How to Take Screenshots in Restricted Apps | 2026 Guide

Many users report that certain banking, messaging, or streaming platform apps prevent screenshots or display a black screen when capture is attempted. Discussions from community forums show common workarounds, but not all methods are reliable or legally permissible.

This guide explains why restrictions exist, summarizes methods users have used to screenshot or screen record in restricted apps, and highlights legal and practical options for capturing content when allowed.

Why Some Apps Won't Let You Screenshot?

Sometimes screenshot blocking isn't a bug; it's intentional. Apps may restrict screenshots to protect private data, secure financial details, or prevent content copying. Here's a closer look at the most common reasons behind these restrictions.

1️⃣Privacy and Security Protection

Banking apps, payment platforms, and private messaging services often disable screenshots to protect sensitive information.

2️⃣Content Protection (DRM)

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime use DRM and security flags to prevent screen recording of protected content. When capture is attempted, the screen may appear black.

3️⃣Developer-Defined Restrictions

On Android, iOS, and other platforms, developers can enable system-level security settings to block screen capture. This is intentional behavior, not a software error.

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Is It Legal to Screenshot Restricted Apps?

Taking a screenshot isn't always just a technical issue; it can involve legal or policy rules, too. Some content may be protected by privacy laws or platform terms. Before saving or sharing, it's important to understand what's allowed. Always ensure you have permission and legal rights before capturing or sharing screen content from restricted apps.

1️⃣Copyright Considerations

Content protected by DRM or copyright law may not be legally copied without authorization. In some countries, bypassing technical protection measures may violate copyright regulations.

2️⃣App Terms of Service

Many apps explicitly prohibit screen capture of sensitive content in their Terms of Service. Violating these terms could lead to account restrictions or suspension.

3️⃣Privacy Laws

Capturing and sharing screenshots containing personal data may violate privacy regulations such as GDPR (EU) or state-level privacy laws in the United States.

👉Read also: Is It Illegal to Screen Record Netflix Like Movies

When Are Screenshots Allowed?

Not all screenshot restrictions mean you can never capture your screen. In many everyday situations, screenshots are completely acceptable. Let's look at the common cases where screen capture is generally safe.

• Capturing your own content (notes, drafts, presentations)
• Content you have explicit permission to save
• Public-domain or copyright-free material
• Internal business or technical documentation (where permitted)
• Error reporting or support screenshots (without sensitive data)

App to Take Screenshot in Restricted App on Windows/Mac

Unlike mobile devices, desktop systems offer more flexible screenshot options. If you want to capture content with hightest quality and lowest risk, taking screenshots using a computer is a better choice.

The straightforward way to screenshot in restricted apps in Windows and Mac is by using a desktop tool like EaseUS RecExperts. It has a Black Screen Fix mode which lets you record almost any encrypted content such as streaming videos, education platforms, payment channels without black screen. Then, you can extract a frame from the recording without quality loss and watermark.

With it, you can take screenshots and screen records in restricted apps without a watermark for personal use only. Besides, you can easily take screenshots on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or other streaming service platforms without a black screen.

Features

• Screenshot in the restricted app with one click or hotkey(Default F2)
• Capture full or part of the screen on Windows and Mac
• Save images in PNG format, also create GIF files
• Schedule recording to record videos automatically

Here are the detailed steps on how to bypass app screenshot block with this EaseUS screen recorder:

Step 1. Open EaseUS RecExperts, choose Custom recording mode, and select the area you want to capture.

Step 2. In the recording toolbar, enable Black Screen Fix, then click the purple REC button to start recording.

Step 3. While recording, click the Screenshot button (camera icon) on the toolbar to capture the current screen.

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How to Screenshot in Restricted App on Android and iPhone

There are also diverse approaches to taking screenshots on protected apps using iOS and Android devices.

Way 1. Use an External Device for Photography (Most Reliable)

Several users report that photographing the screen with another device is the only universally effective method. This approach does not interact with system restrictions.

• Use a second phone or camera
• Ensure good lighting to improve image quality
• Avoid capturing sensitive or unauthorized content

Way 2. Screen Record and Extract Frames (Partial Effectiveness)

Some users successfully record the screen (when allowed) and extract a frame as a screenshot. However, in restricted apps the recording itself may be blocked or blacked out.

This method works only when the app permits screen recording and does not apply to DRM-protected content.

Step 1. Open the content you want to capture in the restricted app.

Step 2. Enable phones' built-in screen recording function or a third-party screen recorder to start recording.

Step 3. Stop the recording and open it from the photo album or gallery. Press the screenshot shortcut key to take a screenshot.

Way 3. Screen Mirror Phone to PC (Inconsistent Results)

Community reports suggest that mirroring the phone screen to a PC and capturing from the mirror sometimes works. However, modern security flags often block this approach. Because security features such as FLAG_SECURE prevent capture in mirrored views, success rates vary widely.

Step 1. Go to your Android Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.

Step 2. Go to Settings > Developer Options to enable USB Debugging.

Step 3. Download and install AnyMirror on your Android and PC. Open AnyMirror on your PC and select the Android Mirroring option.

Step 4. Connect your Android to your PC using a USB cable and enable USB debugging.

Step 5. Launch the AnyMirror app on your Android device and select Start to screen mirror phone to PC.

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Way 4. Screenshot Blocked App with Google Assistant (Least Effective)

On Android and iPhone, the screenshot function can be triggered through Google Assistant's voice commands. For example, you can say, "Hey Google, take a screenshot," to complete the screenshot, even though some banking apps or streaming platform apps restrict traditional screenshot methods.

Step 1. Download and enable Google Assistant on your mobile device.

Step 2. Open the blocked app you want to screenshot and say "Hey Google" or "OK Google" to wake up Google Assistant. Then, you can use commands such as take a screenshot or capture screen to enable its screenshot function.

Step 3. Later, you can view the screenshot in the gallery.

Way 5. Use Virtual Android App (Complex but Feasible)

Virtual Master - Virtual Android is an app based on virtualization technology. It creates a virtual space that can bypass screenshot block on your device. Therefore, you can take screenshots or screen records in this space without limitations. Here are detailed steps on how to achieve it:

Step 1. Visit the Google Play Store and install the Virtual Master app.

Step 2. Launch the application following the installation instructions. Then tap the "Import" icon on the home screen.

Step 3. Import the app you want to use in your virtual environment and open the photos or videos you want to screenshot or record.

Step 4. Press the screenshot shortcut button on your phone to take screenshots or use the built-in recording function to record the screen.

Way 6. Modify Apps or Root Devices (Not Recommended, Android Only)

Some advanced users report that modifying apps or rooting/jail breaking a device can remove screenshot restrictions. While this may technically work in certain cases, it involves major system changes and significant risks. In some situations, removing system-level protections (such as Android's FLAG_SECURE) through root access may allow screenshots.

However, success varies by device, OS version, and app security mechanisms — and it often breaks after system updates. More importantly, this approach can void warranties, reduce device security, and potentially violate app terms of service.

How it is typically done (high-level overview):

• Unlock the device bootloader (Android only).
• Install a root management tool or custom firmware.
• Use a third-party module that disables secure flag restrictions.
• Restart the device and test screen capture functionality.

Conclusion

Through these methods above, you can easily screenshot in restricted apps. Whether you use Google Assistant or create a virtual environment on your phone, it can help you get the screenshots in blocked apps you want.

Of course, taking screenshots using EaseUS RecExperts is the easiest way for PC users. It helps you take screenshots without watermarks or black screens.

How to Screenshot Restricted Apps FAQs

1. Why do some apps block screenshots?

For security reasons such as protecting sensitive information and copyright protection, some applications choose to enable anti-screenshot protection mechanisms.

2. Which app can take screenshot in restricted app?

For Windows and Mac, EaseUS RecExperts is the best option to screenshot in restricted apps. With it, you can screenshot part of or full screen without black screen and watermark.

Google Assistant is better for mobile users for capturing screens in blocked apps. You can use the command "Take a screenshot" to enable its screenshot function.

3. What apps block screen recording?

Banking apps that contain sensitive information or streaming platforms that need to protect content copyright, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, etc., will block screenshots through DRM protection mechanisms or other means.