Screenshot Guide

How to Screenshot on Android

Learn the universal method that works on virtually all Android devices

Using Physical Buttons

This is the most common method for the vast majority of Android phones. Works across different manufacturers and Android versions.

Button Combination
Press the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time
Power
+
Vol Down
Hold both buttons for about 1-2 seconds until you see the screenshot animation

Step-by-step:

  1. 1. Locate the Power button (usually on the right side)
  2. 2. Find the Volume Down button (usually on the left side)
  3. 3. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously
  4. 4. Keep holding until you see the flash or hear the shutter sound
  5. 5. Your screenshot will be saved to the Gallery or Photos app

📱 Alternative Methods

Some Android devices also support:

  • • Three-finger swipe down gesture
  • • Palm swipe across the screen
  • • Voice commands (OK Google, take a screenshot)
  • • Quick settings panel screenshot button

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my screenshots on Android?

Screenshots are automatically saved to your device's internal storage. You can find them in the Gallery app, Photos app, or by opening your file manager and navigating to Pictures → Screenshots folder. Most Android devices also show a notification after taking a screenshot that allows you to view, edit, or share it immediately.

The Power + Volume Down method isn't working. What should I try?

If the standard method doesn't work, try these alternatives:

  • • Power + Home button (older Samsung devices)
  • • Three-finger swipe down (Xiaomi, OnePlus, some others)
  • • Palm swipe gesture (Samsung devices - enable in Settings)
  • • Assistant button + Volume Down (some LG devices)
  • • Pull down notification panel and tap the screenshot button

Check your device's Settings → Advanced features or Gestures section for screenshot options specific to your phone model.

How can I take a scrolling screenshot on Android?

Many modern Android devices support scrolling screenshots (also called "long screenshots"). After taking a regular screenshot:

  1. 1. Look for a "Scroll" or "Capture more" button in the screenshot preview
  2. 2. Tap it to automatically scroll down and capture more content
  3. 3. The phone will continue capturing until you tap "Stop" or reach the end

This feature is available on Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and many other Android devices. If you don't see this option, your device may not support it, or you might need to enable it in Settings.

Can I edit my screenshots immediately after taking them?

Yes! Most Android devices show a preview notification after taking a screenshot with options to edit, share, or delete. You can tap the edit button (usually a pencil icon) to crop, annotate, add text, or draw on your screenshot. Popular built-in editing features include cropping, adding arrows, highlighting text, and blurring sensitive information.

How do I enable palm swipe screenshots on Samsung devices?

To enable palm swipe screenshots on Samsung Galaxy devices:

  1. 1. Open Settings app
  2. 2. Go to Advanced features
  3. 3. Tap on Motions and gestures
  4. 4. Toggle on "Palm swipe to capture"

Once enabled, you can take screenshots by swiping the edge of your palm across the screen from left to right or right to left. Make sure your palm makes contact with the screen during the swipe motion.

Can I take screenshots using voice commands?

Yes, if you have Google Assistant enabled, you can say:

  • • "Hey Google, take a screenshot"
  • • "OK Google, capture my screen"
  • • "Hey Google, screenshot"

This method works when Google Assistant has the necessary permissions. You may need to grant screenshot permission to Google Assistant in your device settings. Note that this feature may not be available on all Android devices or in all regions.

Why are my screenshots blurry or low quality?

Screenshot quality issues can occur due to several reasons: your device's screen resolution settings, insufficient storage space, or app-specific restrictions. To improve screenshot quality, ensure your device's display is set to the highest resolution in Settings → Display → Screen resolution. Also, make sure you have adequate storage space available, as low storage can affect image processing quality.

Some apps won't let me take screenshots. Why?

Certain apps block screenshots for security and privacy reasons. This commonly happens with banking apps, payment apps, streaming services (Netflix, Disney+), and apps containing sensitive information. The restriction is built into the app itself and cannot be bypassed through normal means. This is a security feature designed to protect sensitive content and prevent unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material.

How can I take a screenshot of just one app window?

Unlike desktop computers, Android doesn't have a built-in feature to screenshot individual app windows since apps typically run in full-screen mode. However, you can crop your screenshots after taking them to focus on specific parts of the screen. Some Android devices also offer "Smart Select" or "Partial Screenshot" features that let you select specific areas of the screen to capture, which you can find in the Edge Panel (Samsung) or screenshot editing tools.