Struggling to send screenshots on WhatsApp from your iPhone? You’re not alone.
Many users face this frustrating issue when trying to share screenshots directly through the share button. The problem typically occurs when WhatsApp fails to appear in the sharing options or when the app crashes after selecting it as the sharing destination.
The share button is a convenient feature built into iPhones that lets users quickly share photos and screenshots with family and friends through various apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter.
However, this functionality sometimes breaks, forcing users to find workarounds. Some users report they can still send screenshots by first saving them to their photo gallery and then attaching them through WhatsApp’s gallery option.
This issue often appears after iOS updates or WhatsApp version changes. While Apple and WhatsApp are aware of these problems, they sometimes take time to resolve them with official fixes.
Understanding the possible causes and temporary solutions can help you continue sharing important information with your contacts until a permanent fix arrives.
Why Can’t You Send Screenshots on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, but users sometimes encounter issues when trying to send screenshots. Whether you’re sharing important information, funny memes, or a quick snapshot of a conversation, it can be frustrating when WhatsApp refuses to send your screenshot.
There are several possible reasons why this happens, ranging from simple connectivity issues to app restrictions. Below, we’ll explore the common causes and solutions to help you quickly resolve the problem.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps, start by checking your internet connection. If you’re experiencing network issues, WhatsApp may struggle to send media files, including screenshots.
How to Fix It:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue persists.
- Restart your router or reconnect to your network.
- Test your internet speed using apps like Speedtest by Ookla to ensure you have a stable connection.
2. Ensure WhatsApp Has the Necessary Permissions
WhatsApp requires specific permissions to access and send media files. If these permissions are disabled, the app may not be able to process your screenshots.
How to Fix It:
For Android:
- Open Settings → Apps → WhatsApp.
- Tap Permissions and ensure Storage (or Photos & Videos) is enabled.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings → WhatsApp.
- Make sure Photos is set to Read & Write.
3. Check WhatsApp’s Server Status
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end. WhatsApp occasionally experiences server outages that prevent users from sending or receiving messages, images, and videos.
How to Fix It:
- Visit Downdetector or check Twitter for real-time reports about WhatsApp’s status.
- If there’s an ongoing outage, all you can do is wait until WhatsApp resolves the issue.
4. Restart WhatsApp and Your Device
A simple restart can often fix temporary glitches preventing screenshots from being sent.
How to Fix It:
- Close WhatsApp completely and reopen it.
- Restart your phone and try sending the screenshot again.
5. Update WhatsApp to the Latest Version
Using an outdated version of WhatsApp can lead to unexpected bugs, including issues with sending media.
How to Fix It:
- Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
- Search for WhatsApp and check if an update is available.
- If an update is available, install it and try sending the screenshot again.
6. Free Up Storage Space
If your phone is running low on storage, WhatsApp may have trouble processing and sending images.
How to Fix It:
- Android: Go to Settings → Storage → Free up space and delete unnecessary files.
- iPhone: Open Settings → General → iPhone Storage and clear unnecessary apps or media.
7. Disable Power-Saving or Data-Saving Mode
Battery saver and data saver modes can limit background activities, which may prevent WhatsApp from properly sending media files.
How to Fix It:
- Android: Go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode and turn it off.
- iPhone: Open Settings → Battery and disable Low Power Mode.
8. Try Sending the Screenshot in a Different Format
Sometimes, WhatsApp may have trouble processing the specific file format of your screenshot. You can try converting it to a different format before sending it.
How to Fix It:
- Open the screenshot in your Gallery/Photos app and take a new screenshot of it.
- Use an image editing app to resize or convert the image to JPG or PNG.
9. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android Only)
If WhatsApp’s cache is corrupted, it may cause issues with sending media files.
How to Fix It:
- Go to Settings → Apps → WhatsApp.
- Tap Storage & Cache → Clear Cache.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache won’t delete your chats, but avoid tapping “Clear Data” unless you have a backup.
10. Reinstall WhatsApp
If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling WhatsApp might be the best option.
How to Fix It:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Restart your phone.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
- Log in again and check if you can send screenshots.
Final Thoughts
If you can’t send screenshots on WhatsApp, the issue is usually easy to fix with a few quick adjustments. Start with basic troubleshooting steps like checking your internet connection and updating the app. If the problem persists, clearing the cache, adjusting permissions, or reinstalling WhatsApp should help.
By following these solutions, you should be able to get back to sharing screenshots with ease!
Key Takeaways
- Screenshot sharing issues with WhatsApp are common on iPhones and usually related to app permissions or software conflicts
- Users can work around the problem by accessing screenshots through WhatsApp’s built-in gallery selection instead of using the iOS share sheet
- Updating both WhatsApp and iOS to the latest versions often resolves screenshot sharing problems
Troubleshooting Screenshot Sending Issues on WhatsApp
When screenshots can’t be sent through WhatsApp, users need to implement specific fixes to restore this important functionality. The problem might stem from permission settings, outdated software, or app-specific bugs that prevent proper sharing.
Checking WhatsApp Permissions
Permission issues often prevent screenshots from being shared on WhatsApp.
Users should check if WhatsApp has access to their Photos and Camera Roll by going to Settings > Privacy > Photos on iPhone devices.
To fix permission problems:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap on WhatsApp
- Ensure that Photos access is set to “All Photos” rather than “None” or “Selected Photos”
- Toggle Camera access to ON
If Face ID is enabled for WhatsApp, it might interfere with the screenshot sharing process. Users can temporarily disable this feature to test if it resolves the issue.
Permission changes require the user to restart WhatsApp completely. This means closing the app from the app switcher by swiping it up and away, then reopening it to apply the new settings.
Ensuring WhatsApp is Up-to-Date
Running outdated versions of WhatsApp frequently causes screenshot sharing problems. Developers regularly release updates that fix bugs and improve compatibility with the device’s operating system.
To check for WhatsApp updates:
- iPhone users: Open the App Store, tap the profile icon, and scroll down to see available updates
- Android users: Visit the Google Play Store, tap the profile icon, and select “Manage apps & device”
WhatsApp should be updated whenever a new version becomes available.
Users should also ensure their iOS or Android operating system is current, as compatibility issues between app and OS versions can prevent proper functionality.
After updating, users should restart their device completely before attempting to send screenshots again. This ensures all system changes are properly implemented.
Reinstalling WhatsApp for Bug Fixes
When permissions and updates don’t solve the problem, reinstalling WhatsApp often clears corrupted data that may be preventing screenshot sharing.
Before uninstalling:
- Back up WhatsApp chats through Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Verify the backup completed successfully
To reinstall WhatsApp:
- Delete the app by pressing and holding its icon
- Download a fresh copy from the App Store or Google Play Store
- Sign in with the same phone number
- Restore the chat backup when prompted
After reinstallation, users should restart their device before attempting to send screenshots. This complete refresh often resolves persistent issues that updates alone cannot fix.
If problems continue after reinstallation, contacting WhatsApp Support through the app’s Help section provides access to additional troubleshooting steps tailored to specific device models.
