How to reassign the screenshot button on Android: all methods 2026

The standard combination for taking screenshots on Android (Volume down + Power) has long become familiar, but not always convenient. If you actively use screenshots for work, streaming, or simply press this combination more often accidentally than consciously, it’s time to change it. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to reassign the screenshot button: from built-in functions of manufacturers to manual methods with ADB and third-party applications.

It is important to understand that reassignment capabilities depend on the version. Android and shell manufacturer. For example, on Samsung One UI some options are available, and on MIUI from Xiaomi others. We will look at universal solutions and specific ones for popular brands, and also warn about the pitfalls of each method.

1. Standard Android settings (no root)

Starting Android 12, Google added limited support for remapping buttons through the menu Accessibility. This method does not require superuser rights and works on most pure Android devices (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia).

To change the screenshot combination:

• 📱 Open Settings → Accessibility → Settings buttons.
• 🔄 Find the section Key combinations or Quick actions (the name may vary).
• 🖼️ Select Screenshot and assign a new combination (for example, Double tap on the back panel to Pixel or Volume up + Power).

Method limitations: not all manufacturers support this function. For example, on Samsung and Xiaomi in the standard settings you cannot reassign the screenshot button - alternative methods will be required.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, OnePlus s OxygenOS), the change in combinations may be reset after a system update. Check the settings after each update.

2. Reassignment through manufacturer settings

Some shells offer flexible button settings. Let's consider options for popular brands:

As can be seen from the table, only Google Pixel and ASUS offer flexible settings On other devices, third-party solutions will be required.

3. Using ADB (without root)

For advanced users, the best method is commands ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on most devices with Android 10+, but requires connection to a PC.

Instructions:

1. 🖥️ Install ADB Tools on the PC and enable USB Debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
2. 🔌 Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed).

3. 📝 To reassign the screenshot to Volume up + Power, use:

   adb shell settings put global screenshot_combo power,volume_up

   Acceptable values: power,volume_up, power,volume_down, power,home (on devices with a physical button Home).

Important: after rebooting the device, the settings may be reset. To commit the changes, use the command:

adb shell settings put global screenshot_combo_persist 1

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Exynos) ADB commands for reassigning buttons are blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, this will help. only root.

USB debugging is enabled|ADB drivers are installed on the PC|The phone is connected in file transfer mode|A backup copy of the data has been created-->

4. Third-party applications (with and without root)

If standard methods do not work, consider top applications. options:

• 🛠️ Button Mapper (requires ADB or root):
  • Supports reassigning any hardware buttons.
  • Can assign a screenshot to Long press on Volume or Triple press on Power.
  • Works on Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus.
• 🎛️ Tasker (without root, but difficult setup):
  • Allows you to create a task for a screenshot by gesture, timer or voice command.
  • Requires a plugin AutoInput to emulate clicks.
• 🖱️ MacroDroid (simplified analogue of Tasker):
  • You can set up a screenshot by shaking device or flip.
  • Does not require root, but some triggers only work on Android 11 and lower.

Recommendation: For maximum reliability, use Button Mapper with ADB. is not available, try MacroDroid with a gesture trigger.

5. Reassignment via root (advanced method)

If you have root access, the possibilities are endless. You can edit system files or use modules Magisk.

Instructions for Magisk:

1. 📱 Install Magisk Manager and the module Button Mapper Reborn.
2. 🔧 Go to the module settings and select Key Remapper.
3. 🖼️ Find the action Screenshot and assign it to any combination (for example, Volume up + Volume down).
4. 🔄 Reboot the device.

To manually edit system files:

1. Open /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl in a text editor with root access (for example, Mixplorer).
2. Find lines:

   key 115   VOLUME_UP
   key 114   VOLUME_DOWN

   and add after them:

   key 115,116 SCREENSHOT # Volume up + Power
   key 114,116 WAKE_DROP # Volume down + Power (turn off the standard screenshot)

3. Save the file and reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (looping loop) Always make a backup copy of the original file!

6. Alternative ways to take a screenshot

If reassigning a button does not work, consider alternative methods for taking screenshots:

• 👆 Palm gesture (on Samsung i LG): swipe the edge of your palm across the screen on the right to the left.
• 🎤 Voice assistant:
  • For Google Assistant: say Okay, Google, take a screenshot.
  • For Bixby (Samsung): Hi Bixby, take a screenshot.
• 🖱️ Via PC: connect your phone via USB and use Vysor or scrcpy to take screenshots from your computer.
• ⏱️ Delayed screenshot (in some firmware): hold Volume down + Power 2 seconds for the timer.

Tip for gamers: If you stream games, use Screen Recorder with function tap screenshot (for example, AZ Screen Recorder). This is more convenient than buttons and does not interrupt the gameplay.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When reassigning buttons, users encounter common errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

adb shell settings put global screenshot_combo_persist 1

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Is the firmware updated to the latest version?
• 🔒 Are there any active security policies (for example, Knox on Samsung or Work Profile)?
• 🛠️ Does an antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security) conflict with the button settings?

FAQ: Answers to popular questions