TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps, allowing users to create and share short videos.
However, many users have experienced an issue where TikTok does not allow them to take screenshots on their device. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to save or share a particular TikTok.
In this comprehensive guide, I will provide several proven solutions to fix the TikTok screenshot not working problem.
We will go over why you may be having this issue, the common causes, as well as step-by-step instructions for both iPhone and Android devices. By the end, you should have no problem taking TikTok screenshots again!
Why TikTok May Not Allow Screenshots
There are a couple of reasons why TikTok seems to block you from taking screenshots directly in the app:
Protecting Copyrighted Content
Much of the content on TikTok is original videos created by users. TikTok wants to protect this copyrighted material from being shared without permission. Disallowing screenshots prevents mass distribution or stealing of content.
Security Concerns
Hackers can potentially gain access to personal information through screenshots. TikTok aims to keep user data secure by restricting screenshots.
Promoting In-App Activity
By preventing screenshots, TikTok hopes to keep users engaged within the app itself. This increases time spent and works better for their algorithms.
So in summary, TikTok’s screenshot block is likely an attempt to maintain copyrights, ensure security, and promote in-app activity. But not to worry, there are workarounds so you can capture your favorite TikTok moments.
Common Causes of TikTok Screenshot Not Working
Before we get into the solutions, let’s go over some of the common causes behind why TikTok won’t allow you to take screenshots:
Enabled Screenshot Block Setting
TikTok has a setting specifically for blocking screenshots. If enabled by default or accidentally toggled on, this will stop any screenshots.
Restricted Screen Capture Permissions
Your device settings may block TikTok from accessing screen capture capabilities which are required for screenshots.
Outdated App Version
An older version of the TikTok app may have bugs or lack screenshot permissions entirely. Make sure you are on the latest update.
Third-Party Apps Blocking Screenshots
Some apps that block ads or enhance security can also inadvertently stop screenshots from being taken.
Device or Operating System Restrictions
Occasionally system-level restrictions are enabled which prevent capturing screens universally. This affects TikTok as well.
As you can see, there are a few common reasons why TikTok screenshot capabilities can become disabled. The good news is that all of these potential causes have solutions!
How to Fix TikTok Not Letting You Screenshot on iPhone
If you have an iPhone and cannot take screenshots on TikTok, here are the top troubleshooting tips:
Step 1: Check the TikTok Screenshot Setting
The TikTok app itself has a setting just for enabling or disabling screenshots. To check its status:
- Open the TikTok app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Go to the menu tab with 3 lines in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings and privacy”
- Choose “Screenshot settings”
- Make sure the switch here is turned off, indicating screenshots are allowed.
If screenshots were disabled in the TikTok app itself, turning this setting back on should fix your problem!
Step 2: Confirm Screen Recording Permissions
Even if screenshots are enabled in TikTok, your iPhone system settings may block the app from capturing screens. To verify TikTok has access:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time”
- Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions”
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Under “Allowed Apps”, make sure TikTok is set to “Allow” for Screen Recording.
Allowing screen recording access for TikTok essentially enables screenshots as well. Try taking a TikTok screenshot after changing this. If you, however, face challenges because TikTok does not allow screen recording, this article can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Step 3: Update the TikTok App
Outdated versions of the TikTok app can miss key permissions or have screenshot bugs. Ensure you update to the latest version:
- Go to the App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “TikTok”
- Tap your TikTok app page
- Look for the “Update” button – tap to update if available
Updating to the newest TikTok version solves many bugs, including any preventing screenshots from working properly.
Step 4: Use an Alternative Screenshot Method
If all else fails, you can take screenshots from outside the TikTok app using these methods:
- On iPhone X or later – Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up your app drawer. Hold and release the TikTok thumbnail to enter select mode. Tap the screen capture button at the bottom.
- On iPhone 8 or earlier – Press and hold the Power + Home buttons simultaneously to capture the entire screen.
- With AssistiveTouch – Enable AssistiveTouch in Settings > Accessibility. Use the custom screenshot button to capture screens hands-free.
Step 5: Contact TikTok Support
In rare cases where your TikTok screenshots still won’t work, you may need assistance from the company’s support team:
- Open TikTok and tap “Me” in the bottom right.
- Choose “Support” from the menu.
- Select the “Report a Problem” option.
- Choose a category that relates to screenshots.
- Explain you cannot take screenshots and the steps you’ve tried.
TikTok support can further troubleshoot or identify any unknown bugs preventing screenshots specifically for your account.
Following these tips should successfully get TikTok screenshot capabilities functioning again on your iPhone. Be sure to toggle the in-app setting, check system permissions, update the app, use alternative capture methods, or contact support if needed.
How to Fix TikTok Not Letting You Screenshot on Android
For Android users who are unable to take TikTok screenshots, try these effective solutions:
Step 1: Disable the TikTok Screenshot Setting
Just like the iPhone app, TikTok for Android has its own screenshot blocking setting that needs to be switched off:
- Open your TikTok app on Android.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Choose the 3 line menu button in the top right.
- Select “Settings and privacy”
- Choose “Screenshot”
- Toggle the switch off to allow screenshots again.
If taking a screenshot wasn’t working because of this in-app setting, this should resolve it.
Step 2: Allow Screen Overlay Permission
Android requires apps to have screen overlay permission in order to take screenshots. Check that TikTok is allowed:
- Go to Settings on your Android device.
- Tap Apps & Notifications.
- Choose Special App Access.
- Select Screen Overlay.
- Make sure TikTok has the Allowed toggle switched on.
Granting screen overlay access is key for TikTok to capture screenshots properly on Android.
Step 3: Clear TikTok App Cache & Data
Outdated cache and data for the TikTok app may contain bugs preventing screenshots. Clearing it resolves this:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications on Android.
- Locate and tap on TikTok under your apps list.
- Select Storage & Cache.
- Tap Clear Cache and Clear Storage buttons.
This forces cached data and screenshots exceptions to be rebuilt when you relaunch TikTok.
Step 4: Restart Your Android Device
A simple device reboot helps clear out any software glitches or processes that could be inhibiting TikTok screenshots randomly.
Press and hold the Power button on your Android for 30+ seconds to force restart it. Then open TikTok again and try taking a screenshot.
Step 5: Use Third-Party Screen Capture Apps
If you still cannot screenshot normally within TikTok, use external screen capturing apps like:
- AZ Screen Recorder
- Google Play Games
- MNML Screen Recorder
These can override and take screenshots that TikTok otherwise blocks. Useful last resort!
Step 6: Contact TikTok Support
If all else fails, you may need to reach out to TikTok’s customer support for additional help:
- Open your TikTok app and tap on your Profile.
- Choose “Settings and privacy.”
- Pick “Report a Problem.”
- Select a category that applies.
- Explain your inability to screenshot in detail.
TikTok can look into your specific account and determine if there are any restrictions causing the screenshot issue.
With the right combination of these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve screenshot problems in TikTok for Android. The key steps are adjusting app settings, checking system permissions, clearing cache, restarting your device, using third-party apps, and contacting support if needed.
Why Taking TikTok Screenshots is Useful
Now that you know how to re-enable taking screenshots in TikTok, you’re probably wondering why you’d want to snap pics in the app in the first place. Here are some great reasons to take TikTok screenshots:
Saving Funny or Entertaining Videos
If you come across an especially hilarious, creative, or entertaining TikTok, being able to screenshot it lets you save and remember it forever. Great for a laugh when you need one.
Capturing Informational Videos
Many TikTok videos provide useful information, life hacks, tips, and tutorials. Screenshots are an easy way to reference this visual information later on.
Preserving Memories & Moments
Some TikToks capture memorable life moments and events you want to cherish. Taking a screenshot preserves those forever as images.
Sharing to Other Apps & People
Screenshots make it easy to re-share awesome TikTok videos with friends and family on messaging apps, social media, email, and more.
Creating Memes & Edits
Viral TikTok clips often become meme fodder. Screenshots help make it simple to edit and recreate those memes to share.
Supporting Favorites Creators
Screencapping great TikToks helps raise awareness of creators you want to support and watch more content from in the future.
Reporting Inappropriate Content
Screenshots provide proof of any objectionable content that needs reporting to TikTok moderators.
TikTok Thumbnails & Profile Images
You may want to set a funny or popular TikTok screenshot as your profile image or video thumbnail.
So in summary, screenshots are very useful in TikTok to save, share, create, memorialize, and report great content. Enable the capability and snap away!
Screen Recording Instead of Screenshots on TikTok
If taking direct screenshots in TikTok isn’t working, another option is to record your device’s screen instead. This captures a TikTok video for you to replay later – similar to a screenshot.
Here are the best ways to screen record TikTok:
On iPhone
- Option 1: Use the built-in Screen Recording option in Control Center. Swipe down from the top right to access it.
- Option 2: Enable screen recording in your iPhone’s Settings app. Then swipe up from the bottom left to bring up the recording control.
- Option 3: Download a third party screen recording app from the App Store. Popular choices include ScreenRec, BB Rec, and Duet Display.
On Android
- Option 1: Use the native screen recorder under Settings > Display > Screen Recorder. Toggle it on to start capturing.
- Option 2: Download a screen recording app like MNML Screen Recorder or AZ Screen Recorder from the Play Store. Very easy to use.
- Option 3: Activate screen recording via your Android’s Quick Settings. Swipe down from the top twice and tap the screen record icon.
The benefit of recording over screenshots is you capture the full video, sound, captions and all. The only downside is that screen recordings take up more device storage space compared to simple screenshots.
But when TikTok has screenshot restrictions in place, using your device’s built-in screen recording capability is the easiest workaround.
What to Do If TikTok Screen Recording is Blocked
In some very rare cases, TikTok seems to block not only screenshots but screen recordings as well. If you are unable to record your device’s screen while using TikTok, try these troubleshooting tips:
Adjust App Permissions
Make sure TikTok has permission to access both your device’s microphone and camera in order to enable screen recording with audio.
Disable Screen Recorder Blocking Apps
Some apps like video downloaders and converters can block other apps from accessing screen recording functions – affecting TikTok. Try disabling those temporarily.
Update TikTok to the Latest Version
An outdated version of TikTok may have bugs affecting screen recording capabilities. Updating to the newest release typically resolves this.
Use a Third-Party Screen Recorder
Reliable third party screen recording apps can bypass blocks TikTok imposes on built-in recording functions. AZ Screen Recorder is a top choice.
Change TikTok Settings
Dig into TikTok’s settings menu and toggles to see if you can override the screen recording blocks at the app level on your device.
Contact TikTok Support
As a last resort, reach out to TikTok’s customer support team to report the issues you are facing with screen recording being disabled. They may be able to remove restrictions.
With the right mix of adjusting app and device settings, using other recording apps, updating TikTok, and contacting support – you should be able to find a screen recording method that works!
Using TikTok Screenshots Legally & Ethically
Now that you can take screenshots in TikTok again, it’s important to remember to use this ability legally and ethically. Here are some key guidelines:
- Only screenshot your own TikTok videos or content from public accounts. Don’t capture private videos without consent.
- If resharing screenshots from other users, credit the original @username or ask for permission first.
- Avoid using screenshots to spread negative, harmful, dangerous or false narratives.
- Do not utilize screenshots to directly profit off another user’s content without authorization.
- Be mindful of only screenshoting appropriate, SFW, non-offensive videos and images.
- Delete any accidental or unwanted screenshots you have saved immediately.
- Remember screenshots can easily be misconstrued without proper context, so share responsibly.
- If ever in doubt, ask the original content creator if they are comfortable with you screenshotting their TikTok.
Following these ethical principles helps foster a positive TikTok community, even as screenshots become popular. Just because you technically can take a screenshot doesn’t always mean you should. Be wise!
Frequently Asked Questions About TikTok Screenshots
Here are answers to some common questions about capturing screenshots on TikTok:
How do I take a screenshot on TikTok?
On iPhone, press the Power + Volume Up buttons simultaneously. On Android, press Power + Volume Down together. You can also use your device’s native screen capture tools.
Does the other person get notified if you screenshot their TikTok?
No, TikTok does not notify users if someone takes a screenshot of their video. It is anonymous.
Can you get banned on TikTok for screenshots?
You typically won’t get banned just for taking screenshots. However, mass unauthorized sharing of other’s content via screenshots can risk suspension.
Why can’t I screenshot or screen record on TikTok anymore?
If screenshots suddenly stopped working, it’s likely due to TikTok’s built-in block setting, device restrictions, or app permission changes. Refer to solutions earlier in this article.
What happens if you screenshot on TikTok on iPhone?
The screenshot will save to your Photos app as normal. The person whose TikTok you captured will not be informed in any way.
Is screen recording better than screenshots on TikTok?
Screen recordings are better for capturing the full video, audio, captions, etc. Screenshots are more convenient for quickly saving a single frame.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide covered everything you need to know about fixing TikTok screenshot issues on both iPhone and Android. To recap, the main solutions involve adjusting permissions, toggling settings, updating the app, using built-in screenshot tools, recording the screen, contacting support, and ultimately screenshotting responsibly.
Remember that taking screenshots has great benefits, like saving funny videos to share, capturing informative content, preserving memories, creating memes, and showing appreciation for creators. But TikTok does restrict screenshots at times, usually to protect copyright and security.
Now you have all the troubleshooting advice needed to get TikTok screenshot working again. Here’s to capturing all your favorite viral moments! Let me know if you have any other questions.
