Like WhatsApp, Instagram lets you send photos and videos that vanish after being viewed once. But what if you want to save those disappearing photos on Instagram? Thankfully, there are ways to do it, and it’s even easier than on WhatsApp.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to save disappearing Instagram photos and videos, with or without notifying the sender. These methods work on both iPhone and Android.
Important: Remember, “view once” messages are private. Don’t save, screenshot, or share them without asking first. There might be rare cases where it’s okay, like if someone is harassing you, you need it for legal reasons, or a friend accidentally sent it without saving their own copy.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Screenshot the View Once Photo
Unlike WhatsApp, Instagram allows screenshots for “view once” photos. To save a disappearing photo, quickly press the Volume Up + Side button (on iPhone) or Volume Down + Power button (on Android) while viewing it.
When you take a screenshot, a small sunburst icon appears next to the photo for the sender. They also do get a “<Your Name> took a screenshot of the photo you sent” notification when someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video sent via direct message.
When Chatting in Vanish Mode
Instagram’s Vanish Mode makes messages disappear after you close the chat. Even in this mode, screenshotting a “view once” photo notifies the sender with the same icon.
However, taking a screenshot of the entire chat screen in Vanish Mode triggers a more obvious notification. A message stating “<your name> took a screenshot” will appear to both you and the sender.
Method 2: Record Your Phone’s Screen
Another way to save a “view once” photo or video on Instagram is to start screen recording on your phone before opening it. On both Android and iOS, you’ll find the screen recording option in the quick settings panel or control center, respectively.
Once you’ve started recording, open the chat and view the disappearing media. Then, stop the recording and save it. If it was a photo, simply open the screen recording and take a screenshot or extract the frame. If it was a video, trim the video to the desired length.
I tested this on both Android and iPhone. Starting a screen recording on the iPhone triggered the screenshot notification on the photo. However, on the Samsung phone, screen recording did not appear to notify the sender in our tests.
Method 3: Screenshot the Photo on a Desktop
Instagram also lets you use it on the web. So when you receive a view once photo in your DM, log in to Instagram Web, open the photo, and take a screenshot. This does not notify the other person in any way.
- On Mac: Press Shift + Command + 3 to capture a screenshot. It will be saved to your Desktop by default (but you can change it).
- On Windows: Press the Print Screen key (PrtScn) to copy an image of your entire screen to the clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor like Microsoft Paint, Paint 3D, or Photoshop. Alternatively, you can use the Snipping Tool.
Method 4: Capture a Photo From Another Phone
This method is as simple as it sounds. Open the disappearing Instagram photo or video on your phone and use another phone or camera to capture an image or video of your screen. This method is completely undetectable, and the sender will not be notified at all.
Try to dim the lights or find a darker room to minimize glare and reflections on the screen, that will make the image or video easier to see.
Method 5: Save Disappearing Photos Using Third-Party Apps
You can use Android emulators like BlueStacks on your desktop to install and run the Instagram app, allowing you to freely view disappearing photos and videos. Take screenshots or screen recordings using your PC’s built-in methods – the sender won’t be notified.
Alternatively, you can try using the ‘scrcpy’ tool to mirror and capture your Android phone’s screen.
If you have an iPhone, you might consider using the iPhone mirroring feature, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. We tried mirroring the iPhone on a Mac and then capturing a screenshot of the view-once image, but it still sent a notification that we had taken a screenshot.
Some third-party apps and Instagram clients allow you to save photos and videos received in your DMs without any restrictions or notifications. However, this requires granting them access to your Instagram account and violates Instagram’s guidelines, so it’s generally not recommended.
Saving One-Time Photos on Instagram
That sums up all the possible ways you can save a view once photo or video received on Instagram on your phone or desktop computer. As I end this article, I’d again remind you that it’s ethical and important to respect the sender’s privacy. Always seek permission before attempting to save or share ‘View Once’ media, and use these tricks responsibly.
