Mobile devices have become an integral part of our digital lives, and there is often a need to capture the image from the display. Owners of smartphones running Android 7 (versions of Nougat) may encounter interface features that differ from more recent versions of the system. There are several ways to take a screenshot on this platform, and the choice of method often depends on the manufacturer of your gadget.
Despite the fact that the operating system is no longer the newest, the image capture algorithms in it remain stable and understandable. Google has introduced standard keyboard shortcuts that work on most devices, however, manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi could add their own unique gestures. In this article we will analyze all the available options for creating screenshots.
You can not only save the necessary information, but also immediately edit it or send it to a messenger. Understanding how this function works greatly simplifies interaction with the device in everyday tasks.
Standard method using physical buttons
The most common and universal way to take a screenshot on any device with Android 7 is using hardware control buttons. This method does not require preliminary setup and works out of the box even immediately after purchasing the phone.
To implement this action, you need to find the Power button and the Volume Down button on the smartphone body. They are usually located on the side of the case. It is important to press them simultaneously and hold for a split second. You do not need to hold them for long, otherwise the shutdown or reboot menu may trigger.
If everything is done correctly, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is on), and the screen will blink. A notification will appear at the top of the display indicating that the photo has been saved. On some models LG or Moto the sequence may differ slightly, but the principle remains unchanged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not press the buttons too hard or for a long time, as this may lead to accidental calling of the emergency call menu or rebooting the device if you hold them down for more than 2-3 seconds.
If the volume or power buttons do not work correctly (stick), use the software methods for taking screenshots described below to avoid damaging the hardware further.
Using the multitasking menu and notification panel
In version Android 7.0 Nougat company Google began to actively implement the quick settings function through the notification panel. This is especially convenient if the physical buttons are damaged or difficult to use with one hand.
To use this method, lower the notification shade by swiping from top to bottom. In the quick settings menu that opens, find the icon called “Screenshot” or “Screenshot”. On some shells, for example MIUI or EMUI, this button may be hidden in the second screen of the settings menu, so scroll the list to the right.
After clicking on the icon, the system will automatically take a snapshot of the current display contents. This method is ideal for those who prefer interface control rather than mechanical actions. However, it is worth remembering that on some custom firmware this function may be disabled by default.
- 📱 Lower the notification panel by swiping from the top edge of the screen.
- 🔍 Find the “Screenshot” tile among the quick settings.
- 🖱️ Tap on the icon once for instant image capture.
- 🖼️ Check the success notification in the top status bar.
Sometimes the tile may be missing from the visible area. In this case, look for an edit button (pencil or three dots) in the corner of the panel to add the missing control to the active list.
Voice control via Google Assistant
Operating system Android 7 already supported full integration with the voice assistant Google Assistant (or its predecessor of Google Now in early builds). This allows you to take screenshots completely hands-free, which is useful when you hold the phone in one hand or are busy with something else.
Activate the assistant with the phrase “Ok Google” or by long pressing the central navigation button (if it is configured accordingly). Once the listening indicator becomes active, clearly say the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Create a screenshot.” The system will process the request and save the image to the gallery.
This method is especially effective on devices with clean Android, where there are no unnecessary add-ons that block the assistant’s work. On smartphones Huawei or Honor you may need to first enable the voice control function in the settings.
⚠️ Attention: For voice commands to work, an active Internet connection is required, since request processing often takes place on the company's servers.
Specific gestures and functions from manufacturers
Many vendors add their own unique features to the shell on top Android 7. These functions are often hidden deep in the settings and are not obvious to a new user, but they make life much easier.
For example, on smartphones Samsung Galaxy series of that period, the Palm Swipe function worked. You had to swipe the edge of your palm across the screen from left to right or vice versa. On devices Xiaomi the combination of the “Menu” button (square) and the volume down button has become popular if the standard method did not work.
To activate such features, you need to go to the system settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Accessibility → Gestures and movements. There you will find toggles for different screen capture methods.
| Manufacturer | Activation method | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings → Movements | Swipe the edge of your hand across the screen |
| Xiaomi | Settings → Advanced | Menu button + Volume Down |
| Meizu | Settings → Accessibility | Swipe down with three fingers |
| LG | Settings → Screen | Lock button + Home (on older models) |
Why may gestures not work?
Gestures are often disabled by default to save resources or to avoid accidental triggers. They may also conflict with control gestures in specific applications, for example, in games or e-readers.
Searching and editing saved screenshots
After you have found out, how to take a screenshot of Android 7the logical question arises: where is the file saved and what to do with it next. The system automatically places all screenshots in a special folder in the gallery.
Usually the path to the file looks like this: internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots. In some cases, the folder may be called simply Pictures → Screenshots. When you open an image in the gallery, you will immediately see buttons for editing, cropping or sending.
The built-in editor in Android 7 allows you to perform basic operations: cropping, drawing with a marker, adding text or emoji. This saves time as there is no need to install third-party applications for simple processing.
- 📂 Open the Gallery or Photos application.
- 🖼️ Go to the Screenshots album.
- ✂️ Tap on the pencil icon to editing.
- 📤 Use the "Share" button to send the file.
If you can't find the file, try using a file manager. Enter the folder name in the search or sort files by creation date to find the most recent photo.
Screenshots take up space in the internal memory. Check the folder regularly and delete unnecessary images to free up space for applications.
Solving common problems and errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not taken. This may be due to software glitches, security restrictions, or incorrect button operation. In such cases, there is no need to panic, since the solution is often obvious.
One of the common reasons is content protection. Applications for banks, streaming services like Netflix or incognito mode in the browser block the creation of screenshots at the system level. In this case, you will receive a black screen or a notification that it is impossible to save.
Also, the problem may lie in the lack of free memory. If the internal storage is full, the system simply will not be able to write a new file. Clearing the cache or deleting old videos often solves this problem instantly.
⚠️ Attention: If screenshots are no longer created after updating the system or installing a new launcher, try rebooting the device in safe mode to eliminate the influence of third-party software.
In rare cases, resetting storage access settings helps. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Find "Gallery" or "Media storage" → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your photos, but it will update the media database.
☑️ Diagnosing problems with screenshots
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This was done specifically by application developers to protect confidential data (passwords, card numbers) or due to copyright restrictions (DRM) on video content. There is no way around this using standard means.
Is it possible to take a screenshot during a video call?
In most instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) this is possible. However, some video conferencing applications may block the capture of the interlocutor's screen for privacy purposes.
Where can I find the screenshot history if I accidentally deleted a notification?
The notification disappears, but the file itself remains in memory. Go to the Gallery application or file manager and find the folder Screenshots. All images are stored there in chronological order.
How to take a long screenshot (page scroll) on Android 7?
The “Long Screenshot” function appeared en masse later. On Android 7 it is only available in proprietary shells of some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung). Pure Android does not have this function; you will need a third-party application.
Does taking a screenshot affect the speed of the phone?
No, the image capture process takes milliseconds and practically does not load the processor. You will not notice a noticeable impact on performance or battery consumption.