Every possible way to take a screenshot on your Android smartphone

If your friend tells you they’ve seen something funny on the internet, it is more likely for you to ask them for a screenshot than a link. While they’re helpful when you want to get straight to the point, screenshots are particularly vital when you want to keep payment records handy, travel tickets in place, or even send a juicy conversation for your group chat.

But if you’ve switched phones or are dealing with a brand-new handset, you might be struggling to figure out its basic functions — including taking a screenshot. And, of course, every Android phone maker has its own distinct way of capturing the screen. Keeping that in mind, we have curated a list of every way you can take a screenshot on your Android smartphone — yes, all of them!

How to take screenshots on an Android phone

Like iOS, there is a general way to take a screenshot on your Android smartphone. But there are many other ways you can try if that doesn’t work out for you. Below, we’ve listed all the ways you can capture screen on your device, no matter which smartphone you use. Check them out: 

Power and volume down button: The tried and tested way of taking a screenshot on any Android smartphone is holding the power and volume down button. If this method works for you, you will see a minimised version of your screen flash and float at the bottom of the page. This method should typically work for you, whether you’re using a Google, OnePlus or Xiaomi.  

Gesture screenshot: Some devices have an option to take a gesture screenshot. Swiping three fingers on your screen could capture a screenshot on your smartphone. However, if this doesn’t work for you, you can try using a palm swipe across your screen.

Several devices also allow you to set a gesture of your choice. Depending on the make of your phone, you can set a custom gesture on your device. If you’re using a Samsung device, you can access this by tapping on Settings > Advanced Features > Motion & Gestures to set one for yourself. 

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Shortcut screenshot: Many Android smartphones today have a shortcut to screenshot within their pull-down menu. If you don’t find it there, you can check and customise your shortcuts to add one for screenshots on your smartphone.  

Voice-activated screenshot: We’re no strangers to the tricks Google Assistant is equipped to do. You can set a routine to get a screengrab with custom prompts on your Google Home app. All you have to do is launch the app, Add Automations and tap on Personal. Once you’re through, you can name your routine and add a voice starter to get things rolling. 

While we’re sure more than one of these methods is bound to work for you, keep in mind that certain apps don’t allow you to capture screenshots owing to their privacy and limitations.