How to Screenshot Netflix | Why Can't I Screenshot Netflix?

Kaya
Updated on 2023-06-29
Why can’t you screenshot Netflix? It’s because Netflix protects its content from copyright infringement and pirating.

You may be wondering, "why can't I screenshot on Netflix?" well, Netflix restricts its users from screen recording streams, or taking screenshots while seeing a movie on the platform. This is to prevent pirating of the content available on the network. But then, there are ways to get movies out of Netflix and have them saved on your local storage.

Well, the restriction of not being able to record screencasts or screenshots while streaming on Netflix applies to all devices. If you need to capture a scene from a Netflix movie, this article explains how to screenshot Netflix movies on any device you’re using to access the streaming service, however, except on TVs.

Why Can't I Screenshot Netflix?

It's simple, Netflix doesn't want its content pirated so it restricts users from screenshotting shows that are playing. Netflix hopes that this restriction would help to protect the copyright of its contents. Nevertheless, just as you may guess, there's a workaround. There are certain third-party downloaders that allow you to screen record Netflix movies and take screenshots if needed.

How to Screenshot Netflix

Just like most other premium streaming services, you won’t be able to screenshot Netflix streams as you normally do when watching a movie saved on your device. Well, this is not an error code that needs to be fixed, neither it is something to worry about. The tips provided below are the possible ways to capture funny, interesting, and good scenes from the Netflix movies you’re streaming.

1. macOS Native Screen Capture Tool

Actually, while it is impossible to take screenshots of a playing Netflix movie on Windows OS, Apple’s macOS allows you to do that without needing any third-party tool. How would do that?

It's simple, just the normal way you would screenshot anything that's on your MacBook screen; Press the command key + shift key + 3, and your MacBook would capture everything that's showing on your screen at that moment. If you need to capture only a part of your screen, press Command+Shift+4.

Once the screenshot is taken, it’d save to the “Recent” folder and also appear on your desktop. For Windows OS users, try out the tips below.

2. Install Fireshot (Install)

This is a 3rd-party tool available on Chrome Store. It is a Chrome browser extension that lets you capture screenshots as a Netflix movie is playing. The Fireshot add-on is free to install and it works pretty well for the purpose. However, to use this tool, you need to first install the Google Chrome browser on your PC, then visit the Chrome Web Store to install this tool.

With this add-on installed on your Chrome browser, open Netflix and start watching any movie, if you need to screenshot, click on the Fireshot icon on your browser’s top bar and choose how you want to capture the screenshot.

3. Use Sandbox

Using Sandbox means running a Windows application or program in another environment free of Windows OS restrictions. To get started, you need to install the Sandboxie program on your PC. Run the program after installation, on the main screen interface, follow these steps:

  • Click on Sandbox
  • Right-click on DefaultBox and select Run Sandboxed --> Run Web Browser.
  • Automatically, your default web browser would open up (having a yellow border around it - this means the browser is running in a Sandboxed environment).
  • Visit the Netflix website on the browser and start watching the movie you want to screenshot.
  • When the movie gets to the scene you want to screenshot, press the native Windows screenshot button (or keys depending on your PC's keyboard structure). On some keyboards, you only need to press the Prtscn key to capture a screenshot; while some keyboards require you to hold down the Function (Fn) or Windows icon key and then press the PrntSc key to capture a screenshot.

4. Use Mobile Apps for Android and iOS Devices

Mobile device users can use 3rd-party screen recorder applications found on Google Play Store and Apple App Store to screenshot Netflix movies and shows. There are pretty many free screenshot and screen recording apps for mobile device users.

How to Download Movies and TV Shows From Netflix

Instead of stressing yourself to screenshot Netflix movies, you can download them to your PC or mobile phone and watch them anytime you like. MyStream Netflix Downloader software supports all Netflix versions and lets you save Netflix streams in MP4 format.

MyStream Netflix Downloader is a professional downloader software that allows you to save Netflix movies in clear HD format, along with high-quality audio tracks. It allows bulk downloads, thanks to the Batch Mode support, and it retains the movies’ metadata info.

All the downloaded shows and movies are saved in MP4 format so you can watch them on any device. MyStream Netflix Downloader software is fast doesn't cause PCs to slag, and the interface is intuitive to use. Another good alternative downloader you may want to consider is the Y2Mate DRM Downloader.

First Step:

Download and install the MyStream Netflix Downloader software on your Windows PC. After the installation, launch the program and click on “VIP Service.” Select Netflix from the cards of supported services.

Second Step:

Sign in to your Netflix account using your correct credentials and search for the movie you want to download. When you find the movie, start playing it - a download button would pop up as the movie plays, click on the button to set your download preference and the movie would be added to the download queue.

Third Step:

If you need to download multiple movies, simply play them, click on the download button and add them to the download queue. All ongoing downloads can be monitored in real-time by navigating to the "Downloading" tab on the left pane. You can pause, resume, or stop any ongoing download. MyStream Netflix Downloader is flexible and easy to use.

What More?

To screenshot Netflix, you need to use a MacBook or install any of the third-party programs mentioned above. To save you much stress, Y2Mate Netflix Downloader or MyStream Netflix Downloader would help to grab any movie off Netflix and save it on your PC.