Hey Google, How do I take a screenshot on an Android device?

Taking a screenshot on your Android device seems like a simple task. You just press a few buttons and the screen is saved on your phone. However, Android devices are not as uniform as iPhones, so the methods may differ depending on the device manufacturer and the version of the operating system you are running.

Phones from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus all have built-in screenshot capabilities. And if you’re using the latest version of the Android operating system, you get even more features. Here’s how to take a screenshot on your Android phone.

How to Take a Screenshot on Any Android Phone

Google Pixel 4a 5G
(Credit: Steven Winkelman)

Newer Android devices have standardized the screenshot action to press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously. Others may ask you to press the power button and then select Screenshot in the menu.

On a Pixel phone, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open your recent apps, then tap Screenshot to capture the current application. Older phones with a physical home button on the front may require you to press the power and home buttons together.

If your phone has the Google Assistant, you can use a voice command to ask it to take a screenshot for you. Say something like “OK Google, take a screenshot” and the action is over.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with S Pen
(Credit: Molly Flores)

For Samsung Galaxy devices using the S Pen, you can hold down the S Pen button and doodle on the screen to take a screenshot. Another way is to remove the pen from the phone and press Smart selection in the menu. You can then choose between a square, free or circular capture area, then draw to capture the screen.

There will be a “flash” on the screen and the sound of a shutter (if you have sound on), then the shot should appear in your photo library.

Scrolling screenshot on Samsung Galaxy s20 FE
(Credit: PCMag)

By default, a screenshot will capture whatever is currently on the screen. If you want to capture an entire page, however, you’ll need to take a scrolling screenshot. Standardized in Android 12, all you have to do is take a screenshot and then wait for the screenshot toolbar to appear.

For devices running standard Android 12, like Google Pixel phones, tap the icon Capture more and drag the screenshot window until it captures the entire page. When ready, press To safeguard to finalize the screenshot. If you’re using a OnePlus phone, the screen will automatically scroll until you tell it to stop.

Scrolling screenshot on Google Pixel 6 Pro
(Credit: Google)

Things are slightly different for Samsung Galaxy devices. Take your screenshot and wait for the toolbar to appear. Tap the double down arrow icon to expand the single screen screenshot. You can keep pressing the same button to add as many screens as needed.

Your Android phone will also allow you to take a screenshot with certain gestures. However, the specific hand movement required differs by manufacturer.

Pixel 4a 5G and later phones have access to Quick Tap, a feature similar to Apple’s. Press Back. Reach Settings > > system gestures > a quick touchthen enable Quickly press and set the associated action to Screenshot. You can then take a screenshot by double tapping the back of your phone.

For Samsung Galaxy users, navigate to the screen you want to capture, then position your hand as you plan to karate chop the phone. Slide the whole side of your hand along the screen from left to right. Configure it (or disable it) in Settings > advanced features > motion and gestures > palm swipe to capture.

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You can capture your Motorola or OnePlus phone screen by swiping down with three fingers. Motorola owners can set it up from the hamburger menu in the Moto app. Faucet Motorcycle Actions and activate Three-finger screenshot. OnePlus users can open Settings > Buttons and gestures > Quick gestures and activate Screenshot hree-finger.

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Android accessibility menu on Samsung Galaxy S20 FE running Android 12
(Credit: PCMag)

If you want an easy-to-use button overlay, enable the Accessibility menu on your Android device. This will introduce a floating button that will give you the option to take a screenshot, navigate your screen, control volume, power off the device, and more.

With stock Android operating system, you can enable this feature from Settings > Accessibility menu > Accessibility, then enable the shortcut and grant the necessary permissions. OnePlus users will find accessibility features under Settings > systemwhile Samsung owners should look under Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and Dexterity.

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How to Use Android Screen Recorder

Screen recorder on Samsung Galaxy S20 FE running Android 11

If you’re having trouble getting a screenshot of a specific screen, you might have better luck using the built-in screen recording feature. For anyone running Android 11 or later, you can open the phone’s quick settings menu and tap screen recorderthen Start recording To record your screen. Once the video is captured, just take a screenshot of the video.

A toolbar will appear that will allow you to draw on the screen or turn on your front camera. The toolbar and selfie window can be moved around the screen as desired. For additional settings, long press the screen recorder quick settings icon.