard, which you can then paste into Paint, Photoshop, and other image editing apps to edit and save.
If you’re a Mac user, you can press “Shift + Command + 3” to take a screenshot of your screen. Also, you can edit the screenshot by clicking on the thumbnail on your screen.
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. To do it, just follow these steps.
1. Visit the Instagram Story you wish to screenshot (you may wait a few seconds for it to load).
2. On your phone, activate Airplane mode. An iPhone, pull up the control center from the bottom and select the Airplane Mode icon. On Android, you can find it in Settings or the notifications tray.
3. Return to the Story that you want to screenshot
.
4. If you use an iPhone, hold the Home and Side buttons simultaneously. Or, on an Android phone, simultaneously press the Volume Down and Power buttons.
5. You can find a preview at the bottom or top of the screen (depending on your device).
6. To edit the screenshot, click on the preview.
7. When you’re done, tap “Save” to add the photo to your image gallery.
8. Stop using “Airplane mode.”
People will still be aware that you watched their Story, though.
Use a Screen Recorder
Here is one of the simplest methods for photographing an Instagram Story. You can download and use several free screen recorders without Instagram’s permission.
Here are the steps:
- Start recording with the screen recorder.
- Open the Story you want to screenshot and record a copy.
For a hassle-free desktop screen recording, Loom is excellent. Either the entire screen or a specific tab can be recorded. The best part is that you can record a selfie and even a voice note.
For both iOS and Android devices, there are numerous screen recorders available. Both Record It for iPhone and AZ Screen Recorder is available for download. You can download both apps in the PlayStore and App Store for free.
Use Story Saver
Using Story Saver, you can download a Story directly to your phone’s gallery. Instant Story Saver for iOS and Android both support it (Story Saver for Android).
Story Saver for iOS
- For iOS, use Story Saver.
- Find a Story that you’d like to download.
- Click on the three dots in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select “Save,” “Save to Camera Roll,” or “Save to Downloads.”
Story Saver for Android
You must log in to your Instagram account to use this app on your phone. Once you log in, you’ll find all of your Instagram Stories.
- View a Story by tapping on a thumbnail.
- After selecting the three vertical dots, click “Save” to save the image or video.
If you download this app, it will put all of your saved collections in a folder in your phone’s gallery.
A Last Resort Method
There is another option if you don’t want to use the third-party software, are afraid of getting caught, or don’t care much about the image quality.
You can always use a different device to take a picture of your screen. It’s a simple way to save something you want to watch again in your gallery without anyone ever finding out, even though it won’t be a screenshot, and the quality will suffer.
Avoid Notifying Instagram Yourself
Even though these methods let you screenshot without an Instagram user knowing, you should never use screenshots for illegal things. If you do this, Instagram bots might start to track what you do without your knowledge.
Additional FAQs
Does Instagram ever notify users when someone takes a screenshot?Although the social media sharing platform won’t alert users to someone taking a quick picture of their Stories, it will alert users to this type of activity in the DM. If you screenshot a disappearing video or picture in the DM, it will alert the user by showing a small circle with a line through it.
Grab a Screenshot on Instagram Anonymously
If you want to remain anonymous while taking a screenshot on Instagram, these methods could help.
Although you could take several screenshots in a few seconds, it’s best to do so responsibly. Even better, these methods will allow you to save screenshots of your direct messages, which, for the time being, is an action that makes Instagram send you a notification.
Have you ever tried to take a screenshot of a story? Did you face any difficulties? Which of these methods will you try next? Tell us in the comment section below.