I was attempting to capture a photo of the screen using my Samsung Galaxy Note8 Android phone this morning and was greeted with a message that told me “Can’t take screenshot due to security policy“. What could be causing this issue?
Reason 1 – Chrome Incognito Mode
The Android OS now prevents screenshots from being taken while in Incognito Mode in the Chrome browser. There is currently no way to disable this “feature”. You can install Firefox and take a screenshot in Incognito mode there, but if you are taking a screenshot in Google Chrome, you must not be using Incognito Mode to do it.
Reason 2 – Policy set on Phone
If your Android device was issued to you by a school or company, they may have enforced policies that prevent screenshots. The policy can also be enforced if you have added a company account to your phone.
You will either need to talk to the IT department, or remove the account associated with the policy from “Accounts” in “Settings“.
G says
Having this issue with screenshots for anything in Chrome browser. Not in incognito, using personal device.
Nonny says
Thank you! I switched out of Incognito and was able to take screenshots again in regular Chrome.
... says
Same problem, the way I fixed it was to go into device maintenance and to ‘optimise now’. Though I am no expert in coding, I think that it might have been a corrupted file in the system.
Jay says
I have the same issue, Using Samsung Galaxy S8+ for testing our app and need to take an screen shots of a issue to send to the dev team, but cannot do.
I use iPhone to take a photo of the Android screen.
I wish if I do not need to test in Android.
That is why I am using iPhone for my personal use.
Steve Whitaker says
Same issue. S8+ Personal device. NOT rooted. Previously able to take screenshots, but not today. I was in the Honeywell App, not a browser. Have taken screenshots while in the app before, without any issues. Please help!
Tim Kuhner says
Any solutions? I have a Note 8 as well.
Mervin says
Having the same issue now. Screenshot won’t work on everything. I can’t figure out which app is affecting this on my Note 8.