Creating screenshots on Android is one of the most common operations, but standard button combinations (Power + Volume Down) are not always convenient. This is especially true for users with disabilities, owners of smartphones with faulty physical buttons, or those who simply want to optimize the process. Fortunately, Android offers several ways to reassign or replace the standard combination - from built-in functions to third-party applications.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for changing screenshot buttons, including:

  • 🔧 Usage gestures and virtual buttons in the system settings
  • 📱 Applications for customization (including Button Mapper i Tasker)
  • 🔄 Alternative ways to create screenshots without changing buttons
  • ⚙️ Solutions for devices with root access and custom firmware

Important: not all methods work on all versions of Android and smartphone models. For example, Xiaomi and Samsung have unique proprietary settings, and on Google Pixel Some functions may be blocked. We will indicate features for popular brands in the appropriate sections.

📊 What combination of buttons do you use for screenshots?
Power + Volume Down
Three fingers on the screen
Virtual button in the notification panel
Application side
Another method

1. Standard Android settings: gestures and virtual buttons

Many manufacturers add them to their shells. alternative ways to take screenshots that can be enabled without installing additional applications. These methods do not change the purpose of the physical buttons, but offer convenient alternatives.

For example, on smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI), Realme (Realme UI) and Oppo (ColorOS) a gesture is available "three-finger swipe down". activate it:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures and movements (the path may differ depending on the shell version).
  2. Find the option Screenshot with a three-finger gesture and enable it.
  3. Test: swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom.

On Samsung (One UI) a similar function is called Palm swipe and is located in Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures. Here you can select the direction of the swipe (from left to right or right to left).

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If the gesture works accidentally (for example, when scrolling through a feed on social networks), reduce the sensitivity in the settings or disable the function for specific applications.

Brand Function name Path in the settings Supported versions Android
Xiaomi Screenshot with three-finger gesture Additional functions → Gestures and movements MIUI 10 and later (Android 9+)
Samsung Palm swipe Additional functions → Movements and gestures One UI 2.0 and later (Android 10+)
Google Pixel Button in the notification panel Settings → System → Gestures Android 12 and newer
Realme/Oppo Three-finger swipe Settings → Convenience → Gestures and movements Realme UI 2.0 / ColorOS 11+

On Google Pixel and some other smartphones with “pure” Android in the notification panel can a virtual button will be displayed Screenshot. If it is not there, check the quick panels settings in Settings → Notifications → Notification panel.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Huawei with EMUI) gestures for screenshots may conflict with other functions, such as smart swipe or separation. screenIn this case, you will have to select the priority option.

2. Applications for reassigning buttons (without root)

If built-in gestures are not enough, you can use third-party applications. They allow you not only to add new ways to take screenshots, but also completely reassign physical buttons (for example, take a screenshot by double-clicking a button). power supply).

The most reliable solutions:

  • 🔄 Button Mapper — allows you to assign actions to any hardware buttons, including Power, Volume and Bixby (on Samsung). Supports creating screenshots by long/double press.
  • 🤖 Tasker —an advanced tool for automation. You can configure the creation of a screenshot by any trigger. (for example, shaking the phone or voice command).
  • 📸 Screenshot Touch — adds a floating button to the screen for quickly taking screenshots.

Let's look at the setting using an example Button Mapper:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Grant permission to Accessibility (needed to intercept button presses).
  3. Select the button you want to reassign (for example, Volume Down).
  4. In the list of actions find Take Screenshot and save the settings.

Disable power saving mode (may block the application)

Grant all requested permissions

Test the new combination in safe mode (without important tasks)

Create a backup copy of the settings (in the application menu)-->

For Tasker you will need to create a task with an action Take Screenshot and link it to a trigger. For example, you can configure the creation of a screenshot by:

  • 🔊 Voice command (via Google Assistant)
  • 🕹️ Pressing on a connected keyboard or gamepad
  • 📍 Geolocation (for example, automatically take a screenshot when entering a certain place)
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi and Huawei) block the operation of applications for reassigning buttons in the background. In this case, you will have to open the application each time before using it or add it to the battery optimization exclusion list.

3. Alternative ways to create screenshots (without changing buttons)

If you can’t reassign buttons, you can use alternative methods. They do not require changes in settings and work on most devices.

The most universal options:

  • 🖥️ Google Assistant: say “Okay, Google, take a screenshot”. Works on Android 9+ with installed. Google App.
  • 🔗 ADB command: connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

    The file will be saved in the root folder of the device.

  • 🎮 Game launchers: in Game Tools (on Xiaomi) or Game Launcher (on Samsung) there is a built-in screenshot function for games.
  • 🌐 Web version: for some applications (for example, VK or Telegram) you can take a screenshot via the web version on your PC and send it to yourself.

For users Samsung another method is available - Smart Select in the toolbar Edge Panel. To enable it:

  1. Open Settings → Features → Edge panels.
  2. Add a panel Smart Select.
  3. Call the panel by swiping from the edge of the screen and select the area for screenshot.
How to take a screenshot on a broken screen?

If the touchscreen does not work, but the phone turns on, connect it to the PC and use the ADB command or specialized apps like Vysor (control from the computer). charging, try taking a screenshot on a timer via Google Assistant (if the voice assistant was configured in advance).

4. Reassigning buttons on devices with root access

If your smartphone has root access or custom firmware (for example LineageOS), customization possibilities are expanded many times over. You can not only reassign buttons, but also create completely new combinations or even assign screenshots to fingerprint sensor gestures.

Popular tools for root users:

  • 🛠️ Xposed Framework with module GravityBox — allows you to fine-tune the behavior of buttons, including long presses and double taps.
  • 📱 Magisk Module "Button Mapper" —an analogue of the application of the same name, but with expanded capabilities for root.
  • 🔧 Tasker with the Secure Settings plugin —allows you to manage system settings, including button assignments.

Example of setup via GravityBox:

  1. Install Xposed Framework and the module GravityBox.
  2. Open GravityBox and go to the section Button actions.
  3. Select a button (for example, Volume down) and assign an action Screenshot.
  4. Save the settings and reboot the device.

For Magisk:

  1. Install the module Button Mapper for Magisk via Magisk Manager.
  2. Go to the module settings and select the button to reassign.
  3. In the list of actions, find Take screenshot and apply the changes.
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On devices with root, you can assign a screenshot even to non-standard actions, for example, double-clicking the camera button or holding the Home button. However, do not forget that root access may break the operation of some applications (for example, banking).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect reassignment of system buttons (for example, Power) may cause device freezing or the inability to turn it off. Always leave at least one working combination for rebooting (for example, Power + Volume Up).

5. Features for specific brands

Manufacturers often add unique functions for screenshots that are not found in standard Android. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

In addition to the three-finger gesture, the following are available: Xiaomi available:

  • 📏 Scrolling screenshot: after creating a regular screenshot, tap on the thumbnail in the notification and select Scrollingto capture a long page.
  • 🔍 Mode "Tools": in some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) you can add a screenshot button to the toolbar, which is called by swiping on diagonal.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung there is a unique function "Smart Capture"that allows you to:

  • 🖼️ Crop the screenshot immediately after creation.
  • 📝 Add text or pictures on top of the image.
  • 🔄 Take scrolling screenshots (similar to Xiaomi).

To enable Smart Capture, go to Settings → Additional functions → Smart capture.

Google Pixel

On Pixel available "Mode. markings" (Markup, which automatically opens after taking a screenshot Here you can:

  • 🎨 Draw with a pen or marker.
  • 🔍 Crop or rotate the image.
  • 📋 Add text notes.

Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

On devices Huawei screenshots can be taken:

  • 👆 Gesture "tapping with two fingers" (configurable in Settings → Motion Control → Screenshot).
  • 🔧 Through Knuckle Sense — tapping your knuckles on the screen (available on flagships like Mate 40 Pro).
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei with HarmonyOS standard Android applications for reassigning buttons (for example, Button Mapper) may not work due to operating system limitations.

6. Solving problems when reassigning buttons

If, after changing the settings, screenshots are no longer created or the buttons do not work correctly, use these tips:

Problem 1: Buttons do not respond after reassignment

  • 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes changes are applied only after reboot.
  • 🛠️ Check whether the new assignment does not conflict with other functions (for example, Double click on power supply for the camera).
  • 🔧 Disable power-saving mode - it can block background applications.

Problem 2: Screenshots are created, but not saved

  • 📁 Check application permissions to access the storage.
  • 🗑️ Clear the application cache Gallery or Google Photos.
  • 🔍 Make sure there is enough free space on your device.

Problem 3: Gestures work randomly

  • ⚙️ Reduce the sensitivity of the gesture in the settings.
  • 🚫 Disable the function for specific applications (if supported).
  • 🔄 Try a different gesture (for example, instead of a three-finger swipe, use two-finger tap).

If none of the methods helped, return the default settings:

  1. Open the application that you used to reassign (for example, Button Mapper).
  2. Find the option Reset to factory settings or delete all custom assignments.
  3. Reboot the device.
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If after resetting the buttons still do not work, check if there are any applications installed on the device to block ads or change system settings (for example, AdGuard or LSPosedThey may). conflict with button settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing screenshot buttons

Is it possible to reassign screenshot buttons on Android without root?

Yes, but the possibilities are limited:

  • Use gestures (three-finger swipe, palm swipe).
  • Set third-party applications like Button Mapper or Screenshot Touch.
  • Add virtual button to the notification panel (on some firmware).

However, completely reassign physical buttons (for example, take a screenshot by clicking on Increasing volume) without root is not possible on most devices.

Why did gestures for screenshots stop working after updating Android?

Manufacturers sometimes change the location of settings or remove certain functions after updates. Try:

  1. Find. a new version of the gesture in the settings (the path may have changed).
  2. Reset gesture settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset gestures).
  3. Install a third-party application for screenshots (for example, Screenshot Easy).

If the gesture disappeared after updating to a new version of Android (for example, from 11 to 12), check whether the manufacturer has added an alternative method (for example, a button in the notification panel).

How to take a screenshot on Android if the volume buttons do not work?

Solution options:

  • 🖥️ Use Google Assistant (voice command "Take a screenshot").
  • 👆 Set gesture (if the touchscreen works).
  • 🔌 Connect keyboard via OTG and assign a screenshot to one of the keys (for example, PrtSc).
  • 📱 Install the application with floating button (for example, Screenshot Touch).

If the power button also does not work, try connecting the phone to the PC and taking a screenshot through ADB or a app Vysor.

Is it possible to assign a screenshot to the Bixby button (on Samsung)?

Yes, but for this will require:

  1. Install the application BxActions or Button Mapper.
  2. Grant it permission to Accessibility.
  3. Select an action Take Screenshot for buttons Bixby.

Please note: on newer models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 and newer), the button Bixby may be software, and it will be more difficult to reassign it.

How to cancel scrolling screenshot, if it is taken automatically?

The scrolling screenshot is enabled either through the gesture settings or through the thumbnail in the notification panel after taking a regular screenshot. To disable it:

  • On Xiaomi: Settings → Additional features → Scrolling screenshot → disable the option.
  • On Samsung: Settings → Additional features → Smart Capture → disable Scrolling capture.
  • On Huawei: Settings → Motion control → Screenshot → disable Screen scrolling.

If the option does not turn off, try taking a screenshot and do not click on the thumbnail in the notification - this way scrolling will not be activated.