Can You Screenshot Netflix? Full Working Guide
If you’ve ever tried to capture a moment from Netflix, you’ve probably encountered frustration. Whether it’s for sharing a funny scene, saving a memorable quote, or simply keeping a screenshot for yourself, many users ask: how to screenshot Netflix? However, you may wonder, why can’t I screenshot Netflix? or how to screenshot Netflix on different devices without running into a black screen or other restrictions.
In this full working guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Netflix screenshot capturing, including official features, practical workarounds on Windows and Mac, and how to capture high-quality screenshots offline without the annoying black screen. We’ll also answer common questions like how to screenshot Netflix on Mac, screenshot Netflix iPhone, and how to screenshot Netflix on Android.
Can You Screenshot Netflix with Moments Feature?
Netflix has an official clip-sharing feature called “Moments”, which allows viewers to share short clips directly to social media or messages. While this is a great way to share content, this feature does not support offline use or screenshots. You can only share clips online, and Netflix intentionally disables traditional screenshot functionality to protect copyrighted content.
If you want to save scenes or take screenshots for personal use, the Moments feature won’t help much. For more about Netflix’s offline viewing and sharing rules, check out this resource on Netflix offline use.
How to Screenshot Netflix on Windows?
Windows users often try pressing the Print Screen key or using the Snipping Tool only to get a black or blank screenshot. This happens because Netflix uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology to block screen capturing software.
Workarounds: Screen Recording Software
Many screen recorders bypass DRM protections and allow you to capture or record Netflix playback without black screens. Popular tools include:
- OBS Studio (free and open-source)
- Bandicam
- Camtasia
- Leawo Free Screen Recorder
Using Leawo Free Screen Recorder (Example)
Leawo Free Screen Recorder is a straightforward, free tool to capture screen activity on Windows. It supports both screenshots and video recordings, perfect for Netflix users wanting to capture moments.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download and install Leawo Free Screen Recorder from the official website.
- Launch the program and select the Screenshot option.
- Open Netflix in your browser or app and start playing the desired video.
- Adjust the screenshot area to capture the scene.
- Click the Capture button to take a high-quality screenshot without the black screen issue.
- Save the image to your desired location.
Features:
- Supports custom capture areas
- High resolution and quality screenshots
- Lightweight and free
- Supports video recording if you want clips
This method reliably circumvents Netflix’s DRM screenshot restrictions on Windows.
How to Screenshot Netflix on Mac?
Taking screenshots on Mac while streaming Netflix comes with similar DRM restrictions. Pressing Shift + Command + 3 or 4 often results in a black or blank screenshot.
Using a Chrome Extension: FireShot
One way to bypass this is using a Chrome extension such as FireShot, which captures web pages including video playback.
Steps to use FireShot:
- Open Chrome on your Mac and install FireShot from the Chrome Web Store.
- Navigate to Netflix and start playing your desired video.
- Click on the FireShot icon in the browser toolbar.
- Choose Capture visible part of page or Capture selection.
- FireShot will capture the screenshot and allow you to edit or save it.
Pros:
- Easy to use directly from the browser
- No need to switch apps
- Can capture scrolling pages
Cons:
- May not work on all DRM-protected content
- Limited to Chrome browser only
- Sometimes the video area remains black due to DRM
How to Screenshot Netflix Offline Without Black Screen?
One of the best ways to get a clean screenshot from Netflix without the dreaded black screen is to download Netflix video first and then screenshot offline.
Using a downloader ensures that DRM restrictions are bypassed for offline files, allowing you to take clear screenshots freely.
Using CleverGet Netflix Downloader
CleverGet Netflix Downloader is a dedicated tool designed to download Netflix video content in high quality for offline use. After downloading, you can pause the video on your device and take screenshots without any DRM interference.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download and install CleverGet Netflix Downloader from the official website.
- Open the program and sign in with your Netflix account.
- Search or browse for the movie or show you want to download.
- Choose the desired video quality and download location.
- After the download finishes, open the video file offline.
- Pause at the scene you want and use your computer’s regular screenshot function (Print Screen on Windows, Shift+Command+4 on Mac).
- Save your screenshot.
This method is perfect for anyone needing high-quality screenshots from Netflix without black screens.
FAQs
How to Screenshot Netflix on iPhone?
Netflix disables screenshots on iPhones to protect content. However, you can use third-party apps to record the screen (with limitations), or download content for offline viewing, then screenshot offline using iOS’s screenshot buttons (Side button + Volume Up).
How to Screenshot Netflix on Android?
Like the iPhone, Netflix blocks screenshots on Android devices. You can try screen recording apps (some might be blocked), or download videos offline (available in the Netflix app), then pause and screenshot.
Why Can’t I Screenshot Netflix?
Netflix uses DRM to prevent unauthorized copying of its content. This technology blocks screenshots and screen recordings to protect copyrights.
How to Take Screenshot on Netflix Without Black Screen?
The best way is to download the content first using tools like CleverGet Netflix Downloader, then take screenshots offline.
Conclusion
While Netflix’s DRM technology makes it difficult to take screenshots directly during streaming, there are several workarounds. The official Moments feature only allows limited online sharing, not screenshots or offline use.
For Windows, tools like Leawo Free Screen Recorder can capture Netflix playback without black screens. On Mac, browser extensions like FireShot offer a partial solution but aren’t always reliable.
The most effective method is to download Netflix videos using a downloader such as CleverGet Netflix Downloader, which bypasses DRM protections and lets you screenshot offline freely.
Whether you want to capture memorable quotes, funny scenes, or create your own Netflix archives, this guide gives you all the options to successfully screenshot Netflix on your preferred device.