Instructions for Capturing a Screenshot on an Android Device
When it comes to Apple users, they can expect a consistent experience with each new iPhone model. However, Android users have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to makes and models. Consequently, figuring out how to take a screenshot on a new Android device is not always straightforward. In most cases, users can either utilize the physical buttons on their phone or rely on their virtual assistant to capture a screenshot. Regardless of whether you own a Samsung, Google, Motorola, or any other Android phone, here is a guide on how to take a screenshot on almost any Android device.
How to take screenshot using physical buttons
Most Android devices have a power button and a volume button – both phones and tablets. To take a screenshot of most of these, press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. The screen will flash and a screenshot preview will appear in the lower right corner. The image will go directly to the screenshot folder of your choice.
Taking a screenshot with gestures
Even though your Android phone doesn’t have them enabled by default, you can take a screenshot with hand gestures on many devices. On Samsung devices, turn on palm swipe to take a screenshot, then sweep your hand across the screen to take a screenshot.
Google Pixel phones (starting with Pixel 4a 5G and later) have a gesture called Quick Tap. This allows you to perform certain tasks just by double-tapping the back of the handset. You can find it by going to Settings, scrolling down to System and selecting Gestures. Click “Quick Tap to Start Actions” and toggle the switch to activate Quick Tap. This feature takes screenshots by default, but you can change it to several other functions if you want.
How to take a screenshot with a virtual assistant
Samsung’s Bixby and Google Assistant can take screenshots for you. Just say “Hey Google” or “Hey Bixby” and tell them to take a screenshot. With Google devices, you automatically get the option to share the image in any application of your choice. Bixby users can direct the assistant to share through a specific app by saying “Hey Bixby. Take a screenshot and share it on Instagram” and the like.
How to take a scrolling screenshot
Both Samsung and Google have built-in ways to take a scrollable screenshot. This means you no longer need to take multiple pictures of one long web page to share with your friends. To take a rolling screenshot, press the power button and the volume down button at the same time, and a preview of the screenshot will appear in the lower left corner.
On Google devices, it gives you the option to “photo more”. Samsung phones have an arrow pointing down. When you tap it, you’ll get a preview of the entire page where you can adjust the margins to include what you want.
Bonus for Samsung users
Samsung devices that come with the S Pen can take a screenshot with the pen like a remote control. Take out the S Pen, press its button for at least three seconds and wait for the screen to flash. From there you can edit your image, mark it with a pen or crop it the way you want.
