Creating screenshots on mobile devices has become a routine task for most users, however, owners of gadgets with version Android 5.0 Lollipop often encounter nuances that are not present in newer firmware. This operating system laid the foundation for modern interfaces, but the image capture methods here have their own specifics. Understanding these features will help you quickly save the necessary information without installing third-party software.
In this manual we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from standard keyboard shortcuts to hidden menu functions. You will learn why the button may not work and how to bypass system restrictions.
Standard method through physical buttons
The most common and fastest way to capture the screen on the fifth version of Android is to use hardware control buttons. This method works on the vast majority of devices released between 2014 and 2016. You need to simultaneously press and hold for one second the buttons Volume Down and Power/Lock.
If everything is done correctly, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter, and the screen will flash white. A thumbnail of the created image will appear in the upper left or right corner (depending on the shell). Click on it to immediately proceed to editing or send the file to contacts.
⚠️ Attention: on some smartphone models, especially with a metal case or a specific button layout, pressing simultaneously may be inconvenient. Try to press the buttons synchronously so that the system recognizes the command as a single action, and not as two separate presses.
Sometimes you need to slightly change the angle of pressing or the force of pressure, especially if the protective stickers on the buttons have already worn out. If the standard combination does not work the first time, try repeating the procedure, slightly changing the position of your fingers on the device body.
☑️ Button diagnostics
Using the recent applications menu
One of the key features that Android 5.0brought was the appearance of the "Browse" button or "Recent apps" in the navigation bar. Manufacturers quickly implemented the function of creating screenshots directly into this menu, which became a salvation for those who have a broken volume button.
To use this method, open the list of running apps by pressing the square button at the bottom of the screen. Find the current application window that you want to capture. There should be a scissors icon or a camera icon at the top of the application card or next to it.
Click on this icon and the system will automatically save an image of the current screen state to the gallery. This method is especially convenient when you need to take a screenshot of a dialog or a long web page without fear of accidentally pressing other keys.
If the scissors icon is not in the recent tasks menu, go to the interface settings of your launcher. The function may be disabled by default or hidden in advanced system settings.
Specifics of Samsung and LG devices
Large vendors often modify stock Android by adding their own gestures and combinations. Owners of devices Samsung Galaxy S5, S6 or Note 4 series should know about the proprietary function Palm Swipe. It allows you to take a screenshot by simply sliding the edge of your palm across the display from left to right or vice versa.
To activate this function, go to the settings, find the “Controls” or “Movements and Gestures” section. Make sure the switch next to Palm Screenshot is in the active position. Once turned on, you will be able to take pictures with an intuitive movement of your hand, which is very convenient when operating with one hand.
Device from the company LG offer another unique tool - QuickMemo+. By calling up this panel by swiping from top to bottom (in a special area of the notification shade), you can not only take a photo, but also immediately add notes, drawings or text to it before saving.
| Manufacturer | Method | Where to find the setting |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Edge palms | Settings → Controls → Movements |
| LG | QuickMemo+ | Notification curtain → Toolbar |
| Sony | Power menu | Hold the power button → Screenshot |
| Xiaomi | Three fingers | Settings → Advanced → Gestures |
Do not forget that firmware can be updated, and the location of menu items can change. If you do not find the described functions right away, use the search inside the phone settings by entering the keyword “screenshot” or “gesture”.
Problems with buttons and alternative solutions
The situation when physical buttons stop responding or freeze is quite common on devices several years old. In this case, the standard combination becomes unavailable, and the user has to look for workarounds.
First, check to see if the “In Pocket” mode or similar anti-accidental pressing features are enabled, which can block the response to buttons in certain scenarios. It is also worth cleaning the connectors and gaps around the keys from dust using compressed air or a soft brush.
⚠️ Attention: if the buttons are physically broken, do not try to press them with excessive force. This may damage the cable or the board itself. It’s better to immediately move on to software methods for solving the problem.
As a temporary solution, you can use a voice assistant Google Now. Just say the command “Hey Google, take a screenshot,” and the system will perform the action. To do this, it is necessary that voice search is active and has the appropriate permissions.
Setting up saving paths and file formats
By default, all screenshots are saved to the internal memory of the device in the folder Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots. However, on Android 5, users may experience low storage space, especially if the phone's memory is low.
It is recommended to check your storage settings periodically. Go to “Settings” → “Storage” and make sure that the memory card SDis selected for saving media files, if one is installed. This will free up precious space in the system partition.
The format of saved images is usually PNG, which provides high quality without loss, but takes up more space. Some third-party applications allow you to change the format to JPG, which reduces the file size by several times, although with a slight loss of detail.
How to change the save format without root access?
On pure Android 5, changing the format is impossible without obtaining superuser rights. However, you can use image converters or applications to automatically compress photos immediately after taking a screenshot.
Common errors and how to fix them
Sometimes users complain that a screenshot is created, but the file does not appear in the gallery. This may be due to an error in the system's media scanner, which indexes new files. Try rebooting your device to force the media database to update.
Another common problem is a black screen instead of a screenshot. This often happens when trying to capture protected content, such as Netflix movies or secure banking app pages. In such cases, the system blocks image capture for security reasons. DRM, such as movies on Netflix or secure pages in banking apps. In such cases, the system blocks image capture for security reasons.
If you receive the message “Failed to take a screenshot” when using standard buttons, check for system updates. In early builds of Android 5.0 there were bugs that were fixed in security patches and minor updates to version 5.1.
Why is the screenshot not saved to the memory card?
In Android 5, the policy for application access to external memory has been tightened. The Screenshot system app can only write to internal storage by default. To change this, you often need root access or the use of special file managers for transfer.
Is it possible to take a screenshot in incognito mode?
No, browsers and applications in incognito mode block taking screenshots at the Android security level. This is done to protect the user’s confidential data from accidental leakage.
How to take a long screenshot of the entire page?
The “long screenshot” (scrolling) function is not supported by standard Android 5 tools. To do this, you need to install third-party applications from Google Play, such as LongShot or Tailor, which merge several images into one.
Where are deleted screenshots stored?
If you delete a file from the gallery, it goes to the trash (if your file manager has such a function) for 30 days. After this, recovery is only possible using specialized data recovery software, and even then not always successfully.
Does a screenshot affect the performance of the phone?
The process of taking a screenshot briefly loads the processor and RAM. On powerful devices this is not noticeable, but on older smartphones with Android 5 it can cause a micro-delay in the interface for a split second.