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How to Take a Screenshot on Android

Save an image of your Android screen for troubleshooting or other purposes

By Melanie Uy Melanie Uy Writer Queens College Harvard University Extension School Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 8, 2022 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Ask Google to Do It Press Power and Volume Simultaneously Use Your Phone's Built-in Shortcuts Install a Screenshot App Use Android Studio Screenshot Uses

What to Know

Easiest: Say, "OK, Google - take a screenshot." Under Apps, tap Upload to Photos to save on your device.Next easiest: Press and hold Power and Volume Down buttons.On some Samsung devices, swipe the edge of your palm across the screen from right to left.
This article explains how to take screenshots on an Android phone or tablet. Instructions apply to devices running Android version 4.0 or later.

Ask Google to Do It

Google Assistant will do the work for you. Just say, "OK, Google - take a screenshot." It will take the shot and send you immediately to quick share and messaging options, including social media apps you have installed, to quickly send the shot to someone else. If you prefer to save it on your device, look for the option under Apps to Upload to Photos.

Press the Power and Volume Down Buttons Simultaneously

Google introduced the screenshot feature with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). To take a screenshot, follow these steps: Navigate to the screen you want to record with a screenshot. Press the Power and Volume Down buttons quickly at the same time. (Getting this right might take some practice.) The screen might flash or appear to shrink slightly to indicate the screenshot has been taken. Look for the screenshot in your photo gallery or in a screenshots folder.

Use Your Phone' s Built-in Shortcuts

Some phones come with built-in apps and gestures. For example, on some Samsung devices, swipe the edge of your palm across the screen from right to left. How to Screenshot on Samsung Note 10

Install an App for Screenshots

If you don't have Android 4.0 or later on your phone, or if it doesn't have a built-in screenshot feature, install an Android app. Here are a few to try: Screen Capture Shortcut Free takes screenshots after a delay or when you shake the phone. No Root Screenshot It offers a widget and allows you to annotate, crop, and share screenshots. Screencap Root Screenshots (requires rooting). For more, search the Google Play Store for screenshot, screen grab, or screen capture.

Use Android Studio

You can take an Android screen capture on any compatible device by installing Android Studio from Google on your computer. This software development kit is used by developers to create and test Android apps, but it's freely available to everyone. You'll also need the Java SE Development Kit and, in some cases, USB drivers for your device (check for these on the manufacturer's website). Then, plug in the phone, run the Dalvik Debug Monitor (included in Studio), go to the Debug Monitor menu, and click Device > Screen Capture. This is a clunky way to take screenshots, but if nothing else works or you have Studio already set up, it's easy to use.

Screenshot Uses

A few examples of how you might use screenshots include: As a way to show tech support at a remote location what's going on with your phone. To save something you see on the internet that interests you or that you'd like to share as a photo.As evidence of phishing or threatening messages. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Take a Screenshot on LG Smartphones How to Take a Screenshot on Samsung How to Take a Screenshot on PS5 How to Take a Screenshot on a PC How to Take a Screenshot on the LG G Flex How to Take a Screenshot on a OnePlus Phone How to Take a Screenshot on Android 12 How to Turn Off an iPhone XR How to Take a Screenshot on Any Device How to Capture an iPad Screenshot How to Screenshot on Samsung S21 Android Screenshot Not Working? Try These Fixes How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot in Android 12 How to Calibrate the Touchscreen on Your Android How to Screenshot on Samsung A51 How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone 11 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies