Unlock the full potential of screenshots with this quick guide. Learn how to capture your screen like a pro, why screenshots are so useful for everything from sharing moments to saving important info, and exactly where to find them on your device. Plus, explore hands-free methods that make taking screenshots even easier and more efficient.
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot on an Android-powered device is essentially a digital image that captures exactly what is displayed on the screen at that moment in time.
It allows you to save or share information, such as a conversation, a webpage, an app screen, an error message, a photo and plenty more.
It’s a way to save information fast, share content easily and help keep a visual record of whatever you need.
How to take a screenshot on your phone.
Here are the easy steps for taking a screen capture on your Android device:
- Press the power and volume down buttons at the same time, and in a few seconds, you’ll hear the click indicating your screen has been captured.
- If you need another option, try this, press and hold the power button for a few seconds. Then tap screenshot.
That's it. Your screenshot will automatically save to your Gallery.
Alternative ways to screen capture on Android.
If you want an alternative way of taking a screenshot, there are a few backup methods:
Voice commands - Google Assistant will allow you to use its voice assistant when told ‘to take a screenshot or screen grab’.
Gestures - On Samsung phones, you can take a screenshot by swiping the side of your hand across the screen from left to right. (If this doesn’t work, you might need to enable this feature in your Settings.)
Gesture navigation - On Pixel devices, you can swipe up and hold from the bottom of the screen, choose an app to screenshot and then tap Screenshot.
Swipe down twice - Start from the top of the screen, locate the Screenshot tile, and tap it. You can add the Screenshot tile from the quick-setting edit interface if you can't find it.
How to screen record on your Android device?
When you need to capture more than a static image, screen recording allows you to record a video or create a scrolling screenshot.
Here’s how you can capture motion on your Android:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen and tap Screen Recorder.
- Choose what you want to record and tap Start. The recording begins after the countdown.
- You can choose to record audio and show touches on the screen before you start.
- To stop, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Screen Recorder notification.
Where to find your screenshots?
Once you’ve taken the screenshots you need, you’ll be able to find them directly in your Gallery. There, you can check their quality, and you can easily share them however you need to.
What to do if you still can’t take a screenshot?
Every Android model is different and in some cases, you may run into issues. It could be one of the following reasons:
Storage space - If your device’s memory is full this will impact your ability to add more screenshots to your gallery. Look at either increasing it or simply doing a clean-out from time to time to avoid this happening in the future.
Broken buttons - If you’re using the tried and tested screenshot method with no luck, you may have faulty buttons which would require you to take your phone in for a quick repair check.
Privacy settings - Certain browsers won't allow you to take screenshots in incognito mode, so it’s worthwhile giving that a check. And certain apps also don’t enable screenshots so make sure to consider this too.
Taking a screenshot should be simple so if after troubleshooting your device you’re still unsuccessful, it’s time to get help from your manufacturer.