How to take a photo of the screen on Android: all methods + secret tricks

Creating a screenshot on Android is a basic function that is used by 9 out of 10 smartphone owners. But even experienced users do not always know about all the available methods. Some people are used to holding down buttons, others use gestures, and some don’t even suspect that their device has a built-in screenshot editor with the ability to blur personal data.

In this article we will look at creating screenshots - from standard to hidden. You will learn how to take a screenshot on all current methods creating screenshots - from standard to hidden. You will learn how to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Honor and other popular brands, even if the sensor does not work or the buttons are broken. And also - how to automate the process, edit screenshots and share them in one click.

Spoiler: on some devices you can make screenshots of scrolling pages (for example, long chats in Telegram or articles in the browser) and even record videos from screen without additional applications. About this in the relevant sections.

1. Standard method: button combination

This is a universal method that works on 99% of Android devices regardless of the OS version. The algorithm is simple:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. Press simultaneously power button and volume down button for 1-2 seconds.
3. Wait for the characteristic shutter sound (if sound is on) and visual animation.

On most smartphones, the screenshot will be saved in the gallery in a folder Screenshots or Capture. But there are nuances:

• 📱 On Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer: press food + home (if there is a physical button).
• 🔊 On Xiaomi and POCO: sometimes you need to hold the buttons until they vibrate (about 1.5 seconds).
• ⚡ On Google Pixel: a screenshot can be taken even from the screen off (if the option is enabled in the settings).

⚠️ Attention: If you have a case with a magnetic fastener (for example Samsung Smart Cover), it may block the power button. Remove the case before taking a screenshot.

Not working? Check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at a level below 5%, some devices block screenshots).
• 🛠️ Button settings in Settings → System → Gestures (on some firmware you can reassign combinations).

2. Gestures and swipes: screenshot without buttons

If the physical buttons on your device are broken or you simply prefer to control your smartphone with gestures, there are alternative methods. Most manufacturers add branded features:

👉 Three-finger gesture (Xiaomi, OPPO, Realme)

Swipe from top to bottom across the screen three fingers at the same time. This method works on:

• 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI 10 and later)
• 📱 OPPO (ColorOS 7+)
• 📱 Realme (Realme UI)

To activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot.
2. Enable the option "Swipe with three fingers".

👉 "Palm swipe" (Samsung)

On Samsung Galaxy (One UI) you can take a screenshot by sliding the edge of your palm across the screen right to left or left to right. The function is enabled in:

Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures → Palm swipe

👉 Double touch (Motorola, some Xiaomi models)

On Motorola and individual devices Xiaomi you can take a screenshot double tap on the screen (like double clicking the mouse). Activated by:

Settings → System → Gestures → Double tap

⚠️ Attention: Gesture screenshots may conflict with applications that use similar swipes (for example, games or social networks). In this case, disable the function in the settings.

Brand	Gesture	Where to enable	Features
Xiaomi	Swipe with 3 fingers ↓	Settings → Gestures	Works in any application
Samsung	Palm swipe →	Settings → Movements	Precise edge touch required palms
Motorola	Double tap	Settings → Gestures	May conflict with camera launch
Google Pixel	Hold the power button	Settings → System → Gestures	A menu appears with the "Screenshot" option

3. Screenshot through the quick settings panel

This is a little-known but universal method that works on all devices with Android 9 and later. Algorithm:

1. Expand the notification panel by swiping from top to bottom.
2. Find the icon "Screenshot" (usually it is hidden under additional options).
3. Tap on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If there is no icon:

• 🔧 Click on the pencil ("Edit") in the notification panel.
• 🔍 Find in list "Screenshot" and drag it to the active area.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works even if the physical buttons do not work.
• ✅ You can assign a shortcut to the main screen (on some firmware).
• ✅ No risk by accident turn off the phone (as when holding the power button).

How to add a "Screenshot" shortcut to the home screen?

1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the Home screen. 2. Select "Widgets". 3. Find the "Screenshot" widget (called differently depending on the firmware). 4. Drag it onto the screen.

4. Voice assistant: “Okay, Google, take a screenshot”

If you have it enabled Google Assistant, you can take screenshots with your voice. This is convenient when your hands are busy or the buttons are unavailable. Instructions: Google Assistant data-i="143">or

1. Activate the voice assistant with the command "Okay Google" or by holding the home button.
2. Tell: "Take a screenshot" or "Take a photo of the screen".
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work in banking applications and some games (for security reasons).
• 🔇 Requires an Internet connection to process the voice command.
• 📶 On some devices, you must first allow Assistant access to the screen in the settings.

Alternative — Bixby on Samsung:

1. Hold the button Bixby (or say "Hi, Bixby").
2. Say: "Take a screenshot".

⚠️ Attention: Voice screenshots are saved in the same format as regular ones, but may have a delay of 1-2 seconds. Not suitable for dynamic content (for example, video).

5. Screenshot of a scrolling page (long screenshot)

On some devices, you can take pictures of the entire web page or a long chat - not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden behind the scroll. This function is called "Scrolling screenshot" or "Long screenshot".

📱 How it works on different brands:

• 🌐 Samsung: After the standard screenshot, a toolbar with an option will appear "Scroll".
• 🌐 Xiaomi: In the screenshot editing menu there is a button "Scroll" (works in the browser and some applications).
• 🌐 Honor/Huawei: The function is called "Scrolling screenshot" and is activated after creating a regular snapshot.

Example for Samsung Galaxy:

1. Take a regular screenshot.
2. In the toolbar that appears, click "Scroll" → "Autoscroll".
3. Wait until the system "glues" all parts of the page into one long snapshot.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work in applications with dynamic content (for example, Instagram, TikTok).
• 📄 The maximum screenshot length is usually up to 10 screens (depending on the model).
• 🔄 On some lazy loading sites (for example, VKontakte) there may be empty blocks left.

Close pop-up windows|Scroll the page to the beginning of the desired content|Disable the "Dark theme" if it interferes with reading|Check that the content is fully loaded (no spinning indicators)

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6. Special applications: when standard methods are not enough

If the built-in functions are not satisfactory (for example, you need to edit screenshots automatically or take pictures with a delay), use third-party utilities:

📌 Top 3 applications for screenshots

Application	Functions	Pros	Cons
Screen Master	Screenshots, screen recording, editor	No extra water, support gestures	No Russian language
Screenshot Easy	Delayed shooting, scrolling screenshots	Easy, does not require root	Limitation on screenshot length
Super Screenshot	Text recognition (OCR), cloud storage	Integration with Google Drive	Paid functions

How to use (for example Screen Master):

1. Download the application from Google Play.
2. Launch and grant permission to "Overlay on top of other applications".
3. Select the method of creating a screenshot (button, gesture or timer).
4. After shooting, the built-in editor will open with tools for cropping, blurring and adding text.

⚠️ Warning: Some applications (for example Screenshot Touch) require permission to access notifications. This is necessary to track when the screenshot was taken, but may be a privacy risk. Check reviews before installation.

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ ADB commands: You can do it. screenshots via a computer using the command adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png.
• 🤖 Tasker: Automation of screenshots on a schedule or under certain conditions (for example, when opening a specific application).

7. Solving problems: the screenshot does not work

If none one of the methods does not work, check these points:

🔍 Common causes and solutions

• 🔋 Low battery: On some devices, screenshots are blocked when the charge level is below 15%. Connect the charger.
• 🔒 Application limitations: Banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile) block screenshots for security reasons. Use a second phone or screen recording.
• 🛠️ Corrupted system files: If screenshots stop working after the update, try resetting to factory settings (make a backup first!).
• 📱 Malfunction buttons: If physical buttons do not work, use gestures, voice assistant or notification panel.

Diagnostics via Developer mode:

1. Activate developer mode: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times).
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers.
3. Find the option "Debug by USB" and enable it.
4. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell dumpsys media.projection

   If the response contains a line mCurrentProjectionToken=null, then the system is blocking screen capture.

8. Where are screenshots stored and how to edit them

By default, screenshots are saved in:

• 📁 Folder Pictures/Screenshots (most devices).
• 📁 Folder DCIM/Screenshots (some Samsung and LG).
• ☁️ Cloud services: if synchronization with Google is enabled Photo or Mi Cloud.

How to quickly find:

1. Open Gallery.
2. In the albums menu, select "Screenshots".
3. Or use search by creation date.

🎨 Built-in screenshot editor

On most devices, after creating a screenshot, a mini-panel appears with options:

• ✂️ Cropping: change the borders of the image.
• 🖌️ Drawing: add arrows, text or paint over part of the image.
• 🔍 Blur: hide personal data (phone numbers, passwords).
• 📤 Share: send immediately to messenger or social network.

For advanced editing, use:

• 📱 Google Photos: color correction tools, adding filters.
• 📱 Snapseed: professional retouching (removing objects, selective correction).
• 📱 Lightroom Mobile: color correction and presets.

FAQ: Answers to common questions. questions

🔹 Is it possible to take a screenshot on a switched off phone?

No, this is not possible. A screenshot is a snapshot of the current state of the screen, and the screen is not active when the device is switched off. The exception is some models Google Pixelwhere you can take a screenshot from a locked screen (but not switched off!) through a voice assistant.

🔹 Why do screenshots turn out black?

This happens in two cases:

1. You are trying to take a picture in protected application (bank, messenger with secret chats).
2. Your device has power saving modeenabled, which disables graphics processing.

Solution: for banking applications, use a second phone. To save energy, turn it off. battery settings.

🔹 How to take a screenshot if the sensor does not work?

There are three options:

1. Use physical buttons (power + volume down).
2. Connect mouse via OTG adapter and take a screenshot through the notification panel.
3. If your phone supports voice assistantactivate it with your voice and give the command "Do screenshot."

🔹 Is it possible to recover an accidentally deleted screenshot?

Yes, but quickly:

1. Check the folder "Trash" in the gallery (if the function enabled).
2. Use file recovery applications, for example DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root access for deep scanning).
3. If synchronization with Google Photos, check the web version of the service (photos.google.com) in the "Trash" section.

Important: do not save new files to your phone after deleting the screenshot - this reduces the chances of recovery.

🔹 How to turn off the shutter sound when taking a screenshot?

Sound can be turned off in two ways:

1. 🔇 General system sound: put the phone in silent mode.
2. 🎵 Separate shutdown for screenshots:
   1. On Samsung: Settings → Sounds and vibration → System sounds → Screenshot sound.
   2. On Xiaomi: Settings → Sound → System sounds.