How to Take A Screen Capture on Android

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Android devices are highly versatile and can be used to do various things. One of the essential tools that users often use is taking screen captures. A screen capture is an image of what is displayed on the screen of your smartphone. It is a convenient way of saving an image or piece of information that one can access later. Capturing the screen on an Android phone isn’t hard, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods of taking screenshots on your Android device.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to take a Screen Capture on Android

There are numerous reasons why you may need to take screenshots on your Android device. For instance, if you want to save information that you may not be able to access, such as maps directions or flight information, taking a screenshot is the easiest way of saving the information. Moreover, it could also be to show pictures, videos, or settings to other people when troubleshooting issues.

Method 1: Using the Power + Volume Down Buttons

Android devices have different buttons for taking screenshots, but commonly used ways are the combination of the Power and Volume down buttons.

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. Hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button together.
  3. Hold the buttons until you see the screen flash and/or hear the camera shutter sound.
  4. At this point, a notification will appear, letting you know that the screenshot was taken. You can tap on the notification to view the screenshot.

Pros:

  • It’s the easiest and most popular way to take screen captures on Android devices.
  • The process works on almost all Android devices that have a home button.

Cons:

  • It may be tricky using both buttons on some devices, and you could accidentally hit the wrong button.
  • If you press both buttons for too long, you may accidentally turn off the device.

Method 2: Using the Power Menu

For newer Android models, an added feature is the ability to take screenshots directly from the power menu.

  1. Open the page you want to take a screenshot of.
  2. Press and hold the power button for at least one second.
  3. The Power menu will appear with icons such as Power Off, Restart, and Screenshot. Tap on the screenshot icon.
  4. Once the screen flashes, you will see a notification that the screenshot was taken.

Pros:

  • It’s an easy and quick way to take screenshots without fumbling with buttons.
  • The feature has been added to modern phones to prevent accidental screenshots when trying to perform something else on the phone.

Cons:

  • This method is not available on most older phones.
  • The feature may not work on some Android models.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

If the above two methods don’t work or you want to have additional editing features such as adding text or editing images, you can download third-party screenshot apps.

  1. Go to the Google Play Store and download any free or paid screenshot app you want to use.
  2. Install the App and agree to any permissions requested.
  3. Open the app, set it up, and then use it to capture screenshots or recordings.

Pros:

  • Using third-party apps can provide you with additional editing features that are unavailable with the built-in Android screenshot feature.
  • Some third-party apps also come with their own cloud account where you can store and save your screenshots and recordings.

Cons:

  • The app could be limited to the versions or features that you are allowed without shelling out money in an in-app purchase.
  • The screenshot app may not work on low-end devices or older Android models.

What to Do If You Can’t Take a Screen Capture

If you are still not able to take a screen capture on your Android device, there could be other factors that are preventing it from working. Here are some possible fixes:

  • Restart your phone.
  • Make sure that your Android device is in good working condition and hasn’t run out of battery or storage space.
  • Update your Android device to the latest version.
  • Use another third-party app instead. Some brands such as Samsung offer device-specific screenshot features.
  • If all else fails, reach out to the brand manufacturer for assistance.

Bonus Tip

After taking screenshots, you don’t have to keep the whole image. You may want to crop, edit, or highlight specific areas. You can use the default image editor or download any third-party app from Google play for more editing features.

5 FAQs

Q1. How do I view my screenshots after taking them?

A: Once you take a screenshot, a notification will pop up on your device’s screen. You can swipe down to access the notification bar and tap the notification to view your screenshot. You can also find the screenshots in the “Screenshots” or "Gallery" folder in your phone’s storage.

Q2. Can I take screenshots while making a call?

A: No, you cannot take screenshots while making a call. The Android OS does not allow it.

Q3. What if my device is rooted – can I still take screenshots?

A: Yes, if your phone is rooted, you can still take screenshots using the inbuilt Android feature or third-party apps.

Q4. Can I take a long screenshot on Android?

A: Yes, some versions of Android have the scrolling screenshot feature for capturing all of the content on your screen, including what’s off-screen.

Q5. Can I capture a screen recording on an Android device?

A: Yes, you can easily record the screen of your Android device using apps such as AZ Screen Recorder or DU recorder.

Final Thoughts

Taking screenshots on Android devices is a fundamental feature that can be used to save information you come across on your phone. Whether it’s your favorite social media post, a funny meme, or important information, taking a screenshot can help you keep track of it all. In this guide, we’ve shown you several methods you can use to take a screenshot on your Android phone. So go ahead and try out these different ways to capture screenshots and see which one works best for you!

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