How to Screenshot Instagram Disappearing Photos | No Notification

Learn how to screenshot Instagram disappearing photos, videos, and messages in this article. If you want to save Instagram view-once media without them knowing, use a professional screenshot and screen recording tool.

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Jean

Updated on Dec 04, 2024

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Instagram introduced a Snapchat-like feature in 2020 called "Vanish Mode" which lets users send disappearing photos or videos to others in chats. Once people see the view-once content, the photo or video will disappear and be no longer visible.

Sometimes, users may need to screenshot these items to watch them offline. But does Instagram notify when you screenshot? How to screenshot Instagram disappearing photo and video without notification? Let's check these questions together.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Disappearing Image?

Generally speaking, when you take screenshots of Instagram stories, posts, reels, or profiles, Instagram won't notify anyone. However, things are different for a disappearing image.

To protect user privacy, when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video in a direct message (DM) thread, Instagram will send a notification for screenshots to the sender immediately.

Using the built-in recording feature or traditional methods on your iOS or Android devices is not feasible. So, how to download Instagram DM video without them knowing? Here is a quick overview:

1️⃣Using a third-party screenshot and screen recording program on your computer is most straightforward.

2️⃣Log into your IG account on a computer with a web browser.

3️⃣Turn on Airplane or Flight Mode on mobile phones and uninstall or force-stop the app to screenshot offline.

4️⃣Use another phone or camera to take a picture. This reduces the image quality but proves to be a secure way.

instagram screeshot notification

If you are interested in a more detailed guide, move to the next part.

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How to Screenshot Disappearing Photos on Instagram Without Them Knowing

This part provides 4 ways to help save IG view-once media. Pick one method according to you needs.

🌟Note: Before screenshot IG disappearing photos you want, you can test these methods for best practice.

1. Screenshot Instagram Disappearing Photo with Free Screenshot Software

The most recommended way to screenshot Instagram disappearing photos is using a free screenshot program on the web version of Instagram. This may be the most reliable option to bypass notification restrictions.

EaseUS RecExperts supports both Windows and Mac versions. This free and easy-to-use software lets you capture an Instagram disappearing photo or video and save WhatsApp view once videos without being caught.

You can assign a hotkey or use your mouse cursor to capture the content. It supports screenshots in full, partial, or custom screens. Easy and seamless.

Apart from screenshots, if you want to screen record Instagram Reels, Stories, or view-once video in DM, EaseUS RecExperts also comes here to help.

Download EaseUS RecExperts to your computer, log in to your IG account with a web browser, and let's take screenshots of disappearing images and videos on Instagram now.

Step 1. Download and launch this program on your computer. You will see all features it offers, including Webcam recording, Audio recording, Region capturing, and other options like Settings and Full Screen recording.

EaseUS RecExperts main interface

Step 2. Click "Full Screen" or "Region" according to your need. The screen will go dim, and drag your cursor covering what you want to capture.

Select area to take screenshots

Step 3. Now press F11 or click the "Screenshot" icon to take screenshots.

Take screenshots

Step 4. The screenshots will be saved in the "Recordings" > "Pictures", where you can rename the screenshot with ease.

Preview screenshots

2. Instagram Disappearing Photos Screenshot from a Web Browser

The second way is to screenshot disappearing photos on the web version of Instagram. Some users report that Instagram does not notify screenshots taken in the web browser. If you are reluctant to download additional software, try using your computer's built-in screenshot tool.

However, IG may change the rule at any time in the future. So, you are recommended not to rely on this way too much. And try beforehand.

See how to screenshot Instagram DM photos from the website:

Step 1. Visit Instagram offcial website on a PC with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or other browsers. Log into your IG account.

Step 2. Go to the direct messages, load the view-once photo or video, and take a screenshot. Here are the built-in screenshot shortcuts for Windows and Mac systems.

  • Windows: Win+Alt+Prtscrn (Xbox Game Bar) or Win+Shift+S (Snipping Tool)

windows built in screenshot tools

  • Mac: Command + Shift + 3 (full screen) or Command + Shift + 4 (partial screen)

mac capture the entire screen

mac capture the specific window

3. Screenshot Instagram Disappearing Photo on iPhone Android Offline

If no computer is available, here comes the third option: use your iPhone or Android to screenshot under an Airplane or Flight Mode. The steps are more complicated.

See how to screenshot Instagram disappearing photos to view them again:

⏭️For iPhone/iPad:

Step 1. Go to the direct messages and let the photos load. Do not tap View photo.

Step 2. Swiping down or up from the top-right corner to access the homepage. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to disable WIFI and cellular connection.

turn on the airplane mode

Step 3. Go back to Instagram and tap View photo to open the view-once content.

Step 4. Press the side and volume up buttons simultaneously to take a screenshot.

press volume and power button

Step 5. Remove the IG app from the Home Screen as soon as possible.

Step 6. Now, turn off the Airplane Mode and reinstall the IG app from the Apple Store. This lets you screenshot IG's disappearing photos without altering anyone.

⏭️For Android phone/tablet:

Step 1. Go to the direct messages and let the photos load. Do not tap View photo.

Step 2. Swipe down from the notifications bar to access Quick Settings. Tap the Airplane or Flight Mode icon.

airplane mode android

Step 3. Go back to Instagram and tap View photo to open the view-once content.

Step 4. Press the Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously to take a screenshot.

take screenshot on android

Step 5. Go to Settings > Apps or Apps & Notifications > Instagram > Force Stop > Confirm the popup.

Step 6. Now, you can turn off Flight Mode and usually visit IG. This lets you screenshot IG disappearing photo without notifying the sender.

4. Save Instagram DM Disappearing Photo with Another Phone

If you have other devices nearby, such as a cell phone, tablet, or camera, use them to snap a photo or video of the disappearing screen. Although this will compromise the image quality, nobody will know you are screenshotting their messages.

How to Screenshot Disappearing Photos on Instagram FAQs

Learn more frequently asked questions and answers about Instagram DM disappearing photo screenshots.

1. Why do photos disappear from Instagram messages?

If the sender turns on the Vanish Mode, he or she can choose to send you disappearing photos in direct messages. If the sender does not select Allow Replay to loop the photo or video, these items can be viewed once only by the recipient and will disappear afterward.

2. How to view disappearing photos on Instagram again?

There are some ways to help view disappearing photos on Instagram again:

  • Ask the sender: The easiest way to do this is to ask the person who sent the disappearing photo if they can send it again or share it through a method that won't disappear.
  • Take a screenshot: If you know in advance that you want to save the disappearing message, you can take a screenshot of the message before it disappears. However, if you do this, the sender will be notified. You will need a professional screenshot tool to bypass the restriction.
  • Instagram data download: If you're looking for more extensive data, you can request an Instagram data download. While this won't specifically recover disappearing photos, it can help you find other content you may have shared or received. You can visit Settings > Security > Download Data.

3. How to send disappearing photos on Instagram?

To send disappearing photos on Instagram, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the DM section to find the person you want to send disappearing photos.

Step 2. In the bottom-left corner of the chat window, tap the Camera icon.

Step 3. Choose an existing photo from your gallery or capture a new photo. Edit the photo if you need to.

Step 4. In the bottom-left corner of your screen, click Allow Replay twice until it switches from Keep in Chat to View Once.

Step 5. Click Send.

Conclusion

In this article, we elaborate on 4 ways to screenshot Instagram disappearing photos. Methods may vary depending on whether you have a computer, mobile phone, or camera.

After testing these methods, logging your IG to its web version and using a screenshot tool to capture the photo is the most effective and straightforward choice.

Download EaseUS RecExperts on your computer and have an easy try.

EaseUS RecExperts

One-click to capture anything on screen!

No Time Limit, No watermark

Start Recording

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