How to Take a Screenshot on an Android Phone

Taking a screenshot on your Android phone is like taking a photo of your screen. A screenshot is very handy for when you want to show people your high score in your favorite game or an image you found online. However, different Android models have slightly different ways of taking screenshots. Here’s how to take a screenshot on the most common types of Android phones.

How to Take a Screenshot on Most Android Phones

Most new Android phones use the same procedure in taking screenshots. To take a screenshot, simply press and hold the Power button and Volume down button at the same time.

1. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume down button at the same time. These buttons might be on the same side of your phone, or on opposite sides, depending on your model.
2. Hold both buttons down until you hear a camera click. You will also see the screenshot moving across the screen. When you do, release both buttons.
3. Check your notification bar for the saved photo. If there isn’t any, try it again until you get the hang of it. You can also check out or edit the photo in your gallery.

How to Take a Screenshot on older Android Phones Using Shortcut Buttons

To take a screenshot on an older Android phone with a Home button, press the Power and Home buttons at the same time. 

1. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time. The home button is at the bottom of your device.
2. Hold both buttons down until you hear a camera click. You will also see the screenshot moving across the screen. When you do, release both buttons.
3. Check your notification bar for the saved photo.

How to Take a Swiping Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy

Note: Before you can take a swiping screenshot, you have to make sure that you have enabled the swipe feature in Settings. Simply go to Settings > Advanced features > Palm swipe to capture. On other Galaxy models, you can find the option in Settings > Motions and gestures > Palm swipe to capture.

1. Place the side of your open palm on the edge of your phone screen. The side of your pinky finger should be touching your phone screen, and your thumb should be facing away from it.
2. Swipe your hand across your phone screen. Drag your hand across your screen as if you’re scanning your phone. You will then hear a camera shutter or see the screenshot preview at the bottom of your screen.
3. Check your notification bar for the saved photo.

How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy

A scrolling screenshot or scroll capture lets you take a long shot of your screen. This is a perfect option if you want to take a screenshot of long conversations or a Twitter thread. You can do this in the later Galaxy Note models, such as the Galaxy Note 9.

1. Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. If your phone has a Home button, press it instead of the Volume Down button.
2. Tap Scroll capture. You can find this on the menu bar that appears at the bottom of your screen. Keep pressing it until you’ve reached the bottom end of the screen content you want to capture.

How to Take a Screenshot with a Galaxy S Pen

If you’re using a Samsung device with an S Pen, you can take a screenshot by opening Air Command and selecting Screen write. You can then take notes and tap Save when you are done.

1. Open Air Command. This is the little pen icon on the right side of your screen.
2. Select Screen write. The image will be taken, and you can add notes or draw shapes if you want.
3. Tap Save. You can find this at the bottom right portion of your screen.

Now that you know how to take a screenshot on an Android, check out our list of the best camera phones so you can take better pictures.