Taking a screenshot on an Android phone is the easiest way to capture what is on your phone’s screen. Whether you want to snag an image from social media, save a great recipe, or even grab a new background for your phone, taking a screenshot is an essential skill to know.
Here's the most basic way to do it:
- Press the Volume Down button and the Side/Power button simultaneously.
- An image will appear. From there, you can save, send, edit, or delete it.
While most Androids can take a screenshot using the Volume down and Power buttons, methods differ across devices. Keep reading to learn how to take a screenshot on your Android phone.
How to take a screenshot on an Android
The easiest way to take a screenshot on most Android devices is to press the Volume down button and the Side/Power button simultaneously. A preview will appear where you can save, edit, or delete the screenshot.
If you save the screenshot, the image will be in your photos app.
Scrolling screenshots for Android
Devices running recent versions of Android can also capture scrolling screenshots. Scrolling screenshots are perfect for things like recipes or news articles.
To take a scrolling screenshot:
- Press the Volume down and Power buttons at the same time.
- Tap on the preview.
- Choose Capture More.
You’ll see the entire screen and can edit the screenshot to whatever you want to include.
What about screenshot apps?
Instead of downloading a separate app for screenshots, we recommend using the screenshot feature built into your phone. Not only do those apps take up storage space, but most features they offer are already in your photo app.
Device-specific Screenshots on Android
Some devices also let you use gestures or ask your phone’s virtual assistant to take a screenshot. Let’s take a look at these options.
Samsung
Samsung’s Galaxy devices can take screenshots using Bixby, Samsung’s AI virtual assistant, or using a palm swipe.
Using Bixby is easy. As long as you have the virtual assistant enabled, all you have to do is say, “Hey Bixby, take a screenshot.” Bixby will automatically capture your screenshot, and you can edit it as usual.
Taking a screenshot with a palm swipe gesture requires enabling the feature. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Advanced Features.
- Tap Motions and Gestures.
- Enable Palm swipe to capture.
To take a screenshot, hold your hand like you’re about to give a handshake and swipe the lower part of your palm across the screen. Your palm must make contact with the screen for this to work.
Want to upgrade your Samsung? The most impressive Samsung device for taking screenshots is the Galaxy Z Fold4. This phone has an incredibly bright screen and a high resolution, so it’s easy to look at and shows fine details. However, what sets this phone apart is its 7.6-inch folding display, making it convenient to carry around. That’s a larger display than the Pro model Google Pixels and Max model Apple iPhones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G 256GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7.6" |
| Available On | 104 Plans from 3 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $15 per month + $2,803 upfront |
| View Full Details |
2022 Samsung's new foldable smartphone with a 6.2-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal display, triple 12MP rear cameras, 10MP selfie camera on the front, 4MP under display selfie camera on the internal screen
Google Pixel
The Google Pixel series takes screenshots using Google Assistant or the navigation gesture.
Google’s virtual assistant is a little more difficult to use for screenshots than most other devices. You must enable Google Assistant before getting started.
To enable Google Assistant screenshots:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap Default apps.
- Find the Digital assistant app.
- Enable Use screenshot.
With that enabled, all you have to do is say, “Hey Google, take a screenshot.”
The navigation gesture is a little easier to use, and you don’t need to dig through your settings to enable it.
To take a screenshot with the navigation gesture:
- Swipe up and hold the screen to bring up your recent apps.
- Select the app you want to screenshot.
- Tap Screenshot at the bottom of your screen.
Looking to grab a new Google phone? The Google Pixel 7a also offers an incredible display. Its ultra-high resolution and brightness make this one of the most visually appealing phones Google has ever produced. The Pixel 7 is perfect for screenshots or anything else you want to do with a versatile display, like editing photos or mobile gaming.
Google Pixel 7a 128GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1" |
| Available On | 65 Plans from 2 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $15 per month + $702 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Android 13 smartphone with 6.1" OLED display + 90Hz, Tensor G2 processor, 5G speed ready, IP67 dust/water resistant, 6GB RAM and 64MP Dual Camera
Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi
Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi all offer a three-finger swipe gesture to take screenshots on their devices. However, you must first enable it in the device’s settings.
To enable the three-finger screenshot gesture:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Buttons and actions. This may also be called “More actions” or “Button shortcuts” depending on your phone model and Android version. .
- Enable Three-finger screenshot.
To take a screenshot, touch and hold your screen with three fingers and swipe down.
Android is one of the most popular cell phone operating systems, so there is no shortage of upgrade options. Phones like the Motorola Moto G Pure and the Alcatel 1B are great choices. Plus, check out the most popular Android phones on the market today:.
Pixel 8a 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 64MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Galaxy S24 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S24 FE 5G 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Pixel 9 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Galaxy S24 5G 128GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Android Screenshot: FAQs
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