The operating system Android 7.0 Nougat, released in 2016, introduced many changes to the logic of the interface, but the basic principles of interaction with the screen remained familiar to most users. However, the question of how to capture an image from the display often causes difficulties among owners of smartphones of different brands. The variety of shells from manufacturers, such as MIUI, EMUI or TouchWiz, dictates its own management rules, which sometimes hides the standard functions of the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all existing methods for taking screenshots on devices running the seventh version of Android. You will learn not only about classic key combinations, but also about hidden features available through the developer settings or voice assistant. Understanding these nuances will allow you to work effectively with content, even if the physical lock button on your device is damaged or missing.
Taking a screenshot is not just about saving a picture, but an important tool for solving technical problems, communicating in instant messengers, or saving important information. On older devices, system performance can affect image processing speed, so it is important to know the best methods that do not lead to the interface freezing. Let's move on to a detailed examination of each method.
Classic combination of physical buttons
The most common and universal way to take a screenshot on any version Android, including the seventh, is to simultaneously press two hardware keys. Typically this is a power (or lock) button and a volume down button. The triggering mechanism requires precise synchronization: the buttons must be pressed simultaneously and held for about one second, but not too long so as not to call up the shutdown menu.
Hardware implementation may differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer. On some models Samsung or LG the response to pressing occurs instantly, while budget devices may require a longer hold. If the screen blinked and you heard the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is not turned off), it means that the picture was successfully saved in the gallery.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not created. This may be due to a software glitch or a specific application that prohibits screen capture for security reasons. In such cases, the system simply ignores the key press, and there is no visual confirmation of the action.
- 📱 Press and hold the Power and Volume Down button at the same time.
- 🔊 Wait for a beep or vibration to confirm the save.
- 🖼️ Check the notification at the top of the screen for quick access to the image.
- 🚫 Do not hold the buttons for too long so as not to activate the reboot menu.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with mechanical buttons, long pressing the combination can lead to a forced reboot of the system. Train a short press to get a stable result.
Using the quick settings panel
In version Android 7.0 the notifications and quick settings panel has received significant improvements, including the ability to customize tiles. If the physical buttons on your smartphone don't work properly or are awkward to press, you can use a software switch. To do this, you need to expand the notification curtain by swiping from top to bottom.
In the menu that opens, find the icon with the name Screenshot or Screenshot. In some shells, this tile may be hidden in a second or third menu, accessed by clicking on the pencil or plus sign. After activating the tile, the system will automatically take a snapshot of the current display contents without the use of physical keys.
This method is especially convenient when you need to take a series of screenshots in a row, as it does not require moving your hands. However, it is worth considering that on devices with low RAM, opening the panel may take an extra second, during which the content on the screen may change.
Settings → Notification panel → Buttons → ScreenshotMake sure that the tile is active and pinned to the main menu. If you can't find this feature, your device manufacturer may have decided to exclude it from the standard set, relying on hardware buttons.
If the Screenshot tile is not in quick settings, try editing the list of buttons through the edit menu (pencil icon) by dragging the desired element from the list of available ones into the active area.
Branded gestures and functions manufacturers
Many smartphone manufacturers are introducing their own unique management methods, which are often more convenient than standard solutions. Device owners Xiaomi, Huawei or Meizu can use special gestures programmed in the shell on top Android 7. These functions are usually disabled by default and require prior activation in the settings.
For example, in the shell MIUI the function of creating a screenshot by swiping three fingers down the screen is popular. This operation is intuitive and can be done with one hand, which is a big advantage on large displays. At the same time, devices Samsung of that era often supported the "palm" method, where you simply need to slide the edge of your palm across the screen from left to right or vice versa.
Activating such functions requires visiting the settings section dedicated to managing gestures. There you will find switches responsible for various actions. Enabling these options may slightly increase battery consumption due to constant monitoring of the touch layer, but ease of use usually outweighs this disadvantage.
| Brand / Skin | Gesture type | Where to enable | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | Three fingers down | Advanced → Gestures | High response speed |
| Samsung (TouchWiz) | Palm edge | Controls → Movements | Requires sensor calibration |
| Meizu (Flyme) | Three fingers down | Special. features | May conflict with scrolling |
| LG (UX) | Smart Doctor / QMemo+ | Notification panel | Advanced editing |
It is worth remembering that the sensitivity of the sensor on older devices may decrease over time. If the gesture stops working, try cleaning the screen surface or increasing the touch speed.
☑️ Setting up gestures on your smartphone
Google Assistant voice assistant
Starting with some updates, Google's voice assistant has the ability to control system functions, including taking screenshots. This is ideal for situations where your hands are full or physical buttons are not accessible. To use this function, just call the assistant with the command "Ok Google" or long press the "Home" button.
After activation, say the command "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot"if the interface is in English. The system will process the request and automatically save the image. This method works on “clean” Android 7 and most certified devices, but may not be available on some custom firmware from Chinese manufacturers.
Using voice control is also useful for people with disabilities who find it difficult to perform precise presses or complex gestures. The accuracy of speech recognition depends on the quality of the microphone and the noise level in the room, so in a quiet environment the method works almost flawlessly.
⚠️ Attention: Voice command may not work in applications that use protected output content (DRM), such as Netflix or banking applications. In such cases, the screen will remain black or the command will be ignored.
If the assistant responds that it cannot perform the action, check the permission settings for the Google application. Access to screen functions may have been restricted for privacy reasons.
Advanced methods via USB debugging
For users with technical knowledge, there is a method for taking screenshots through a computer using platform tools Android SDK. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC via a USB cable and enabling USB debugging mode in the developer menu. It allows you to take screenshots even on completely broken displays if the sensor is partially responsive.
First, you need to activate developer mode by clicking seven times on the build number in the section About the phone. Then, in the menu that appears, enable USB debugging. Once you connect your phone to your computer, you can use the command adb to capture an image directly into the computer's memory.
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png
The first command takes a photo and saves it to the device's internal memory in PNG format. The second command copies this file to your computer. This method guarantees that the image will be obtained in the original resolution without any system overlays or interface elements.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure that the ADB driver is installed, the cable is working, and the phone screen confirms debugging permission from this computer. Try a different USB port.
Use ADB also allows you to automate the process of taking screenshots using scripts, which can be useful for application testers or creating instructions. However, for the average user, this method may seem unnecessarily complicated.
Solving problems and missing power button
One of the common problems on older smartphones is the failure of the power button. In such a situation, the standard method of taking a screenshot becomes unavailable. Fortunately, in Android 7 and above, there are alternatives that allow you to bypass this malfunction without visiting a service center.
You can use the application Assistive Touch or its analogues, which create a floating button on the screen. This virtual button emulates physical keystrokes, including a screenshot combination. Installing such an application from Google Play takes a couple of minutes and solves the problem completely.
You can also use the function Accessibilitywhere you sometimes see the “Accessibility Menu” item. By adding it to the navigation bar, you will have access to the screenshot button right in the system interface. This software solution does not require root access and is safe for data.
- 🛠️ Install the virtual button application from the store.
- ⚙️ Activate the "Accessibility Menu" in Settings.
- 🔌 Use the method debugging ADB via computer.
- 🗣️ Rely on the Google Assistant voice assistant.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications to emulate buttons, grant them only the necessary permissions. Avoid apps with a dubious reputation so as not to compromise the security of personal data.
Even if the physical power button is completely faulty, taking screenshots is possible through software interfaces, voice control or connecting to a PC.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is privacy protection. Banking applications, incognito modes of browsers and streaming services block the ability to capture screens at the system level to prevent data leakage or content piracy.
Where are taken screenshots stored on Android 7?
By default, images are saved in a folder /Pictures/Screenshots in the internal memory. You can find them through the "Gallery" application or any file manager in the "Screenshots" album.
Is it possible to take a screenshot while watching a video?
Technically this is possible, but the result depends on the application. On YouTube or Netflix, you will get a black frame due to DRM protection. The screenshot will be saved normally in the local video player.
How to take a long (scrolling) screenshot on Android 7?
The "Long Screenshot" function was not standard for pure Android 7. It is only available in proprietary shells (for example, MIUI or EMUI). In pure Android, you will need a third-party application for scrolling and stitching images.
Does frequent taking screenshots affect memory wear?
No, modern smartphone flash memory is designed for a huge number of write cycles. Regularly taking screenshots will not affect the service life of your device's storage in any way.