With the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop and the subsequent version 5.1, Google has finally introduced a native function for creating screenshots, eliminating the need for users to install third-party utilities or obtain root access. However, the interface of this operating system is significantly different from modern versions, and gestures familiar to many may work differently or be absent altogether. Understanding how to take a screenshot on Android 5is critical for saving important information, correspondence or setup instructions.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of capturing images on devices with this OS version. We will look at not only standard key combinations, but also specific functions from manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi, and also discuss what to do if the hardware buttons are faulty.
It is worth noting that the lack of a uniform standard among shell manufacturers means that the same method on pure Android may not work on custom firmware. Therefore, below are universal solutions and special cases for popular models of that time.
Standard method through physical buttons
The most common method, which works on 90% of devices running Android 5.0+, is to simultaneously press two hardware keys. You need to hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button. You need to hold them for about one second until you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter or see a visual flash on the screen.
It is important to press the buttons simultaneously, and not sequentially. If you press volume first and then power, the phone will simply lock or change the volume level. On some models, for example, old Meizu or Lenovo, the combination can be inverted: the power button and the volume up button.
After successful capture, a notification about saving the image will appear at the top of the screen. By clicking on it, you can immediately go to the gallery to edit or send a file. If the image is not saved, check whether there is free space in the device's memory.
⚠️ Attention: Do not hold the buttons for too long (more than 3-5 seconds), since on many smartphones holding the power button for a long time will bring up the shutdown or reboot menu, which will interrupt the process of taking a screenshot.
If the volume buttons are stuck or do not work correctly, try lightly press on them at different points or clear the space around the keys from dust before trying to take a picture.
Using the quick settings panel
Unlike earlier versions of Android, the “five” now has a full-fledged quick settings panel, accessible through the notification shade. To use this method, swipe down from the very top of the screen to expand the panel completely. In some shells, you need to double-swipe or click on the pencil icon to edit tiles.
Among the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and flashlight icons, you should find a button called “Screenshot” or a scissors icon. Clicking this button will instantly create a snapshot of the current display contents. This method is ideal if the device's physical buttons are damaged or poorly placed.
If you don't see the icon you need in the top row, it may be hidden in the additional menu. Click on the edit icon (pencil or three dots) and drag the Screenshot tile into the active area. On devices Samsung Galaxy with the TouchWiz shell, this function could be called "Smart Capture" and require prior activation in the settings.
- 📱 Swipe down with two fingers to fully expand the menu on some tablets.
- 🔧 Look for an icon in the form of scissors or a camera in the quick list toggles.
- 🖊️ Use panel editing mode to add the missing button.
Voice control and assistants
Android 5.0 has made a big step forward in the development of the Google Now voice assistant. If you're set to launch with "Ok Google" or have a dedicated microphone button, you can take a screenshot without touching the screen. Just say the command "Take screenshot" or "Take screenshot."
The system will recognize the command and perform the action, however, this method requires an active Internet connection to process the voice on Google servers unless an offline package is downloaded. On devices with a poor microphone or in noisy rooms, recognition may not work the first time.
Some manufacturers, such as LG and Moto, have introduced their own voice commands. For example, on the LG G3 you could say "Quick Memo" to take a photo and immediately open it in the editor. Check your specific device's voice input settings for available commands.
⚠️ Warning: Voice control will not work if the microphone is blocked by another application or if you are in Do Not Disturb mode with a voice assistant restriction.
Manufacturer-specific gestures
Chinese manufacturers and major brands have often added their own unique features to Android 5. Control gestures allow you to take screenshots without using buttons, which is convenient for one-handed operation. However, these functions are often disabled by default and require manual activation.
On smartphones Xiaomi with the MIUI 6 or 7 shell (based on Android 5), a popular method was to swipe down with three fingers from top to bottom of the screen. The devices Meizu existed a swipe gesture from bottom to top with three fingers. Users Samsung could use the "Palm Swipe" function by swiping the edge of their palm across the display from left to right or vice versa.
To activate these functions, you must go to the settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Accessibility → Gestures and actions or Settings → Controls → Gestures and buttons. If the required item is not available, your model may not support this technology in hardware.
| Brand / Skin | Gesture type | Where to enable | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | 3 fingers down | Additional. settings | You can customize the action |
| Samsung (TouchWiz) | Palm edge | Control | Requires precise touch |
| Meizu (Flyme) | 3 fingers up | Special. features | Works only in applications |
| LG (UI) | QuickMemo+ | Top curtain | Opens the editor immediately |
Why doesn't the three-finger gesture work?
Often the reason lies in the fact that a thick protective cover is stuck on the screen glass that prevents the sensor controller from recognizing the simultaneous touch of three points. Try removing the case or glass to check.
Third-party applications for screenshots
If standard methods do not work or you need advanced functionality (for example, creating long screenshots or recording video from the screen), applications from Google Play come to the rescue. In the era of Android 5, utilities like Screenshot Easy or Screen Master.
were popular. Most of these applications require special permissions by connecting to a computer and entering an ADB command, since the Android 5 API did not yet allow applications to freely capture the screen without superuser rights. After a one-time setup via USB debugging, the application will be able to take pictures by pressing a floating button on the screen.
Using third-party software has its drawbacks: they consume battery power in the background, can show ads and sometimes conflict with other applications. However, this is the only way to get the "long screenshot" (page scroll) function on older versions of Android without root access.
- 📸 Screenshot Easy: allows you to take pictures by shaking the phone.
- ✂️ Screen Master: built-in editor and the ability to create collages.
- 🎥 SCR Screen Recorder: record video and capture frames from videos.
⚠️ Attention: When installing screenshot applications, carefully read the requested permissions. Avoid apps that require access to your contacts or SMS, unless this is due to their functionality.
☑️ Setting up ADB for screenshots
Where are screenshots stored and how to find them
After creating an image, it is important to know where it is saved. In Android 5, by default, all screenshots are placed in a folder Screenshots in the internal storage. They can be accessed through the standard “Gallery” application or any file manager.
A separate album called “Screenshots” or “Screenshots” is usually created in the gallery. If you don't see your files there, check the settings for displaying hidden folders in the file manager. Sometimes, when the memory is full, the system may not save the file and display an error.
To free up space, regularly delete unnecessary screenshots. They take up space just like regular photos. You can connect your phone to your computer and copy the folder /sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots to your hard drive for archiving.
The standard path to screenshots in Android 5: /sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots. If you are using a memory card, check whether saving there is configured in the camera or gallery settings.
Common problems and their solutions
Android 5 users often encounter a situation where a screenshot is not created at all. The most common reason is a lack of RAM or permanent memory. If the phone is full, the system will not be able to create a new image file.
Another reason is protected content. When you try to take a screenshot in a banking application, in incognito browser mode, or while watching a licensed video (Netflix, YouTube Premium), you will receive a black screen or a prohibition notification. This is anti-piracy protection built in at the DRM level, and it cannot be bypassed using standard means.
The problem may also be caused by a malfunction of the system process SystemUI. In this case, a simple reboot of the device helps. If the buttons are physically broken and gestures do not work, the only way out is to use a mouse emulator via an OTG cable or third-party apps with ADB access.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is due to Android security policy and copyright protection (DRM). Applications that work with confidential data (banks) or protected video content set a flag FLAG_SECUREthat prohibits the system from taking screenshots or recording video from the display.
Is it possible to take screenshots in Recovery mode?
No, in Recovery mode the standard Android graphical interface is not loaded, so button combinations and system screenshot functions do not work. To save error logs in this mode, you need to connect to your computer via ADB.
How to take a screenshot if the power button is broken?
Use the quick settings panel (curtain), the voice command "Ok Google, take a screenshot" or install an application that creates a floating button on the screen. You can also connect a mouse via an OTG adapter and use right-click emulation (if supported by the shell).
Where can I find deleted screenshots on Android 5?
Android 5 does not have a built-in gallery recycle bin. If you deleted a screenshot, you can only restore it using special data recovery applications (for example, DiskDigger), provided that the file was not overwritten with new information, or from a Google Photos backup if synchronization was enabled.
Does taking screenshots affect screen wear?
No, software-based screenshot creation does not have any effect physical impact on the screen matrix. The wear and tear of the display depends only on the time of its operation and the brightness of the backlight, but not on the number of saved images.