Can’t Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy: Ways to Fix

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated December 30, 2025

Are you not able to take a screenshot due to a security policy? Then don’t worry, the following step-by-step guide will assist you in resolving your issue and help you to take the screenshot easily.

Many users encounter the frustrating message “Can’t take screenshot due to security policy” when trying to capture their screen on a phone or app. This issue usually occurs because of built-in security restrictions designed to protect sensitive content.

In this guide, I’ll explain why this problem happens and walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve it effectively.

Reasons for Can’t Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy

Can't Take Screenshot due to Security Policy

There could be several reasons for this message, like:

  • It could be an issue with your browser, like taking screenshots is not a feature of incognito browsers of Chrome and Firefox.
  • Some apps, like Confide and Screen Shield, also disable the feature to take screenshots.
  • One reason for this issue could be that taking screenshots is disabled on your device.

Although you can use another device to take its picture, it’s hardly ideal. But it doesn’t mean you can’t take screenshots.

Can't Take Screenshot due to Security Policy

[image source]

Resolution for Can’t Take Screenshots due to Security Problem

There are workarounds you can try to resolve this, can’t screenshot it due to security policy issues. Here are a few things you can do.

For Incognito Mode

If you prefer surfing in Incognito mode, you cannot take screenshots. If you try, you will get the message “can’t take screenshot due to security policy.” So how to bypass Android can’t take screenshots due to security policy?

For certain versions of Chrome, you will find its experimental features in its Flag menu. You can enable this feature in Chrome.

  • Launch Chrome.
  • In the address bar type chrome://flags
android.chrome - Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy
  • On that screen type “Incognito Screenshot” in the search bar. Once the option is available, it will display the option.
Incognito Screenshot - Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy
  • Click on the drop-down menu and select Enabled.
drop-down menu
  • Click on Relaunch.

For Firefox

  • Launch Firefox.
  • Click on the menu and the three vertical dots.
  • Select Settings.
mozilla.firefox1
  • Click on Private Browsing.
settings1
  • Toggle the slider beside the “Allow screenshots in private browsing”.
Private Browsing - Can't Take Screenshot
  • Relaunch the browser.

You should be able to take a screenshot in incognito mode of both Chrome and Firefox now.

Can’t Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy Bypass for Device Restrictions

If you are taking a screenshot on the device provided by your company or school, it could be that taking the screenshot is against the company policy. If you could never take a screenshot on your private device, it could be because the feature has been disabled ever since you purchased it.

In such cases, connect with the IT department of your institute. Most probably there’s an app that is preventing you from taking the screenshots. For that, you can uninstall the app.

In the case of your private device,

  • Go to Settings.
  • Find Additional Settings.
Additional Settings - Wallpaper
  • Go to Button Shortcut or Gesture Shortcut.
gesture shotcut - Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy
  • See if you have set up a screenshot shortcut.
button shortcut1
  • If not, set one up and try taking a screenshot. If yes, see what it is and try with that shortcut.

Resolution for Can’t Screenshot Due to Security Policy Due to App Restriction

If the app has put restrictions on taking screenshots, there’s not much you can do. Apps like Confide disable the screenshot feature for privacy reasons. Sometimes apps like Netflix and Facebook can prevent you from taking screenshots due to copyright issues as well.

In such cases:

  • Launch Google Assistant.
  • Tap on your profile picture.
  • Scroll down and tap on General.
Security Policy - Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy
  • Go to use Screen Context and toggle it to the right.
General - Can't Take Screenshot

Or,

  • Open the app that doesn’t allow screenshots.
  • Launch your Phone’s assistant.
  • Tap on What’s on my screen.
Can't Take Screenshot

2 Other ways to take Screenshot

The following are 2 more ways that will help you to take a screenshot easily:

1. Screencast to take a Screenshot

You can also take screenshots using Screencast. You can cast your screen to a different device and take a screenshot of that one.

Here’s how to screencast your device’s screen:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap on Connection and Sharing.
Can't Take Screenshot
  • Select Cast
connection and sharing1
  • Turn on Cast.
Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy - Cast
  • Connect both devices to the same router.

Or you can just ask your Smartphone’s assistant to cast your screen to another device.

2. Third-Party Applications for taking a Screenshot

Screenshot Touch - Can't Take Screenshot Due to Security Policy

If you are still getting the “can’t take screenshot due to security policy” message, you can try using a third-party app to take the screenshot. Apple and Google stores offer many apps that can help you take a screenshot. However, before you install an app, ensure it’s verified and doesn’t have any permissions other than files and folders for storing the screenshots.

Empty the Phone’s Storage

One reason why your device is not letting you take a screenshot is that you don’t have free storage to store it. If that’s the case, delete unused apps and unnecessary media files to create some space for your screenshots.

Suggested Reading =>> How To Take Screenshot On Mac [4 Step-By-Step Methods]


Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove a restriction for screenshots?

You can either go to the settings of your phone and enable screenshots or use Google Assistant to capture your screen.

How do I take a screenshot of protected content?

You can use a third-party app to take a screenshot of protected content or cast your screen to some other device and take a screenshot of it if the device preventing you from taking the screenshot.

How do I change my screenshot settings on Android?

Go to Settings and find Additional Settings. Then, go to Button Shortcut or Gesture Shortcut. Select the button or gesture for the screenshot you want.

What is a DRM-protected image?

DRM is Digital Rights Management. Hardware and software manufacturers use this copy protection technology widely. Many publishers and copyright holders use it as well. You can’t take a screenshot of DRM-protected content, or record or copy it in any way.

Why can’t I take screenshots?

It could be because of the device or app restriction upon taking the screenshot. It could also be that a screenshot is not activated on your device or your device is low on storage and doesn’t have enough space to save the screenshot.


Conclusion

Taking screenshots is an integral part of our lives. Be it important information, pics, or memes, the first thing we think of is “let’s take a screenshot”. Now you can. No more getting that annoying “can’t take screenshot due to security policy” message.

In this article, I have told you how to take a screenshot even when you are not allowed to. I have also told you how to activate screenshot gestures on your device. However, if it is copyrighted material, make sure you don’t use it anywhere. If you do, you can land up with legal issues. Other than that. Have fun with the screenshots.

Research process

Time taken to research and write the solutions: Approximately 40 hours were spent on comprehensive research, review, evaluation, verification, and final preparation to ensure accurate and reliable information.

Further Reading =>> Best Screen Capture Software Tools

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