The screenshots on Android have evolved to become an indispensable feature. Thanks to them, you can share information, save important data, or display errors in apps and websites. Since its integration into Android 4.0, this feature's popularity has grown, and the variety of ways to take a screenshot has continued to grow, adapting to user needs and the specifics of each brand and model.
When you get a new Android phone, it's common to want to learn how to take a screenshot on your device. While there's a universal method, each manufacturer may add alternatives and additional features to make this process easier or provide it with enhanced capabilities, such as extended captures, gesture shortcuts, or voice support for the Google Assistant.
Although it may seem like a simple task, there are multiple ways to take a screenshot, along with numerous tricks and specific features depending on the brand of your device. Below, we offer the definitive, most detailed, updated, and comprehensive guide so you can't go wrong with any method. How to take screenshots on Android, regardless of the mobile phone you have.
What is a screenshot and what is it used for?
A screenshot It is an image that captures exactly what is appearing on your screen at that moment. It is a useful feature for Quickly share information, save conversations, show errors, remember important data, record payments, save maps, or even preserve images that cannot be downloaded directly..
Captures can be simple still images or extended (scrolling capture), and can even be edited, highlighted, translated, or shared immediately via any messaging app, email, or social media.
Classic Method: How to Take a Screenshot on Android
The most widespread way to take a screenshot on virtually all Android phones is combination of two physical buttons:
- Press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Hold both down for about a second.
You'll see a brief flash on the screen or hear a shutter sound, and a thumbnail of the image will appear in a corner. From there you can edit, share, delete or save the screenshot directly.
On some models, especially older ones or those with physical home buttons, the combination may vary slightly (for example, power + home, power + volume up), although in most cases the standard method is retained. If it doesn't work, try different combinations of two physical buttons (home, power, volume up, or volume down) until you find the right one.
Alternatives and advanced methods for taking screenshots on Android
- Quick Settings Panel: Many Android apps include a "Screenshot" or similar button among the shortcuts on the top panel. Simply open the menu, find the icon (usually a pair of scissors or a screen), and tap it to take a screenshot.
- Custom gestures and shortcuts: Some manufacturers allow you to take screenshots by sliding three fingers on the screen, double-tapping the back of the phone (quick tap), or even customizing this shortcut from system settings or accessibility features. You can activate and configure these gestures in Settings> Accessibility o Settings > Advanced Features > Gestures, depending on your device.
- Accessibility menu: If you're having trouble with the physical buttons or prefer to avoid wearing them out, you can activate the accessibility menu, which, among other features, includes the option to take a screenshot. A floating icon will appear on the screen with this feature at your fingertips.
- Voice commands and Google Assistant: If you have the Assistant enabled, just say "Ok Google, take a screenshot" or "Hey Google, take a screenshot." The photo will be taken instantly, and you can share or edit it. It's generally shared and not saved automatically, unless you specify otherwise or configure it in the Assistant settings.
- Third Party Applications: There are apps in the Google Play Store that allow you to Capture screen, record video, take partial or scheduled screenshots and advanced editing. They're useful on devices where the buttons don't work or for more specific functions, such as automatic or scheduled captures.
Scrolling screenshots: Capture the entire content
In many cases, a still shot isn't enough because the content exceeds the visible screen. For these cases, the latest Android phones allow you to take a still shot. scrolling screenshots, covering entire sections of web pages, long chats, or extensive documents.
- Open the screen you want to capture (app, web, chat, etc.).
- Take a screenshot using the classic method (power + volume down).
- Before the thumbnail disappears, tap the "Capture More" option, "Move," or an arrow icon.
- Select how far you want to expand the screenshot by scrolling the screen.
- Save, edit, or share the extended screenshot.
This feature is primarily available on phones running Android 12 or higher. and in recent custom layers from major manufacturers. If you don't see the option, update your operating system or try a third-party scrolling capture app.
How to edit, share, and translate a screenshot
Once the capture is made, Android makes it easy to Basic editing (cropping, highlighting, drawing, adding text), quick sharing with any installed app, translation and text search:
- Edit: Tap the thumbnail that appears after capturing, access the editor, and use the crop, rotation, brush, text, blur, or sticker tools.
- Share From the thumbnail itself or from the gallery, tap the "share" icon and choose an app (WhatsApp, Telegram, email, Drive, etc.).
- Gallery: All screenshots are saved in the "Screenshots" folder in your gallery or Google Photos.
- Translation (on Pixel and some newer models): Open the screenshot in Google Photos, select Google Lens, and tap translate. It supports dozens of languages and is useful for translating images from apps, websites, menus, etc.
How to take screenshots depending on the mobile brand
Each manufacturer may add their own methods. Below is a comprehensive guide for the most popular brands:
Samsung
- Standard method: Power button + volume down.
- old models: Power + physical home button.
- Hand gesture: Turn it on in Settings > Advanced features > Motions & gestures > Palm swipe to capture. Swipe the edge of your hand from right to left or vice versa across the screen.
- Scrolling Capture: After capturing, tap “Scrolling Capture” to zoom in on the image.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
- Classic combination: Power + volume down.
- Three Finger Gesture: Swipe down the screen with three fingers. Activate this in Settings > Additional Settings > Gesture Shortcuts > Three-finger screenshot.
- Notification bar: Use the shortcut in the quick settings panel.
Huawei and Honor
- Usual method: Power + volume down.
- Knuckle Catch: Double-tap the screen with your knuckle to capture. You can activate additional partial capture features by drawing a line or circle.
- Swipe three fingers: Swipe down with three fingers if you have the gesture enabled in settings.
Motorola
- Classic: Power + volume down.
- Swipe three fingers: Some models allow you to capture with a three-finger swipe from the top of the screen. Enable this in Settings > System > Gestures > Three-finger capture.
OnePlus, OPPO and Realme
- Main: Power button + volume down.
- Three Finger Gesture: Swipe down with three fingers. Set up via Settings > Buttons & gestures > Quick gestures.
Sony
- Shutdown menu option: Press and hold the power button and choose “Screenshot” from the pop-up menu.
- Or alternative: Power + volume down.
LG
- Standard combination: Power + volume down. Note: On some models, the buttons are located on the back.
- QMemo+: Tool included in most models that allows you to capture and write directly on the screen.
Google Pixel
- Main: Power + volume down.
- Quick tap: Double-tap the back of the device (requires setting it up in Settings > System > Gestures > Quick tap > Take screenshot).
- Power menu: Press and hold the power button and choose “Screenshot” (available in two-button navigation).
- Displacement: After capturing, select “Capture More” to take extended captures.
- Translations: Google Photos lets you use Google Lens to translate text in a screenshot.
ASUS, Nokia, BQ, ZTE (and other less common brands)
- Standard method: Power + volume down.
- On older models, the volume button may be on the back.
If your brand isn't listed here or none of these methods work for you, check your power and volume combination, explore the shortcut menu, or consult your specific model's manual, as most models vary very little.
Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting with Screenshots
- No combination works? An app may restrict capture (for example, banking or protected apps). Try capturing from the accessibility app or using a third-party app, although always respect the privacy and policies of each app.
- Problems with physical buttons: If a button is broken, use gestures, the accessibility menu, or the Google Assistant.
- Edit screenshots automatically: Some brands allow you to edit, add text, censor information, or highlight parts of the image immediately after capturing it. Explore the editor that opens after capturing or access it from the gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screenshots on Android
- Where are screenshots saved? Usually in the "Screenshots" folder of the image gallery or in Google Photos.
- Can I share a screenshot directly after taking it? Yes, from the thumbnail that appears or from the gallery using the share icon.
- Can you take screenshots of videos? Yes, although it may vary depending on the app where you play the video (some apps block it due to copyright issues).
- What do I do if I press the buttons and nothing happens? Check that there are no missing permissions, that the buttons work, and try alternative methods (gestures, accessibility, or external apps).
Mastering screenshots on Android is easy if you know all the options your device offers. The evolution of Android allows Capture, edit, share, and manage screenshots increasingly comfortable and efficient, adapting to all circumstances and needs. No matter the brand or model, there's sure to be an ideal method for you, whether using physical buttons, smart gestures, virtual assistants, accessibility shortcuts, or external applications. Explore your options and make the most of them!