How to take a screenshot on Android using the keyboard: a complete guide

Creating screenshots on Android is one of the most popular functions, but not everyone knows that for this you can use not only combinations of hardware buttons, but also keyboard. This method is especially relevant for owners of tablets with a connected physical keyboard, users DeX mode of Samsung, or those who connect a smartphone to the monitor via HDMI. In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to take a screenshot using keys - from standard hotkeys to hidden functions and third-party utilities.

You will find out which combinations work on stock Android (pure Android from Google), and which are only available on firmware from manufacturers like Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI or Huawei EMUI. We'll also look at how to set up your own keyboard shortcuts for screenshots and what to do if the standard methods don't work. These instructions are suitable for both modern flagships and budget models - the main thing is that your device supports connecting a keyboard via USB, Bluetooth or through an adapter.

1. Standard keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on Android

Most versions of Android support universal keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots, similar to those used on computers. These combinations work regardless of the device manufacturer, but may differ depending on the OS version and the type of keyboard connected.

The main combination that is worth trying first:

• 🖥️ Ctrl + Alt + S —a universal combination for Android 10 and newer. Works on most devices with a connected keyboard, including Samsung DeX and ChromeOS.
• 📱 Fn + PrtSc (or Print Screen) - some tablet keyboards (for example Lenovo Tab or Huawei MatePad).
• ⌨️ Windows + Shift + S - if your device is connected to a monitor in mode DeX or through HDMI-adapter.

If none of the combinations worked, check:

1. Is the keyboard connected in mode HID (standard input mode).
2. Has the device firmware been updated to the latest version?
3. Are the screenshot functions disabled in the security settings (relevant for corporate devices).

2. Screenshots through the keyboard on manufacturers’ firmware

Smartphone manufacturers often add their own keyboard shortcuts for screenshots that may differ from the standard ones. Below are the current combinations for popular brands.

Manufacturer	Keyboard combination	Notes
Samsung (One UI)	Ctrl + Alt + C	Works in DeX and when the keyboard is connected to tablet Galaxy Tab.
Xiaomi (MIUI)	Fn + F12	You need to enable the function in Settings → Advanced → Hot keys.
Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)	Ctrl + Shift + S	On some models, you may need to update Huawei PC Manager.
Google Pixel	Ctrl + Alt + S	Works on all Pixel devices with Android 12 i newer.

Important: On devices Samsung with One UI 5.0 and newer, the combination Ctrl + Alt + C also copies the screenshot to the clipboard automatically, which is convenient for quickly pasting into documents.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Xiaomi and Redmi the hotkey function for screenshots may be disabled by default in order to save energy. To activate it, go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode and select the "No restrictions" option.

3. Setting up custom keyboard shortcuts

If standard combinations are inconvenient for you or conflict with other functions, you can assign your own hotkeys for screenshots. This will require either a built-in Android function or a third-party application.

Setting methods:

• 🔧 Via Settings → System → Gestures → Hotkeys (available on stock Android and some firmwares, for example OxygenOS from OnePlus).
• 📱 Using applications like Button Mapper or MacroDroidthat allow you to reassign any keys.
• 💻 On devices with root access you can edit file /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl for assigning new combinations.

Example of setup via Button Mapper:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant usage rights Accessibility.
3. Select Add action → Screenshot.
4. Assign the desired combination (for example, Ctrl + P).

Install Button Mapper or MacroDroid|Grant rights to special options|Select the "Screenshot" action|Assign a convenient key combination|Test the operation of the combination-->

⚠️ Attention: Reassigning system keys (for example, Power or Volume) can lead to conflicts with other device functions. It is recommended to use rarely used combinations, for example, with a key Fn.

4. Screenshots through the keyboard in DeX mode or when connected to a monitor

If you connect your Samsungsmartphone or tablet to the monitor in DeXmode, then to create screenshots, you can use the same combinations as on a computer. This is especially convenient for working with documents or presentations.

Basic combinations in DeX:

• 🖼️ PrtSc (or Fn + PrtSc) - a screenshot of the entire screen.
• 🪟 Alt + PrtSc - a screenshot of the active one window.
• ✂️ Ctrl + Shift + S —selective screenshot (on some versions One UI).

Where screenshots are saved in DeX:

• By default - in a folder Pictures/Screenshots.
• When used Ctrl + Alt + C the screenshot is also copied to the buffer exchange.

5. Alternative methods: terminal and ADB

For advanced users, there is the possibility of creating screenshots via terminal or ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is useful if the keyboard is connected, but standard shortcuts do not work, or if you need to automate the process (for example, to test applications).

Methods via terminal:

• 🐧 Command screencap:

  adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

  (saves the screenshot in the root folder of the device).

• 📁 With immediately specified name and folder:

  adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots/$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H-%M-%S).png

  (automatically adds date and time to the file name).

If you often use ADB, you can create a batchscript for Windows or a shellscript for Linux/Mac, which will take a screenshot by pressing one key. An example script for Windows:

@echo off
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot_%date:~-4,4%-%date:~-10,2%-%date:~-7,2%_%time:~-11,2%-%time:~-8,2%-%time:~-5,2%.png
adb pull /sdcard/screenshot_%date:~-4,4%-%date:~-10,2%-%date:~-7,2%_%time:~-11,2%-%time:~-8,2%-%time:~-5,2%.png C:\Screenshots\

⚠️ Attention: For work. c ADB you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developersYou will also need to install Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer.

6. hot keys

If none of the key combinations work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 The keyboard is connected in OTGmode, and not HID (check the connection settings).
• 🔄 Outdated device firmware (update Android via Settings → Software update).
• 🛡️ Corporate policy restrictions (on devices with Android Enterprise or Knox).
• 🎯 Conflict with other applications that use the same keys (for example Tasker or Automate).

Solutions:

1. Reconnect the keyboard and select the mode Text input (not Media Management or Game Mode).
2. Check if hotkeys are disabled in Accessibility settings (Settings → Accessibility → Hotkeys).
3. Install a third-party screenshot app (for example Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot) and give it priority.

How to check the keyboard connection mode?

Open Settings → Connected devices, find your keyboard in the list and click on it. If the description says "Input device (HID)", then the mode is correct. If it is "USB drive" or "Media device", the keyboard is connected incorrectly - unplug and reconnect it by selecting the "Use as keyboard" option.

7. The best applications for screenshots with keyboard support

If the built-in functions do not suit you, you can use third-party applications that expand the capabilities of creating screenshots.

Application	Peculiarities	Keyboard support
Screenshot Easy	Scrolling screenshots, editing, cloud saving.	Yes (customizable shortcuts).
Super Screenshot	Capture long pages, text recognition (OCR).	Yes (required ADB for some functions).
Screen Master	Quick editing, adding watermarks.	Partial (standard combinations only).
AZ Screen Recorder	Screen recording + screenshots, support root.	Yes (hotkeys for screenshots and recording).

How to set up hotkeys in Screenshot Easy:

1. Open the application and go to Settings → Hotkeys keys.
2. Enable the option Use keyboard.
3. Assign a combination (for example, Ctrl + Shift + X).
4. Save the settings and test.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to take a screenshot from the keyboard on any Android device?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it depends on the Android version and firmware. On stock Android (pure Android from Google) and most modern devices (Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel), hotkeys work out of the box. On budget models or outdated firmware, you may need to install third-party applications.

Where are screenshots taken from the keyboard saved?

By default, screenshots are saved in the folder Pictures/Screenshots or DCIM/ScreenshotsOn some devices (for example, Samsung in DeX) they are also copied to the clipboard. The path can be changed in the Gallery application settings or through the file manager.

Why does my keyboard not take screenshots, although it is connected correctly?

Possible reasons:

• The keyboard does not support multimedia functions (check the model specifications).
• The device has hotkeys disabled in the security settings (relevant for work phones).
• Conflict with another application that intercepts key combinations (for example, Tasker or MacroDroid).

Solution: try connecting another keyboard or use ADB to create screenshots.

Is it possible to assign a screenshot to a key PrtSc on an Android tablet?

Yes, but it depends on the tablet model and keyboard. On most. Samsung Galaxy Tab And Lenovo Tab key PrtSc works out of the box. On other devices, you may need to reassign it through applications like Button Mapper or edit the file Generic.kl (required root).

How take a screenshot from the keyboard if I don’t have a physical keyboard?

If you only have an on-screen keyboard (for example, Gboard), then standard keyboard shortcuts will not work. In this case:

• Use a standard combination of hardware buttons (Power + Volume Down).
• Install the screenshot widget on your home screen (available on some firmwares).
• Enable the screenshot gesture in the settings (for example, swipe your palm across the screen on Samsung).