How to screenshot on Android phones & tablets

Anurag Singh
Image showing an Android phone held by a user

Are you wondering how to screenshot on an Android phone? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide for taking screenshots on most major smartphones.

Taking screenshots is usually pretty straightforward. You can capture what’s on your screen by tapping a few buttons or swiping on the display. However, you might encounter some difficulties in taking screenshots if you’ve recently switched from an iPhone to the best Android phones, or aren’t familiar with the custom software on your phone.

Unlike iPhones, Android devices have diverse software experiences. While they all operate on the Android platform, phone manufacturers often customize the software to add their unique touch. As a result, Android phones offer varying software features, or at the very least, different ways to access these features.

This guide walks you through the steps to take a screenshot on different Android smartphones, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus.

How to take a screenshot on Android using volume keys

iQOO 12 in white

The best and the easiest way to take a screenshot on Android phones is by pressing the Volume down and Power buttons simultaneously. This method worked on most Android phones in our testing, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus devices. Phones from Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and iQOO also support this method.

How to take a screenshot on Samsung phone

Samsung phones support the volume down + power button method to take screenshots. But if you want to save a few seconds, or if the buttons on your phone aren’t working for some reason, there’s another way to capture screenshots.

You can swipe your palm across the screen to take a screenshot on your Samsung Galaxy phone. However, this function may not be enabled by default. Here’s how to enable it.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Advanced features.
  3. Toggle on Palm swipe to capture.

How to take a screenshot on a Google Pixel

Google offers Pixel owners a unique way to capture screenshots, which doesn’t involve using buttons. You don’t even need to enable any settings as it is available by default.

  1. From the bottom of the screen, swipe up and hold. If you don’t use gesture navigation, tap the overview icon which looks like a square.
  2. Choose an open app to screenshot.
  3. Tap Screenshot.

How to take a screenshot on a OnePlus phone

OnePlus phones have their own way to take screenshots. The company offers a one-handed alternative that lets you capture a screenshot using three fingers. All you have to do is swipe down from the top of your screen with three fingers. However, you may need to enable this feature from the settings.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Buttons & gestures and then Quick Gestures.
  3. Switch on Three-finger screenshot if it’s not already.

How to take a screenshot on Android using Google Assistant

In case your hands are occupied and you still want to take a screenshot, Google has got you covered. You can easily take screenshots using Google Assistant.

  1. Summon the Google Assitant by saying “Hey Google” or “Okay Google”.
  2. Say “Take a screenshot”. That’s it, the assistant will capture the screenshot of the app you’re using.

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About The Author

Anurag is a Tech writer at Dexerto. He is an expert in laptops, smartphones, and wearables. Anurag has previously covered major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft. He's previously written for publications like Android Police, Neowin, MakeTechEasier, Gizmochina, and more. Get in touch at Anurag.singh@dexerto.com.