Owners of Chinese brand smartphones often look for an answer to the question of how to take a screenshot on ZTE, since the interfaces of these devices may differ from standard stock Android. The company's developers are implementing their own MiFavor shell, which makes adjustments to the system management logic. This applies not only to the appearance of the menu, but also to the methods of capturing the screen image. Understanding these nuances will allow you to quickly save the information you need without installing third-party software.
There are several proven methods for taking screenshots, each of which is suitable for certain situations. Some users prefer classic keyboard shortcuts, while others appreciate the convenience of gestures or voice control. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options for series models Blade, Nubia and other lines. You will learn not only how to take screenshots, but also how to properly manage their saving and editing.
It is worth noting that the functionality may vary depending on the installed version of the operating system. Newer models running Android 10, 11 and higher offer enhanced capabilities compared to previous generations of devices. However, the basic principles remain the same for most gadgets. Let's look at the main methods in detail.
Classic method using physical buttons
The most common and universal method that works on 99% of smartphones running Android, including devices from ZTE. It does not require preliminary configuration and is available immediately after turning on the device. To implement this method, you must use the physical keyboard of the device.
You will need to simultaneously press two buttons: Volume down and Power. The pressure should be short but clear. If you hold them down for too long, the phone may perceive this as a command to reboot or call up the emergency call menu.
Successful completion of the action is accompanied by the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is on) and short-term vibration. A thumbnail of the photo you took will appear on the screen, usually in the top or bottom corner of the display. This is a signal that image saved in the gallery.
In some older models of the series ZTE Blade with very early versions of Android, the combination could be different. Previously, long-pressing the Home button together with the power button was used. However, for modern devices this method is no longer relevant.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to take a screenshot while playing a video in some protected applications (for example, Netflix or banking services). In this case, instead of an image, you will get a black screen due to DRM content protection.
Using the quick settings panel and menu
If the physical buttons of your smartphone are damaged or you prefer software control, you can use the built-in functionality of the interface. The MiFavor shell installed on ZTE often has a convenient control panel.
To access it, you need to unlock the screen and swipe from top to bottom to open notification curtain. Some firmware versions require you to double-swipe to reveal the full list of quick switches. Among the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons, you need to find an icon called “Screenshot” or an image of scissors.
After clicking on this icon, the system will instantly take a snapshot of the current display contents. This method is especially convenient when it is difficult to hit the button combination with one hand. In addition, it eliminates the risk of accidentally changing the volume during the process.
Another option for accessing the function is through the multitasking menu. On some ZTE models, when you open the list of running applications (the square navigation button or a delayed swipe from below), an additional toolbar appears above the application window. There may be a button for taking a screenshot.
If you often take screenshots, add the “Screenshot” widget to your desktop. To do this, hold your finger on an empty area of the screen for a long time, select “Widgets” and find the corresponding tool in the list of system ones.
Smart gestures function on ZTE
The MiFavor shell is famous for its gesture control capabilities, which makes using the smartphone more convenient. The Smart Gestures feature allows you to take screenshots without touching buttons, using only finger movements on the screen.
To activate this feature, you need to go to settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Smart assistance → Gesture control. In the list that opens, you need to find the item “Screenshot with three fingers” or “Screenshot with the letter V” and move the switch to the active position.
After activation, you will be able to take screenshots in the following ways:
- 🖐️ Swipe three fingers from top to bottom in the center of the screen - an instant snapshot of the active area.
- ✍️ Draw the letter "V" with your finger on a switched off or locked screen (Black Screen function) - allows you to quickly take a photo and save it.
- 👆 In some versions, you can draw the letter "S" to create a long screenshot.
Using gestures significantly speeds up work, especially when the phone is on the table. However, you should be careful: accidentally swiping three fingers while playing a game or viewing a photo can lead to unintended screenshots.
☑️ Setting up gestures for screenshots
Creating long screenshots (scrolling)
Often there is a need to save a long correspondence in a messenger, an article in a browser or a social network feed. A regular screenshot captures only the visible part of the screen. To solve this problem, ZTE provides a function long screenshot or scroll.
First, take a regular screenshot in any convenient way (buttons or gesture). Immediately after this, a floating window with a thumbnail will appear in the corner. In this window, you need to click on the button with two down arrows or the “Scroll” icon.
The system will automatically start scrolling the page down, “stitching” the image into one long picture. The process will stop when you touch the screen or when the page content runs out. After this, the long image will be saved in the gallery.
It is important to understand that not all applications support this feature. For example, in some games or static menus, scrolling may not work. In such cases, you will have to take several regular screenshots manually.
⚠️ Attention: The long screenshot function may not work correctly in applications with dynamically loaded content. If the tape “jerks” or the image turns out blurry, it is better to use the standard method.
Voice control and additional methods
Modern ZTE smartphones are equipped with powerful voice assistants that can execute system commands. This is especially convenient when your hands are full or the phone is far away.
To use this method, make sure that Google Assistant or ZTE's proprietary voice assistant is activated in the settings. Just say "Hey Google, take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The system will recognize the command and perform the action.
It is also possible to use a stylus (if the model supports it, for example, some versions of Nubia). In the pen settings, you can assign a double click on the stylus button as a command to take a screenshot.
For advanced users who have connected a smartphone to a computer, the via method is available ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This requires enabling USB debugging and installing drivers on the PC.
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.pngThis command will take a screenshot and save it to the root of the internal memory. The method is complicated for the average user, but indispensable when debugging applications or remote control.
What to do if screenshots are not saved?
If the phone memory space is full, new images may not be saved. Check your storage space. There may also be a problem with the permissions of the Gallery application - try clearing its cache in the application settings.
Where to find and how to edit taken pictures
After taking a screenshot, it is important to know where to find it. By default, all images are saved in the system Gallery or Photos application. Inside the application, you need to go to the “Screenshots” album.
The Android file system also allows you to find an image through the explorer. The path to the file usually looks like this: Internal memory → Pictures → Screenshots or Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots.
The built-in image editor in ZTE allows you to immediately after creation screenshot, perform basic actions:
- ✂️ Cropping: remove unnecessary edges or hide confidential information.
- 🖍️ Drawing: highlight important details with a marker or add text.
- 📤 Share: send the file to messenger or social network with one touch.
It is better to do editing right away, while the thumbnail is still on the screen. This will save time searching for a file in the gallery later.
The built-in ZTE editor allows you not only to crop the image, but also to blur individual areas, which is critical for protecting personal data before sending a screenshot.
Table of combinations and methods for different models
To systematize the information, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly determine the appropriate method for your specific ZTE smartphone model.
| Model / Series | Main method | Additional method | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTE Blade A (A31, A7, etc.) | Volume down + Power | Three-finger gesture | Standard MiFavor shell |
| ZTE Nubia (RedMagic, Z series) | Volume down + Power | Floating Game button Space | Advanced gaming functions |
| Old models (Android 6-7) | Home + Power (sometimes) | Shutdown menu | Paths may differ settings |
| All models (Android 10+) | Volume down + Power | Google Assistant | Support for long screenshots |
Using current methods allows for maximum efficiency exploit the capabilities of your device. If standard combinations do not work, check system updates in the section Settings → About phone → Software update.
Remember that the interface may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version. Always check the official manuals for your specific device modification if the standard paths do not match.
Use cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex Drive) to automatically synchronize the screenshots folder. This will free up phone memory and protect data in case the device is lost.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is Android's security protection mechanism. Banking applications, browser incognito modes, and some streaming services block the creation of screenshots to protect sensitive user data from interception.
Where do the screenshots go if I can’t find them?
Check the “Screenshots” folder in the Gallery application. If it is empty, open the file manager and follow the path Internal Storage/Pictures/Screenshots. It is also possible that the folder is hidden or the file is damaged.
Is it possible to take screenshots in split screen mode?
Yes, on ZTE with Android 8.0 and higher this is possible. The screenshot will capture both open applications at once. However, long scrolling functions are generally not available in this mode.
How to disable the click sound when taking a screenshot?
You cannot completely disable this sound in the camera or sound settings, as this is a system requirement. However, you can put your phone into silent mode or Do Not Disturb mode before taking a photo.
How much do screenshots weigh and do they take up a lot of space?
The weight of one screenshot depends on the screen resolution and the complexity of the image. On average, one file takes from 200 KB to 2 MB. A thousand screenshots can take up to 2 GB of memory, so periodically use unnecessary ones.