“With an Android Smartphone, you hold the world in the palm of your hand!” This widely accepted fact doesn’t just point toward the conveniences we enjoy, it also highlights how much we feel in control with an Android phone. But what if things get out of control, like the phone taking screenshots on its own?
Your Android’s screenshot-capturing feature is undoubtedly one of the most useful features. It allows you to keep a record of the important things that you come across while using the device.
However, the idea of your Android taking screenshots of your sensitive information without your knowledge is pretty scary!
In this article, I’ll explain to you the possible reasons why your Android phone might be taking screenshots by itself. This should help you understand your issue better and look for a specific solution. Speaking of which, I’ll also discuss the solutions to this problem that have worked for many.
Why Does an Android Phone Take Screenshots by Itself?
The key to finding any solution is understanding the problem first. That goes for this phenomenon of automatically taking screenshots as well. So, the first step towards a solution is to narrow down the possibilities. Here is the list of possible reasons that might be causing the problem –
Recently Installed Apps Can Cause the Issue
In most cases, it’s the unauthorized/third-party apps you download on your Android. Sometimes we even give those apps “permissions” without even noticing the “terms and conditions” properly. While some apps ask for your permission, others don’t even notify you of the possible risks and sneakily take screenshots.
Some spyware and malware are specially designed to infiltrate your phone’s storage and steal information by taking screenshots without your knowledge. Some of you may have heard about the spyware “CallerSpy” which was discovered by many tech experts a few years ago.
Have You Downloaded Anything Recently?
Harmful spyware and malware are often embedded with many files on the internet. This can be a zip file, song, video, etc. You may also have noticed that some websites try to redirect you to other sites sometimes without your consent. So if you have downloaded anything from a fishy website recently, you might also have downloaded unwanted malware or spyware along with it.
The Phone Case or Screen Protector Might be the Culprit
The reason behind automatic screenshots can be as silly as a misplaced phone case or screen protector. A wrong-sized or too much sturdy phone cover can lead to unwanted pressure on the volume and power buttons simultaneously. And we know that almost all Android phones take screenshots when you press the side buttons together.
Sometimes it can also be a poor-quality screen protector. And sometimes a good quality protector can cause issues too if that hasn’t been attached properly. It can make your phone’s touch act strange and cause it to take random screenshots.
Touch Gestures are Often Found Responsible
Many Android phones have touch gestures these days to make the user experience better and more comfortable. Instead of using the side buttons, you can take care of business like taking screenshots just by using the assigned touch gestures.
However, if you aren’t aware of these features and don’t know how to use them, it can backfire and become a matter of concern for you. You might be taking screenshots without even realizing that you are applying these gestures.
The light end of the tunnel is, you can fix malfunctioning touchscreen following our guide.
Sometimes It’s the Phone’s Software/System
Many people always keep the “auto-update” option off on their Androids. While it’s understandable that you don’t like frequent changes, it’s important to note that these updates are made for better performance of the phone. Sometimes it all fixes many glitches regarding system issues.
If your phone’s “Updated Version of Android” is too old than the current one, this might be the reason behind the random screenshots. You can even check the “What’s New” section to find out what changes come with the latest update.
Faulty or Deteriorating Buttons
No matter how good your Android is, at some point, its performance starts deteriorating. The common issue with an old smartphone is the side buttons. I am talking broken power button, worn out volume keys etc. After being used for a long time, they start malfunctioning. That includes late response, responding without a proper click, etc.
If you have recently dropped your phone accidentally, that can also cause the buttons to get damaged. Either the button has become loose or there may be internal damage causing it to respond inconsistently to touch. These faulty buttons can also be the reason behind automatic screenshots!
How to Stop Your Android Smartphone from Taking Screenshots on its Own?
The first thing to do is figure out and then “Delete” any recent app that might be causing the problem. In order to do that, go to Play Store > My Apps > Installed > Sort By > Last Used. You can also check the permissions you have granted to the recently installed apps and see if there’s something fishy.
If the problem hasn’t been solved, the next thing you need to do is, delete any file that you’ve downloaded recently. The most sensible choice is not to download any “apks” and “zip files” from unauthorized websites. Always check the details and read the comments.
Also, decide whether to delete or not to delete .apk files to conserve space. My vote goes to deleting them.
You can also try scanning your Android with an authorized antivirus software. If you suspect that your phone is completely corrupted by malware and spyware, try buying a paid antivirus to get rid of those. You can also seek professional help by going to an authorized shop nearby.
If the phone cover seems to be the issue, change it and buy a new one. Always use a cover that matches your Android model. Make sure that the cover is designed for the side buttons to align and fit properly. Then try changing the screen protector. Use the ones of reputed brands and have them attached by the experts.
The next thing you need to do is disable the touch/capture gestures. In order to do that, go to Settings > Gestures > Turn off touch gestures. The most common touch gestures for taking screenshots are “Screen capture with three fingers” and “Screen capture by sliding the palm.” So, try deactivating them.
If that doesn’t solve the issue either then you need to check if there’s any latest update available on the phone. To check for new updates, go to your phone’s Settings > Updates. If it’s a system glitch caused by the last update, a new update should solve the problem and make other performances better.
If you think that the malfunctioning side buttons are causing the issue then take your Android to a nearby customer care. Fixing the buttons might put an end to this problem. And if it’s really in bad shape and you can’t find a spare button, maybe it’s time to upgrade your Android to a new one. If none of these solutions work for you, the last option you resort to is resetting your phone.
Go to your “Settings” and then System > General Management > Backup & Reset > Backup data > Access Settings > Find “Reset” option > Select “Factory Reset” > Confirm action > Wait for process.
Final Thoughts
If you ever suspect any sneaky attempt to steal your personal and sensitive information, never take the issue lightly. Always get to the root of a problem like this and look for the right solutions. It might just be a mere case of unnoticed button presses but it’s worth your attention, trust me!
It’s not just your personal information, photos, and media that might be at risk. It can be a threat to bigger issues, such as – your bank’s crucial information, card password, sensitive information of work emails, etc. This can lead to serious hacking & extortion issues if the screenshots get into the wrong hands.
I’ve written this article based on my knowledge and familiarity with this topic and thorough research. Make sure you note each and every detail carefully and figure out what’s occurring in your case. Hopefully, this article helped you solve your issue and put an end to your concern permanently.
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