How to capture Instagram chat screenshots like a pro

Whether you’re having a serious conversation with your loved ones or engaging in a hilarious banter with your friends, you may want to remember it by taking screenshots of it. When you screenshot a conversation on Snapchat, the other person in the chat will receive a notification that you have taken a screenshot. As far as Instagram is concerned, it doesn’t notify the other person when you capture screenshots of the chat. 

Therefore, taking screenshots of them are easier, provided they don’t have any sensitive information in them that is. And if you’re looking know how to take a screenshot of an Instagram chat, read on.

How to take a screenshot of Instagram chat

Here are the steps on how to take a screenshot of an Instagram chat on both – your iPhones and Android smartphones. 

1. Open Instagram, navigate to the messages icon, and choose a conversation.

2. Depending on your phone, you can take a screenshot by pressing Volume down + power key, or three-finger down gesture.

3. The screengrabs can be viewed by navigating to the “Screenshots” album in the “Gallery” or similar app.

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Alternatively, if you want to capture a lengthy conversation, you can make use a screen recorder. As can be seen above, taking screenshots of a chat in Instagram as simple as capturing general screenshots on the device.

How to take a screenshot of Instagram chat in Vanish mode

Vanish mode is a chat security feature available in Instagram that allows users to send private messages, videos, and photos that disappear on its own once the receiver sees it. The Vanish mode is only available in the Instagram app and is unavailable in the web browser version.

There are two ways to turn on the Vanish mode. The first one is by simply swiping up from the bottom in a conversation. The other way is to click the name of the person you are chatting with and then navigate to “Privacy & safety” and then use the toggle to enable the Vanish mode. The same step can be performed again to disable the Vanish mode using the toggle. 

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What’s interesting is that if you take a screenshot of a chat happening the Vanish mode, it will notify the other person that the “X (username) took a screenshot. When a screengrab of a disappearing photo is captured, a dotted circle while show to both parties. In some cases, the circle will not show up, instead it will send a new message notification, which when opened will not have any text, indicating that someone has taken a screenshot. Here is how to take a screenshot of an Instagram chat in Vanish mode:

1. Turn on Airplane mode from the notification shade.

2. Open Instagram, navigate to the Messages icon, and select a conversation.

3. Depending on your phone, you can take a screenshot by pressing Volume down + power key, or three-finger down gesture.

As enabling the Airplane mode disables mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity, the other person will not come to know that you have taken a screenshot in the Vanish mode. The alternate option is to use an screen recorder app in the Vanish mode with the Airplane mode enabled for capturing lengthy conversations. 

While taking screenshots of conversations can be handy for remembering information, it is crucial to always prioritise respect for others’ privacy. Understand that platforms like Instagram have guidelines around user data – stick to those rules, or better yet, ask for permission before taking screenshots, especially if the content is sensitive. This shows respect and helps you avoid potential issues or even having your account restricted.

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Remember, you can’t prevent someone from taking screenshots of your Instagram content. However, for your own peace of mind, consider proactive steps like hiding like counts on your posts, disabling comments, using content filters, or customising other privacy settings within the app.