Modern smartphones have become an integral tool for work, communication and entertainment, and there is often a need to save images from the screen. The operating system Android 9 Piereleased by Google brought many improvements to device management, including more flexible options for taking screenshots. Users can use standard keyboard shortcuts, gestures, or voice control to capture the moment.
Depending on the manufacturer of your gadget, be it Samsung, Xiaomi or pure Android from Google, the methods may vary slightly. Some brands are introducing their own skins that add unique features such as long screenshot or editing right after creation. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively manage media content without installing third-party applications.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for creating screenshots on devices running Android 9. You will learn about classic methods, manufacturer-specific gestures, and ways to solve common problems if standard functions stop working.
Classic method using physical buttons
The most universal and time-tested method, which works on the vast majority of devices, is using a combination of physical buttons. On smartphones with Android 9 this function is built in at the system kernel level, so it should respond instantly. You need to simultaneously press the Power button and the Volume Down button.
It is important to follow the correct pressing technique: the buttons should be pressed at the same time and quickly released. Hold pressing the buttons for a long time usually results in the shutdown menu appearing or launching the voice assistant, rather than taking a photo. If you see the reboot menu, it means you held the buttons for too long.
Visual and audio feedback from the system will confirm the successful completion of the action. Typically, the screen flashes white, the characteristic sound of a camera shutter is heard, and a thumbnail of the captured image appears in the corner. This is standard behavior for stock Android and most shells.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with non-standard button layout (for example, a side fingerprint scanner combined with the power button), the response to pressing may be delayed. In this case, try pressing the buttons with a minimum interval, almost simultaneously.
After taking a screenshot, the system offers basic actions: editing, sending or deleting. This allows you to quickly process the image without opening the gallery. The functionality of the toolbar may vary depending on the installed launcher or the manufacturer's proprietary shell.
Using the quick settings panel
For users who are uncomfortable reaching for buttons or whose physical keys are faulty, Android 9 offers an alternative through a software interface. The Quick Settings panel contains a special switch that duplicates the function of creating a screenshot. This is especially true for devices with large diagonals, where it can be difficult to reach the buttons at the top.
To use this method, you need to swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel. Depending on your launcher settings, you may need to swipe or tap the edit icon again to find the icon you want. The icon is usually labeled as Screenshot or Screenshot and looks like an image of a phone with a dotted frame.
After clicking on the icon, the system will automatically take a snapshot of the current display contents. The main advantage of this method is that it does not require physical manipulation of the device body. This reduces the risk of accidental blurring of the image due to hand shake when pressing buttons.
If you do not find this button in the first row, check the hidden menu. Manufacturers often hide rarely used functions on the second page of the Quick Settings panel. There you can drag and drop elements, bringing the ones you need to the foreground for quick access.
Add the “Screenshot” button to the top row of the quick settings panel through the editing menu to always have access to it in one click, even if the volume buttons are busy adjusting the sound in the media player.
Specifics of screenshots on the Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
The company's devices Samsungworking on the base Android 9 with shell One UIoffer advanced capabilities for working with screenshots. In addition to the standard button combination, a system of intelligent gestures has been introduced here. One of the most popular is to swipe the edge of your palm across the screen from left to right or vice versa.
This feature, known as Palm Swipe to Capture, must be activated in the settings. It allows you to take screenshots in situations where using the buttons is inconvenient, for example, when the phone is lying on a table or in an awkward position. The gesture is recognized by the touch layer and does not require strong pressure on the screen.
Another unique feature Samsung is the ability to create Long screenshots. After a normal screenshot, a toolbar appears at the bottom, where you need to select the icon with two down arrows. The system will automatically scroll the page contents and merge several images into one long one.
| Function | Action | Where to find settings |
|---|---|---|
| Edge palm | Swipe the screen with an edge | Settings → Additional functions |
| Touch assistant | Virtual button on the screen | Settings → Special capabilities |
| S Pen (for Note) | Pressing a button on the stylus | Settings → Advanced → S Pen |
| Voice control | Take photo command | Bixby / Google Assistant |
Owners of flagship series Galaxy Note can also use the stylus S Pen. By taking out the pen and holding down the button on it, you can call up the Air Command menu, where there is also a function for creating a screenshot. This is the most elegant way for those who actively use a digital pencil for notes.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
Interface features of Xiaomi (MIUI) and Huawei (EMUI)
Chinese electronics manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and Huaweitraditionally saturate their shells MIUI and EMUI many convenient functions. In Android 9 on these devices, screenshots can be taken not only with buttons, but also by tapping on the screen or drawing symbols. For example, in MIUI swiping three fingers from top to bottom is popular.
To activate these functions, you need to go to the system settings. In the Additional or Management section there is usually an item Screenshot. There you can choose your preferred method: triple tap, curtain button or keyboard shortcut. Flexibility of settings allows you to adapt the phone to the habits of a specific user.
Devices Huawei with shell EMUI also support the function Knuckle Screenshot (screenshot with a knuckle). By tapping the screen with your knuckle and drawing a line, you can cut out an arbitrary area or take a regular screenshot by double tapping. This takes some practice, but is very convenient to use without a case.
⚠️ Attention: The screenshot function with your knuckle may not work if a thick protective glass is applied to the screen or if a thick case is used that prevents the sensor from accurately detecting an impact.
Both platforms support “Long screenshot” mode. After taking a regular photo, a scroll button appears. The device itself flips through the pages of a website or correspondence in a messenger, creating a single image. This is indispensable for saving articles or long dialogues.
Secret code for checking the sensor
On some Xiaomi and Huawei devices there is an engineering menu for checking the touchscreen. Enter the code ##6484## in the dialer (may vary). There you can check multi-touch, which is useful if screenshot gestures stop working.
Voice control via Google Assistant
Voice assistant Google Assistantdeeply integrated into Android 9, allows you to control the device hands-free. This is one of the most modern ways to interact with a smartphone. To take a screenshot, just say a trigger phrase, and the system will execute the command.
Activation occurs by saying “Ok Google” or “Hey Google”, or by long pressing the “Home” button. After the assistant is activated and the listening indicator appears, you need to clearly say the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Make a screenshot”. The system will instantly respond and create an image.
This method is especially useful in situations where the user's hands are busy or dirty. It also helps people with physical disabilities who have difficulty pressing physical buttons or performing complex gestures. Voice control Android 9 works quite stable and fast.
For voice control to work correctly, you need a stable Internet connection, since request processing often takes place on Google servers. Also, in the assistant settings, the appropriate permissions to interact with the system must be allowed.
Voice commands are an ideal option for people with disabilities or when their hands are full, but require an active Internet connection to process the request.
Configuration and troubleshooting
Despite the well-functioning system Android 9, sometimes users encounter situations where screenshots are not created. This could be caused by a software glitch, low memory, or an application conflict. The first step is to check whether the device storage is full.
If there is space, but the screenshot is not taken, try rebooting your smartphone. This is a standard procedure that clears RAM and restarts system services responsible for the interface. Often the problem is solved after a restart.
It is also worth paying attention to applications that can block the creation of screenshots. Banking applications, incognito mode in the browser and some streaming services use protection DRM or security policy FLAG_SECURE. In such cases, the screen will remain black or the system will display a notification that saving is impossible.
You can use safe mode for diagnostics. If screenshots work in it, then the problem is in a third-party application. By disabling recently installed apps, you can find the culprit of the conflict.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is a defense mechanism. Banking apps, secret chat apps, and video services prohibit screen recording to prevent sensitive data from being stolen or content being pirated. There is no way around this using standard means.
Where are the taken screenshots stored?
By default, all screenshots are saved to a folder Screenshots in the internal storage. In the gallery they are usually located in a separate album with the same name. The path to the file often looks like /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.
Is it possible to configure the format for saving screenshots?
It is impossible to change the format (for example, from JPG to PNG) using standard means. The system automatically selects the optimal format. To convert, you will have to use third-party image editors or file managers. Android 9 You cannot change the format (for example, from JPG to PNG). The system automatically selects the optimal format. To convert, you will have to use third-party image editors or file managers.
How to take a screenshot without buttons if they are broken?
Use the quick settings panel, the Google Assistant voice assistant, or connect a USB mouse/keyboard via an OTG adapter. There are also applications for controlling your phone from a computer, such as Scrcpythat allow you to take screenshots via a PC.
Why does not screenshot work in split screen mode?
Q Android 9 support for screenshots in multitasking mode (Split-screen) is not implemented in all shells. Some manufacturers disable this feature to prevent rendering errors. Try minimizing one of the windows or using third-party applications to capture the screen.