Unable to Take Screenshots on Instagram

yore

Since the last Instagram app update, I have noticed I cannot take screenshots in-app of only DMs and channels. I'm not talking about single-view media but all DMs and channels as far as I could tell.

Upon using the UI screenshot button, I get a message "Disabled by admin". And when using the power+volume button method or screen recording, it shows as black.

I asked around and looked online and it doesn't appear to be an issue for others.

So this led me to ask here: is anyone else facing this issue?

Not to spread FUD but I really hope they aren't blocking GrapheneOS devices or custom OSes from taking screenshots. Let me know what you guys experience with the latest updated app.

other8026

yore Sounds like they are using this https://developer.android.com/security/fraud-prevention/activities#flag_secure to block screenshots. I'd imagine it's possible for them to block screenshots if they don't like the OS, but you'd have to test on a device with the stock OS to find out for sure.

There is an open feature request with a low priority label here https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/664. So, it's a wanted feature, but may take a while for it to be added.

And, as usual, when sharing links to the issue tracker, I remind people to please not add unhelpful comments saying they want the feature faster because it creates too much noise in the issue tracker. People are more than free to add a positive reaction like a thumbs up to indicate the feature is wanted.

yore

other8026 Thanks for sharing the links!

other8026 you'd have to test on a device with the stock OS to find out for sure

Unfortunately I don't have a stock OS phone to test out the app with. Having said that, I do feel inclined towards the possibility of Instagram discriminating against alternative OSes by blocking this feature on certain places in the app, but not for the people I know.

I should also add that I'm unable to use "Join channel" buttons in stories, and I can't share channel messages on stories. Again, it appears to be a non-issue for general users.

But before jumping to any conclusions I do want feedback from other GOS users if they can replicate this issue.

And if it is indeed a pushback against GOS or custom OSes, then it might be prudent to uncover what exactly the app detects to implement this block on such devices. In fact my concern with allowing to work around FLAG_SECURE is apps then going out of their way to block them from running on GrapheneOS completely.

But as usual, I trust the devs will make the best decision for us users 🙂

yore

Update: seems to be working now. I think it's either detecting a custom OS and somehow decided to work now, or the more likely reason, I was rate limited and some features were blocked.