Updated on 2025-03-03
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5min read
Netflix is committed to protecting the copyrights of the movies and shows they stream on the platform. Hence, they use DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, which prevents users from taking screenshots of Netflix content and sharing it with others. Therefore, you get a black screen without visual output when you attempt a screenshot. So, technically, you can’t screenshot Netflix. However, there are ways of screenshotting Netflix. Let’s learn how to screenshot Netflix successfully using different tools.
- Method 1: Use StreamFox to Download and Screenshot Netflix
- Method 2: Capture Netflix Screenshots with Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate
- Method 1: Screenshot Netflix on iPhone/Android with the Rave App
- Method 2: Screenshot Netflix on Windows Using Chrome
- Method 3: Capture Netflix Frames on Mac with Extensions
- Method 4: Save Netflix Screenshots Using Mozilla Firefox (Windows)
- Method 5: Take Netflix Screenshots with FireShot Plugin
Part 1. Best Tool to Fix Netflix Screenshot Black Screen Issue
Method 1: Use StreamFox to Download and Screenshot Netflix
What It Does: One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video lets you download Netflix content in HD, avoiding black screen issues entirely. It also works with platforms like Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MAX, Hulu, and YouTube.
Why Choose It: Enjoy 10x faster downloads, batch options, and customizable video/audio settings. Perfect for capturing high-quality screenshots and offline viewing on any devices.
Steps to Use: Let's learn how to take Netflix screenshots using StreamFox for Video.
Step 1: Download and install StreamFox for Video. Select Netflix because we are discussing how to take Netflix screenshots using the tool.
Step 2: Log in to Netflix using the app. Use your Netflix user ID and password.
Step 3: Search for the video or paste its URL. Add it to the queue.
Step 4: Set video and audio parameters according to your preferences.
By default, the video resolution is set at the highest. You can change it accordingly.
Step 5: Click “Convert All” to download the video to your device and capture screenshots from the saved file.
Step 6: Open the "Finished" section to watch your downloaded Netflix video offline, and take screenshots of your favorite scenes freely.
Method 2: Capture Netflix Screenshots with Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate
What It Does: Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate is an alternate tool that offers advanced screenshot and recording capabilities with features like scrolling screenshots and editing tools.
Why Choose It: Users can choose this software solution because it is ideal for capturing specific scenes, recording long sessions, and taking snapshots while recording.
Steps to Use:
Step 1: Launch Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate after downloading the software from the official website.
Step 2: A free trial version is available. You can purchase the program according to your requirements. Proceed with registration and activation. Enter the registration code to activate the tool.
Now, you can use the tool to take screenshots in many ways. Let’s discuss all the methods.
a. Take Screenshots While Watching Netflix
1. Use Hotkeys
Step 1: After installing the tool, open the main page and click "Preferences."
Step 2: Set or adjust hotkeys for screen capture (default: "Ctrl+Alt+C"). Use the hotkey to take screenshots while watching Netflix.
2. Snapshot Feature
Step 1: Start playing Netflix and open Eassiy’s built-in recorder.
Step 2: Click the “Snapshot” icon on the top-right corner and drag the margin to select the desired Netflix scene.
3. Camera Icon
While watching Netflix, click the camera icon in the recorder window to instantly capture any moment.
b. Capture Scrolling Screenshots
Step 1: After launching the tool, choose a built-in recorder.
Step 2: For series or movies with detailed credits or subtitles, select the "Scrolling Window" option from the recorder.
Step 3: Scroll through the Netflix page while the tool captures the full content. Press "Esc" to complete the screenshot.
c. Capture Pop-Up Menus on Netflix
Step 1: After installing the software, turn on "Pop-up Menu Capture." There are two ways to do this.
1. Using Hotkeys:
- Enable the "Pop-Up Menu Capture" option in Preferences.
- Use the default hotkey "Ctrl+Alt+M" to capture drop-downs, Netflix recommendations, or subtitle menus.
2. Using Built-In Recorder:
Open the Netflix video and select "Pop-Up Menu Capture" from the drop-down menu next to the camera icon.
Step 2: Take screenshots of the pop-up menu. Press "Space," "Ctrl” or “Shift” to take the screenshot.
With Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate, you can easily bypass Netflix restrictions and save high-quality screenshots of your favorite moments, ensuring a seamless viewing and capturing experience.
Part 2. Why can’t you screenshot Netflix?
Netflix takes copyright protection seriously, employing Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology to safeguard the content streamed on its platform. DRM is a system designed to prevent unauthorized copying, recording, or distribution of digital content. Here's why Netflix screenshots typically result in a black screen:
1. DRM Protection Technology
Netflix uses DRM protocols, such as Widevine and PlayReady, to ensure content is displayed only in a secure environment. These protocols restrict actions like screen recording or screenshotting to prevent content piracy. When you attempt to capture the screen:
- The DRM blocks the video output.
- A black screen or distorted image replaces the video content in your screenshot.
2. Copyright Compliance
Netflix must adhere to agreements with studios and content creators, which include protecting intellectual property from piracy. By preventing screenshots or recordings, Netflix ensures that:
- Exclusive rights are maintained.
- Content isn't distributed or used without proper licensing.
3. Technical Measures
Netflix employs several technical measures to prevent screenshots, including:
- Hardware acceleration: Forces graphics processing directly through hardware, making it harder to intercept the video signal for a screenshot.
- Encrypted streams: The content is encrypted in transit and decoded only for playback, ensuring that attempts to capture the screen fail.
Part 3. Other 5 Methods to Capture Netflix Screenshots Without a Black Screen
Let’s discuss other five different methods to take Netflix screenshots without a black screen.
Method 1: Screenshot Netflix on iPhone/Android with the Rave App
Step 1: Download the Rave app and install it on your iPhone/Android. Open the app.
Step 2: Tap the "+" icon and sign in to your Netflix account.
Step 3: Search for your desired movie and adjust your settings. Extend the video to full screen.
Step 4: Press the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons simultaneously to take the screenshot. Check your device settings because this step can vary from one device to another.
Method 2: Screenshot Netflix on Windows Using Chrome
This method works on PCs and laptops running on Windows OS.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome. You will have to change the settings to screenshot Netflix. So, Go to Settings and click on “System.”
Step 2: Toggle off “Hardware Acceleration.” Relaunch Chrome so the changes take effect.
Step 3: Open Netflix and navigate to the screen you want to take a screenshot. Press the “PrtSc” key on your computer keyboard to capture the screenshot.
Step 4: Open Microsoft Paint. Paste the screenshot and save it.
Alternative: Disable the graphics card in Device Manager for a quick workaround.
Step 1: Open Device Manager and select “Display Adapters” to locate your graphics card.
Step 2: Disable your graphics card by right-clicking on Display adapters and selecting “Disable device.”
Step 3: Navigate to the Netflix movie screen. Press Windows + Print Screen simultaneously to capture the screenshot.
Tip: Do not forget to enable the graphics card after taking the screenshot.
Method 3: Capture Netflix Frames on Mac with Extensions
This method works on PCs and laptops running on MacOS.
Step 1: Download Google Chrome. Open Chrome and install the “Video Screenshot Extension” by downloading and adding it to Chrome.
Step 2: Go to the Netflix scene you want to screenshot and click the camera icon to take the screenshot. Then, save it.
Alternative Method: Built-in Screenshot Keyboard Shortcut
Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen.
Step 2: Press Command + Shift + 4 to capture specific screen parts.
Method 4: Save Netflix Screenshots Using Mozilla Firefox (Windows)
You can try this method if Google Chrome Netflix screenshot results in a black screen.
Step 1: Open Mozilla Firefox. If you don’t have it, download the same. Turn off Hardware Acceleration (Optional)
Step 2: Navigate to the Netflix screen where you want to take a screenshot. Press “PrtSc” to take the screenshot, then save it.
Tip: You can install Easy Screenshot by Mozilla Online (Optional) by downloading and adding it to Firefox.
Method 5: Take Netflix Screenshots with FireShot Plugin
This method works on Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks.
Step 1: Install the FireShot plugin for Google Chrome and add the extension.
Step 2: Navigate to the Netflix screen where you want a screenshot. Click the FireShot “S” icon.
Step 3: Click “Capture Visible Part.” Save the image.
These methods offer a variety of ways to capture Netflix screenshots on different devices without dealing with the typical black screen issue, letting you save your favorite scenes for later viewing.
Part 4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you use the Windows Sniping Tool to capture Netflix screenshots?
Technically, you can use the Windows Sniping Tool to capture Netflix screenshots. However, you will probably encounter a black screen because of Netflix's DRM copyright protection.
Q2. Can you use a virtual machine, like Windows Sandbox, to capture Netflix screenshots?
Yes. You can run your browser in the sandbox in a quarantined environment to prevent the system's graphic properties from taking effect. This method allows you to capture Netflix screenshots.
Step 1: Download and install “Sandboxie-Plus” and launch it.
Step 2: On the interface, click Sandbox – DefaultBox – Run Sandbox – Run Web Browser.
Step 3: It opens a default browser with a yellow border.
Step 4: Open the Netflix stream and press "Windows + Print Screen" on the computer keyboard to take a screenshot.
Q3. Is it illegal to take Netflix screenshots?
If you do not use Netflix screenshots for profit, it is not illegal. The illegal distribution of Netflix content is punishable by law.
Conclusion
Netflix’s copyright protection features do not allow users to take screenshots of Netflix content. However, you can bypass Netflix DRM in different ways. We have discussed various legitimate methods that enable users to take Netflix screenshots successfully.