How to take a screenshot of the 'Friend around' function on Android

Function "Friend Around" (or Nearby Share in more modern versions of the system) is one of the most convenient tools for quickly transferring files between devices based on Android. Users often encounter situations where they need to record the transfer status, save a QR code for pairing, or simply show friends a list of available devices within range. However, the standard interface of this service has its own characteristics that can make it difficult to take a screenshot using conventional methods.

The problem is that some interface elements Google Play Services or system data transfer dialogs can block the creation of screenshots for security reasons or due to the way the graphic layer is rendered. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to bypass these limitations and successfully save a screen image with the device search mode active.

You will learn how to use built-in keyboard shortcuts, the capabilities of the Quick Settings panel, as well as third-party utilities if standard methods do not work. We will look at the nuances of working with different shells, such as MIUI, One UI and ColorOS, where the logic of operation of system functions may differ from the stock one Android.

Standard key combinations on different devices

The most obvious and fastest way to take a screenshot on any smartphone is to use physical combination of buttons. In most cases, this method works flawlessly, even if you are in the menu Settings → Google → Settings for nearby devices. You need to simultaneously hold down the power button and the volume down button.

You need to hold the buttons for no more than one second. If you press them for too long, the phone may think you want to bring up the shutdown menu or launch the voice assistant. On some models, for example, from the company Samsung, the palm edge combination also works if this function is activated in the gesture settings.

It is important to note that when the file transfer mode is active, the screen may darken or blink for a split second, which is a visual confirmation of the successful image capture. The photo will be automatically saved in the gallery, usually in the album "Screenshots" or "Pictures".

• 📱 Press Power + Volume down at the same time for 1 second.
• 🖐️ On smartphones Samsung swipe the edge of your hand across the screen from right to left (if enabled in the settings).
• 🔘 On some devices Xiaomi you can take a screenshot, by swiping three fingers down the screen.

⚠️ Attention: If when you press the buttons, only the shutdown menu appears and the photo is not taken, try changing the order of pressing or make sure that the buttons are not physically stuck.

Using the quick settings panel

If physical buttons for some reason are inconvenient to use or they are damaged, the system Android offers a software analogue. You can pull down the notification shade twice to reveal the full Quick Settings panel. Among the many icons, there is almost always a button "Screenshot".

This method is especially useful when you need to take a screenshot of the exact moment when the “Friend Around” device search animation is displayed on the screen. Pressing the shutter icon often works more smoothly than physical buttons and does not block part of the screen with your fingers during capture.

After pressing the button, you will hear the characteristic sound of a camera shutter, and a thumbnail of the captured image will appear in the corner of the screen. From there, you can go straight to editing or share the file. This is an ideal option for those who prefer one-touch control.

In some custom firmware, such as MIUI ot Xiaomi or Funtouch OS ot Vivo, the location of this button may differ. Sometimes it is hidden in an additional menu, which opens by swiping to the right in the quick settings panel. Don’t be lazy to check all the available tiles.

Features of the “Friend Around” interface and limitations

Transfer function data has evolved, and is now tightly integrated with services Google. In some versions of the shell, when the transfer confirmation dialog box opens with a QR code or device name, the system may automatically block the creation of screenshots. This is done to protect the confidentiality of data during transmission.

If you see a black image instead of a screenshot or receive a notification that "taking screenshots is prohibited by security policy," then you are on a protected screen. Usually this concerns the stage of direct authorization of the device.

In this case, it is recommended to take a screenshot of the main menu of the function, where the list of devices is displayed, before the transfer itself begins. Or you can use the alternative methods described below, which bypass software locks at the system level.

Action	Probability of success	Risk of locking
Volume buttons	High	Low
Notification panel	Medium	Medium
Google Assistant	High	Low
Third-party applications	Depends on rights	High (requires settings)

⚠️ Attention: Interface and The name of the function may differ depending on the version Android. In new versions, this may be called Quick Share or have a logo Google.

Voice assistants for screen capture

Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced voice assistants that can execute system commands without tactile contact with the screen. This is especially true if you want to take a screenshot without losing focus during the process of setting up the Friend Around connection.

Simply activate the assistant by saying "Ok Google" or by holding the home button (depending on your device settings). After activation, clearly say the command: "Take a screenshot" or "Capture the screen". The assistant will instantly complete the request and save the image.

This method works at the system privilege level, so it often bypasses restrictions that may arise when pressing physical buttons in certain applications. It's also handy if your hands are busy holding a second phone for pairing.

Make sure your voice assistant settings allow system commands. Sometimes an active Internet connection is required for this function to work, since the request may be processed on servers Google.

What to do if the assistant does not understand the command?

Try changing the wording to “Take a photo of the screen” or check the interface language. Also make sure that the microphone is not blocked by other applications.

Third-party applications for screenshots

If the built-in smartphone tools for some reason do not cope with the task, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. There are many utilities, such as Screen Master, Assistive Touch or Button Saviorthat add floating buttons to the screen.

These applications run on top of other windows and can intercept the screenshot command even in situations where the standard interface blocks this action. However, for them to work fully, they often require special permissions in the menu Special Features.

When installing such software, carefully read the requests for data access. Some applications may request unnecessary permissions that are not needed to take screenshots. Choose only proven utilities with a high rating and a large number of reviews.

• 🛠️ Install an application like Screen Master from the official store.
• 🔓 Grant permission to "Overlay on top of other windows" in the settings.
• ⚙️ Set up a convenient gesture or floating button for quick access.

⚠️ Warning: Using third-party applications with broad access rights may reduce the overall security of the device. Delete them immediately after completing the task.

Alternative methods: Emulators and mirroring

In extreme cases, when you need to fix a complex bug or a specific state of the “Friend Around” interface that cannot be captured on the device itself, you can use the screen mirroring method to a computer. Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable and use the app Scrcpy or built-in tools of branded utilities (for example, Samsung Flow).

After the image from the phone appears on the computer monitor, you can use standard OS tools Windows (key PrintScreen) or macOS (Cmd + Shift + 4) to create a screenshot. This method guarantees a high-quality image without any system blocking on the part of the phone.

This method is also useful for creating step-by-step guide or guides, since the mouse cursor on a computer makes it easy to select the desired areas of the screen. This is a professional approach that technicians use.

Remember that for mirroring to work, you may need to enable the mode "USB Debugging" in the "For Developers" menu. Be careful when changing these settings if you are not sure of your actions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why does the screenshot turn out black when opening "Friend Around"?

This is due to the security policy Android. Some windows that contain sensitive data or use protected video output (DRM) block the contents of the screen buffer from being written. Try to take a photo at the stage of selecting a device, and not during the transfer.

Where are the taken screenshots stored on the phone?

By default, all screenshots are saved in the system gallery. Look for a folder named Screenshots or "Screenshots". The path to the file usually looks like /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.

Is it possible to take a long screenshot of the "Friend Around" settings menu?

Yes, many modern shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) support the "Long Screenshot" function or "Scroll". Immediately after taking a regular photo, click on the thumbnail that appears and select the down arrow button.

Does Do Not Disturb mode affect the creation of screenshots?

No, Do Not Disturb mode only affects notification sounds and vibration. It does not block system image capture functions, so you can safely take screenshots even when this mode is active.

How to send a screenshot to another person immediately after taking it?

Immediately after taking a picture, a thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen. Click on it and then select the Share icon. You can instantly send an image via instant messengers, mail, or the same “Friend Around”.