Screenshot on smartphones Huawei i Honor - a seemingly simple operation, but the manufacturer regularly updates proprietary shell EMUI, adding new methods. If on older models only a combination of buttons worked, now gestures, voice commands and even functions for long screenshots are available. The problem is that the interface changes depending on the version of Android and firmware - and it is not always obvious which method will work on your model.

In this article we will look at all current methods for creating screenshots on Huawei (including Nova, P, Mate series and budget models), taking into account the features EMUI 13/14 and earlier versions. From classic keyboard shortcuts to little-known tricks, you'll learn how to save the entire screen, parts of it, or even record screen video without third-party apps. And if standard methods don’t work, we’ll show you how to return the function through the developer settings.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most universal method that works all Huawei models from 2015 to the present is pressing the physical buttons simultaneously. The algorithm is simple:

  1. Open the screen that you want to save.
  2. Hold the button Power (power/lock) and Volume down on 1–2 seconds.
  3. Wait for the characteristic shutter sound (if sound is on) and visual animation.

The screenshot will be saved in the gallery in the folder Screenshots. On new models (Huawei P60, Mate 50), the combination may also work Power + Volume Up - this depends on the regional firmware.

Screen is not locked

Memory is not full (minimum 50 MB free)

Sound is not muted (for confirmation)

There are no active gestures (may conflict)

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⚠️ Attention: On some models (Huawei Y7 Prime 2019, Honor 8X), holding the buttons for a long time may bring up the reboot menu. If the screenshot is not created, try pressing faster or use alternative methods.

2. Gesture with knuckles (Knuckle Screenshot)

Proprietary function EMUIwhich appeared back in 2016, but still remains one of the most convenient. It allows you to take a screenshot Double tap with your knuckle of the display. To activate:

  1. Go to Settings → Smart controls → Motion controls → Knuckle screenshot.
  2. Turn on the switch and select action: Screenshot or Long screenshot.
  3. Tap the screen twice with your knuckle (not your nail!).

Advantages of the method:

  • 👆 Works on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in security settings).
  • 🎯 Allows you to select an area for a partial screenshot (hold your finger after the second tap).
  • ⚡ Faster than a button combination - useful for capturing temporary notifications.

Why does the gesture not work?

If the function does not work, check:

1. Screen sensitivity —in the display settings, increase it to the maximum.

2. Protective film —thick glasses can block recognition knuckles.

3. Updates —on EMUI 12+, a reboot is sometimes required after activating the gesture.

On models Huawei P40 Pro and newer, the gesture supports extension: after creation screenshot, swipe down to capture scrolling content (such as a chat or web page).

3. Voice assistant Celia (for EMUI 10+)

If you have a proprietary voice assistant installed Celia (analogous to Google Assistant), you can take a screenshot with a voice command. This is convenient when your hands are busy or the buttons are faulty. Instructions:

  1. Activate Celia by long pressing the button Home or by voice (“Hello, Celia”).
  2. Say: "Take a screenshot" or "Take a photo of the screen".
  3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method limitations:

  • 🔇 Works only when connected to the Internet (command processed by the cloud).
  • 📱 Requires preliminary voice configuration in Settings → System → Language and input → Voice input.
  • 🚫 Does not support long screenshots.

⚠️ Attention: On models with HarmonyOS (for example, Huawei Mate 60) the assistant Xiao Yiis used instead of Celia. The commands for taking screenshots are different - check the system help.

4. Notification panel (quick access)

Starting from EMUI 9.1, a button for screenshots has appeared in the notification shade. This is the most reliable method if the physical buttons are broken or gestures are disabled. How to use:

  1. Pull the notification shade down (with one or two fingers).
  2. Find the icon "Screenshot" (scissors or camera). If it is not there, click "Edit" and add.
  3. Tap on the icon - the picture will be taken instantly.

Additional features panels:

  • 📲 Long screenshot: after creation, tap on the thumbnail in the notification and select "Scroll".
  • 🖼️ Drawing: immediately after the screenshot, an editor with markers and cropping will open.
  • 🔄 Repeat snapshot: if the first screenshot is unsuccessful, click "Take again".

Huawei model Panel support screenshots Additional options
Huawei P30/P30 Pro Yes (EMUI 9.1+) Editor, long screenshot
Huawei Mate 20 Yes (update required) Basic only functionality
Huawei Nova 7/8 Yes (by default) Gestures + panel
Huawei Y6/Y7 (2021) No (budget models) Buttons/gestures only

Power and volume buttons

Knuckle gesture

Notification panel

Voice assistant

Another method-->

5. Screenshot using a pencil (M-Pen)

If your Huawei supports a stylus M-Pen (for example, Mate 50 RS or Mate X3), you can take screenshots with it. This is useful for annotating screenshots on the fly:

  1. Remove M-Pen from the slot (the smartphone should recognize it automatically).
  2. Tap the on-screen button "Screenshot" in the floating stylus panel.
  3. Edit the picture using pencil tools (cropping, drawing, text).

Features of the method:

  • ✏️ Works even when the screen is off (if the option is enabled in the settings M-Pen).
  • 🎨 Saves a screenshot in the format .png with a transparent background for notes.
  • 🔋 Requires the stylus to be charged (if the function is discharged, the function is disabled).

💡

If the M-Pen is not is recognized, clean the stylus contacts with an alcohol wipe and restart the phone. Often the problem is solved by updating the pen firmware in Settings → M-Pen.

6. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, after updating or resetting), you can use ADB debug bridge or third-party utilities. This is relevant for:

  • 📱 Devices with damaged buttons.
  • 🔧 Phones with unofficial firmware.
  • 🛠️ Models with disabled EMUI functions.

Instructions for ADB:

  1. Enable Developer mode (tap 7 times on Build number in Settings → About phone).
  2. Activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

For third-party applications we recommend:

  • 📸 Screenshot Easy - supports gestures and a timer.
  • 🎥 Screen Master - allows you to record video from the screen.
  • 🖼️ LongShot - specializes in long screenshots.

⚠️ Attention: When using ADB or root applications, screenshots may be saved in system folders (for example, /data/local/tmp). To find them, use a file manager with superuser rights.
💡

Standard EMUI methods are more reliable than third-party applications - they do not require additional permissions and do not collect screen data.

7. Where can I find the screenshots I took?

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder: Internal memory → Pictures → Screenshots or DCIM → Screenshots. However, the path may vary depending on: Internal memory → Pictures → Screenshots data-i="197">(you can change the saving path in

  • 📁 Phone models (on Huawei P50 screenshots are duplicated in Huawei/Screenshots).
  • 🔧 Gallery settings (you can change the save path to Gallery settings → Folders).
  • ☁️ Cloud services is enabled (if synchronization with Huawei Cloud).

To quickly open the last screenshot:

  1. Pull the notification curtain down.
  2. Tap on the notification "Screenshot saved".
  3. In the window that opens, select "Edit" or "Share".
Screenshot type Save folder Format
Standard Pictures/Screenshots .png (uncompressed)
Long Huawei/Screenshots .jpg (compressed)
Via M-Pen DCIM/Screenshots .png (with alpha channel)

Common problems and solutions

If screenshots are not created or are saved with artifacts, check:

Does the screenshot turn out black?

This is a typical problem on Huawei s OLED screens. data-i="229">"Dark theme" (for example, Mate 40 Pro). The reason is a conflict with the function "Dark Theme" or "Screen energy saving". Solution:

1. Disable the dark theme in the display settings.

2. Restart the phone.

3. If the problem persists, update. firmware via HiSuite.

Problem 1: The buttons do not respond to pressing.

  • 🔋 Check if the battery is low (below 5% screenshots may be blocked).
  • 🔄 Reboot phone in safe mode (hold Power → Reboot in safe mode).
  • 🛠️ Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory → Clear.

Problem 2: Knuckle gesture does not work.

  • 👆 Make sure the function is enabled in Smart Control → Motion Control.
  • 🧴 Wipe the screen - greasy stains interfere with recognition.
  • 📱 Update the firmware via Settings → System update.

Problem 3: Screenshots are not saved.

  • 📁 Check the free space on your device (minimum 100 MB required).
  • 🔍 Use a file manager (for example, Files by Google) to search by keyword «Screenshot».
  • ☁️ Disable synchronization with Huawei Cloud —sometimes it blocks local saving.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with HarmonyOS (for example, Huawei Mate 60 Pro), the path to the screenshots may be different. Use the built-in file search by entering a query. «date:today» to filter by date.
Is it possible to take a screenshot on the locked screen of Huawei?

Yes, but only if the option is enabled "Screenshots on the locked screen" in Settings → Security and privacy → Screen lock. Works only with the knuckle gesture or voice assistant (if face/print unlock is configured).

How to do screenshot of a scrolling page (long screenshot)?

After creating a regular screenshot, tap on the thumbnail in the notification and select "Scroll". On models with EMUI 12+ the gesture also works: after double-tapping with your knuckle, swipe your finger down the screen.

Why are screenshots saved in low quality?

This is due to the compression settings in the gallery. To fix:

  1. Open Gallery → Settings → Image quality.
  2. Select "Original quality".
  3. Clear the gallery cache in Settings → Applications.

On Huawei P50 and newer, also check the option "AI optimization of screenshots" —it can artificially blur images.

How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?

After appearance notifications "Screenshot saved" tap on it - a built-in editor with tools will open:

  • 🖌️ Brush and markers (color/thickness are adjustable).
  • 📝 Text notes (fonts from Huawei Fonts).
  • 🔍 Crop and rotate.
  • 🌈 Filters (on models with EMUI 13+).

To save changes, click "Done" in the upper right corner.

Is it possible to return the old version of the screenshot function after updating EMUI?

No, rolling back the screenshot interface is not officially supported. However, you can:

  • 📥 Install an earlier version of the firmware. via HiSuite (risk of data loss).
  • 🛠️ Use third-party applications (for example, Screenshot Touch) that imitate the old interface.
  • 🔧 Enable "Simple screen mode" in accessibility settings - this is simplifies the notification panel.