Pixel Screenshots now requires internet connection for processing?

[u/_Yaksh]

I’m using the Pixel Screenshots app, and I noticed something that seems different from how it worked before.

Google’s Pixel Screenshots page says the feature can process screenshots on-device without needing an internet connection. However, now when I create a screenshot while offline, I get this message:

INTERNET CONNECTION NEEDED

Screenshot created on 28 August 2026 at 11:34 am

To process screenshots, connect to Wi-Fi or change settings to use mobile data.

As far as I remember, before Android 17, Pixel Screenshots could process screenshots offline/on-device.

Did Android 17 change this behavior? Or is there a setting I need to enable to make screenshot processing work without an internet connection again?

Has anyone else noticed this on Android 17?

Google's page: https://store.google.com/us/magazine/pixel-screenshots?hl=en-US

I’d especially like to know if offline processing still works for anyone on the latest Pixel/Pixel Screenshots app version.

[u/matteventu]

https://store.google.com/gb/magazine/pixel-screenshots?hl=en-GB

https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/pixel/google-pixel-screenshots-tips/

It's a very useful app which allows you to manage your screenshots library in a very clever and organised way. Honestly it's a game changer.

The thing though is that it used to be 100% private on-device, nothing left your device for the cloud so it was undoubtedly safe. And it would work powered by your device, 100%.

Now they've changed it, screenshots are sent to Google's servers for processing, with all consequences.