How to Take a Screenshot on Android
Whether you are using a Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or Motorola, taking a screenshot on an Android phone or tablet is quick and easy. Follow these simple methods to capture your screen.
How to Take a Screenshot on Android
Using the Power and Volume Down Buttons
This is the most universal method and works on almost all modern Android devices.
- Open the screen, app, or website you want to capture.
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time for 1–2 seconds.
- Release both buttons when the screen flashes white. Your device has captured the screen.
Using Gestures and Quick Settings
If your buttons are broken, hard to reach, or you just prefer software controls, you can use the built-in software menu.
- Swipe down from the very top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Look for a tile named Screenshot or Screen Capture and tap it.
- If you don't see it, you may need to swipe left or tap the edit (pencil) icon to add it to your panel.
How to Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy
Samsung phones support the standard Power + Volume Down shortcut, but they also offer a "Palm Swipe" gesture. To use it, go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures, and enable "Palm swipe to capture." Then, simply swipe the edge of your hand horizontally across the screen.
How to Screenshot on Google Pixel
Google Pixel phones support the standard button shortcut. Additionally, if you open the Recent Apps screen (by swiping up from the bottom and holding), you will see a Screenshot button directly under the active app card.
How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot
Need to capture a long webpage or a long chat history? You can easily take a scrolling screenshot (sometimes called a long screenshot or expanded screenshot).
- Take a standard screenshot using the Volume Down + Power buttons.
- Look at the bottom of your screen for the screenshot toolbar.
- Tap the Capture More or Scroll icon (it usually looks like a downward-pointing arrow or an expanding box).
- Keep tapping or scrolling until you have captured everything you need, then save it.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Android?
Once you capture your screen, you need to know where it was saved.
- Open your Google Photos or default Gallery app.
- Navigate to the Albums or Library tab.
- Look for a specific folder named Screenshots.
How to Edit and Share Android Screenshots
When you take a screenshot, a small toolbar temporarily appears at the bottom of your screen. Tap the Edit (pencil) icon to crop, draw, or highlight before saving. Tap the Share icon to immediately send it in a message.
Android Screenshot Not Working
If you see a notification saying "Cannot take screenshot due to security policy," this means the app you are trying to capture (like a banking app or Netflix) explicitly blocks screenshots to protect privacy or copyrighted content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot on an older Android?
If your phone has a physical Home button at the bottom (like older Samsung devices), press and hold Home and Power together for 1-2 seconds.