How to take a screenshot on any Android phone
If you are wondering how to take a screenshot on Android, the answer on almost every phone is the same: press the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time and release them straight away. The screen flashes or a small preview appears, and the image is saved. If that does not suit you, most phones also offer a quick settings tile, gestures, a voice command or an on-screen button.
How to take a screenshot on Android with the buttons
This is the standard method, and it works on almost all phones, whatever the brand.
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same moment.
- Release them as soon as you see a flash, hear a sound or see a preview.
- Tap the preview to edit or share, or ignore it and the screenshot is saved.
The timing matters. If you press Power slightly first, you may lock the screen. If you press Volume Down first, you will see the volume bar. Try pressing both together in one firm motion. On phones with the buttons on opposite sides, use your thumb and a finger from the same hand.
If you hold the buttons for too long, some phones open the power menu or an emergency feature instead. A short, quick press is all you need.
Other ways to take a screenshot
If the buttons are awkward, broken or you simply want a faster way, try these. Not every option is on every phone, but most phones have at least two of them.
- Quick settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and look for a Screenshot tile. If you cannot see it, tap the edit or pencil icon to add it.
- Recent apps screen. On some phones, opening the recent apps view shows a Screenshot button under the app preview.
- Gestures. Many phones let you take a screenshot by swiping down with three fingers, or by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen. On most phones, open Settings and search for "screenshot" or "gestures" to see what yours offers.
- Voice. Ask Google Assistant to take a screenshot. You can then share or save it.
- Accessibility menu. Android's Accessibility Menu adds a large on-screen menu with a Screenshot button. On most phones, open Settings and search for "Accessibility Menu" to turn it on.
- Back tap. Some phones let you double-tap the back of the phone to run an action such as a screenshot. Search your settings for "tap" or "quick tap" to check.
What happens after you take a screenshot
On most phones, a small preview appears in a corner for a few seconds. From there you can usually:
- Edit to crop, draw or add text.
- Share to send it straight to a chat or email.
- Capture more to make a longer, scrolling screenshot. See how to take a scrolling screenshot.
- Delete it if you took it by mistake.
If you do nothing, the screenshot is saved automatically. Not sure where it went? Our guide to where screenshots are saved on Android explains where to look.
When you cannot take a screenshot
Sometimes nothing happens, or you see a message saying screenshots are not allowed. The most common reason is that the app you are using blocks screenshots on purpose. Banking apps, private browsing tabs and some streaming apps do this to protect what is on screen. Work phones can also block screenshots through company settings.
For more causes and fixes, see screenshot not working on Android.
Good habits for new screenshots
Taking a screenshot is the easy part. Keeping them useful takes a little care.
- Crop out what you do not need. A smaller image is easier to read later and may hide private details such as notifications.
- Check before sharing. Screenshots can show names, numbers and messages you did not mean to send.
- Delete one-time screenshots. Once you have used a code or found a place, the screenshot has done its job.
How Screenshot Brain helps
Once you have taken a screenshot, Screenshot Brain puts it in a Smart Inbox, where you can keep it or delete it in one tap. It reads the text in each screenshot on your phone, so you can find it later by typing a word you remember. Before you share, it can find and cover card numbers, bank numbers, phone numbers and emails.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my phone lock instead of taking a screenshot?
You probably pressed the Power button slightly before Volume Down. Press both at exactly the same time and release them quickly.
Can I take a screenshot without using the buttons?
Yes. Most phones offer at least one alternative, such as a quick settings tile, a gesture, Google Assistant or the Accessibility Menu.
Does taking a screenshot notify the other person in a chat?
Android itself does not send anyone a message. However, some apps can detect a screenshot taken inside them and may tell the other person, so check the app if it matters to you.
Can I take a screenshot of just part of the screen?
Take a normal screenshot first, then use the Edit or Crop option in the preview to keep only the part you want.