First, I’ll tell you about the standard features. The thing is that some smartphones have a screenshot-taking function out of the box.
- Android 3.2 and later - long press on the "Recent Programs" button.
- Android 4.0 - volume down button + Power button.
- Samsung Galaxy- Back + Home button (saved in the ScreenCapture folder).
- Samsung Galaxy S II - Home button + Lock (saved in the ScreenCapture folder).
- HTC Desire S - Power button + Home (saved in the photo folder).
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S - volume down button + Power on.
If you have Root rights
Android smartphones are sold without Root rights, that is, you do not have access to some hidden functions on your phone. The average person doesn’t need them at all, but Root is needed, for example, to install custom firmware. We will talk about this later. Follow the Workshop blog to stay updated.
So, if you have already done Root, then you just need to download one of the many applications for taking screenshots in Google Play and all will be well.
For example:
Some of these apps supposedly don't require root access, but they do require connecting to your computer and rebooting. Latest program even paid, but the developers promise that Root is not required. Once I was able to take a screenshot with its help, but a couple of times I wasn’t able to, so it doesn’t always work.
Universal method
And finally, a method that will allow you to take a screenshot on any device with Android OS. Yes, it is not too simple, but it works. I warn you right away, you will need a computer to work.
So, point by point:
Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable and install necessary drivers, if they are not already installed on the system.
We download the SDK, but do not install it, but copy all the files and folders from the archive to some folder, for example, C:\SDK. The shorter the path to the folder, the easier it will be further. So, in this folder I had the folders “eclipse”, “sdk” and the “SDK Manager” application
Now, from the folder C:\SDK\sdk\platform-tools (or from where you created the folder in step 1) you need to copy the files “adb.exe”, “AdbWinApi.dll” and “fastboot.exe” to Windows\System32 . Copied? Let's move on to the next step.
Let's launch command line. I hope that most users will not have problems with this, and if they do, the command line can always be found at Start - All Programs - Accessories (or System Tools) - Command Prompt. You can launch Start-Run, type “cmd.exe” there and press Enter. I think you succeeded and a black command line window opened on the screen.
Now we need to go to the command line to the folder where you put the SDK. To do this, you need to use the "cd" utility. For example, if we type “cd c:\”, we will go to the root of drive C. Then we type “cd SDK” and go to the folder with the SDK. Here you need to type “cd SDK” again, because we need exactly this subdirectory. And finally, we type “cd platform-tools” and get into the destination directory. If you copied the SDK not to C:\SDK, then you will have different commands; by analogy, it’s not difficult to guess what needs to be written.
Our article will tell you in detail how to take a screenshot on your phone. But first, let's figure out what this option is.
Screenshot is
By printscreen we mean a photo of the screen of the smartphone itself. The option is also possible on a PC or laptop. Those. this is a copy of the image that is on the gadget’s screen. It could be a painting, a photo of your desktop, an image of a frame from a cartoon or a movie.
Modern gadget developers have come up with this option to faster users devices could exchange information. The picture is used as an insert into a document or for sending via messenger. On it, using the appropriate program, you can draw additions, highlight important information, leave comments and explanations.
Below we will look at how to take a screenshot of the screen on your phone using standard methods.
Basic methods on how to take a screenshot on a smartphone
These methods are generally accepted. They work on all devices running on the Android system. Let's talk about everything in order.
Pressing buttons
A screenshot is taken by recording the pressing of two buttons at the same time. As you can see from the picture above, we are talking about “Power” and “Volume Down”. You will then see a sign at the top and hear a click that will take the photo. It will remain in your phone’s memory in the standard folder for pictures. You can go to it and look at the screen at any time, as well as send it to one of the other users if necessary.
This method is used on different models smartphones from Honor, Huawei, Xiaomi and Samsung, as well as many others. We are talking about those variations of gadgets that operate on the Android OS. However, keep in mind that the version must be no lower than 4.0.
Often, the buttons on a smartphone stop functioning correctly as you use it. For this reason, take a photo relying on this method, it is not always possible. But do not think that from now on you are deprived of this privilege. There are other ways that will allow you to achieve the desired result.
Panel for quick smartphone settings
The screenshot option is available on Android phones on almost all models. It is located in the panel quick settings. It's worth getting access to it first. To do this, swipe your finger from top to bottom across the smartphone screen. Go to the "Quick Settings" button.
In this section, you can select the “Screenshot” option from the proposed list. Then click on the “Save” button. After this, the “Screenshot” button will appear. By clicking on it, the photo will be taken.
Root rights
A situation may also arise when a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or other models have Android version 2.3, or maybe even earlier, installed. To take a screenshot, you will need to have a “Root agreement”. Only then will you be able to install any of the applications on your gadget. Including, the option to make a print screen of the screen will appear.
If we talk about tablets with Android, then the picture is taken using an icon, it is provided in this version of the technology. If it is not there, then you can activate the print screen by pressing the “menu” and “lock screen” buttons. After this, a window will appear that will allow you to confirm this operation.
You will need to select a resolution and a copy, and then send them to the gallery for storage. This key combination varies on different models of gadgets. If you can’t take a photo, then the developers suggest using special programs for such cases.
Gestures
On phones from Samsung and other manufacturers there is a “photo” gesture option. This is very convenient solution. Just remember that you need to enable it by going to the gadget settings. There the information will be presented to your attention.
The basic mechanism is that the owner of the device swipes his fingers across the screen. This method will be available on the latest device models that have appeared recently.
Ways to take a screenshot for different brands of smartphones
Take screenshots on different mobile devices It’s possible if you know certain proprietary methods. Let's talk about them in more detail right now.
Xiaomi
Models from Chinese manufacturers have an additional algorithm that makes it possible to take a screenshot if necessary. For these purposes, it is worth pressing simultaneously “volume down” and the keys in the menu, which are presented in the form of 3 stripes.
Samsung
On older models of smartphones from the South Korean manufacturer, you should hold down the “Home” and “Back” buttons for about 2 seconds to get a screenshot.
But if you have a model that went on sale later than 2014, then you should use the mentioned standard way, it was already discussed above in our article.
In the latest models from 2016, for example, Samsung J3, there is another method for taking a screenshot. It is worth clicking on “Home” and “Power” at the same time. At the same time, not some devices can enable 2 options, while on others only the last one can be enabled.
Huawei
On some devices from the Chinese manufacturer, holding down the “Power” button will bring up the menu. A key in the form of scissors will also appear in the list. It's called "Screenshot".
Screenshot Applications
We will look at the most popular applications that allow you to successfully take screenshots on Android devices. It should be noted that there will be no problems with completing this task. You can always download the application, especially since most of them are free.
ScreenshotUltimate app. Downloading does not require payment. This is an easy way to master screenwriting. The application allows you to capture the screen by clicking on a special icon. You can also do this by shaking, sliding your fingers across the screen, voice option, power button. You can edit the resulting image if necessary. Those. make an inscription, crop the picture.
Today there are tons of applications for this. Download them via
GooglePlay or NineStore. Pay attention to proven options. This is My Phone ExplorerGoogle Play, Ok Screenshot, and a lot of others.
Saving a screenshot: ways to solve problems
It is possible that you took a screenshot using one of the above methods, but you cannot save it in the gadget’s memory. This means that it is worth following certain decisions.
We advise you to first reboot your gadget. It is likely that this problem is the cause. You can also update all files downloaded on your phone. Also, after this you should reboot the entire device.
In the gallery, you can create a folder called screenshot. The problem may be that it is missing, and therefore saving the picture is not possible. The user will be able to insert a memory card into the device to further save pictures. This procedure is carried out using the existing settings. You can save pictures to an SD card.
It may also happen that all the space in your device is simply taken up. The size of the photo cannot end up in storage. In this case, it is important to clean internal memory device and try again. It may also be that one of the keys on your phone that you press to take a screenshot has failed. In general, the best solution is to find the instructions and read them. This will solve the problem specifically with your gadget.
Android users note that when they take a screenshot, a notification appears that provides a link that, when clicked, can open the image. If you do not do this right away, then the Photo application will display only those pictures that were taken using the device’s camera. How to take screenshots on various devices and in different versions operating system and, most importantly, where to look for them later? After all, sometimes.
The answer to this question may be obvious to experienced users of smartphones and tablets, but will be very interesting to beginners. It is revealed in the resource published The New York Times article “Searching for Android Screen Shots.”
The location of your device's screenshots depends not only on the Android version, but also on the device. If you don't see the Screenshots folder in Google app Photos (Google Photos) on your phone or tablet running , tap the Menu icon (with three lines) located in the upper left corner of the screen and open Device Folders. Upgrading to this version of the operating system Sony company.
In the screenshots section, you will see a preview of the screenshots that you have previously taken. The Device Folders section also displays images created using other applications. This includes photos that were downloaded from Twitter, or those pictures that you edited in Adobe Photoshop Express.
If your device is running older versions of Android, such as Kit Kat (version 4.4), then simply open the Gallery app, select Album view, and then find the Screenshots folder. If it is not there, then these are features shell provided by your phone vendor. It should be noted that some users are not willing to upgrade to Lollipop from this version of Android.
The method by which you can take a screenshot varies depending on the device, but this task is usually accomplished by holding down the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. This method works on many smartphones and tablets, including Droid Turbo, Moto X and Google Nexus.
Some smartphone vendors, such as Samsung, in their phones (Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6, based on Android) allow the user to take a screenshot by touching the phone display with the edge of the palm and then swiping from left to right. In this case, the combination of the power and volume down buttons also works. To view a collection of screenshots on your Samsung device, open the Gallery app, go to Album view, and tap Screenshots.
How much useful function Android is able to take screenshots?
Every user should be able to take a screenshot or screenshot. And it’s not difficult. On Apple products, just hold down two buttons at the same time, and on Windows, click on the key labeled Print Screen. But what about the owners of Android devices? How difficult is it to take a screenshot if the operating system (OS) is a “green robot”? In this article we will look at how to take a screenshot on Android.
Already on versions 4 and 5 of Android, the following method is available that allows you to quickly take a photo or “screenshot” the screen. To do this, you just need to press two keys at the same time. Not on virtual keyboard, but on the body of the smartphone or tablet itself. For this:
- Turn on the device.
- Select the image whose screenshot we need to take.
- Simultaneously press 2 buttons – Power (on/off/sleep mode) and “Volume Down” (bottom of the volume control). Hold them for 1-2 seconds.
- We wait for the display to blink and a specific sound from the camera shutter to appear. All screenshots are ready!
By the way, this method works on smartphones and tablets from almost all manufacturers - Samsung, Lenovo, Irbis, Micromax, Highscreen, Philips, Sony, Huawei, etc. The only condition is Android version 4.0 and higher.
But what if you have enough old smartphone? After all, on such a device there may be a third Android as an operating system. There is also a screen-creating function here. You just need to hold down the “Recent programs” item for a long time. But on the “ancient” Android version 1 or 2, screenshots can only be made through a separate application. By default, the OS does not have such a function.
Many people are interested in where screenshots are saved on Android? There are several options. Most often in “Camera Photos” or in a separate “Screenshots” folder in the Gallery. Here you can find the screenshot you took, view old pictures and delete those that are no longer needed. Sometimes screenshots are also saved in Pictures/Screenshots on the device’s memory card.
What is the easiest way to take a screenshot on Android 6 and 7?
Progress does not stand still. Therefore, in 2015, the developers released an update for Android 6, which allows you to take screenshots with one touch. This is convenient on tablets and mobile phones with a large screen diagonal, where it is problematic to press two buttons at the same time.
So if you have a device with Android OS 6 or 7, then it is possible to take screenshots as follows:
Agree, everything is simple. However, some users criticize this method of taking screenshots. The main reason is that the entire procedure takes a lot of time. Approximately 7-8 seconds. Whereas by clicking on “Power” and “Volume Down” you can screenshot the image almost instantly. You can't argue with that. But it is not always convenient to press two buttons at the same time. Therefore, sometimes it’s easier to take a screenshot via Now on Tap.
Branded and special ways to take screenshots
Many manufacturers, trying to expand the functionality of their products and make them more user-friendly, introduce additional tools, allowing you to take screenshots. Let's look at several options using Samsung devices as an example:
- Take a screenshot on an old one Samsung phone Galaxy S running Android 2.3 can be accessed by pressing and holding the Home and Back buttons.
- On gadgets such as Samsung Galaxy a3, j3, etc., a screen is created by simultaneously pressing the “Power” and “Home” buttons.
- How to do it with Android OS? Most models support the following option: press and hold the power button until a menu appears, in which we select the “Screenshot” item.
- Flagship devices from Samsung Support Palm Screen Capture function. That is, with its help you can take a screenshot without pressing buttons. You just need to run the edge of your palm across the display (touching it!). Moreover, it is possible both from left to right and vice versa. This option is activated in “Settings”, in the “Additional functions” section.
As for other manufacturers of smartphones and tablets, they are constantly introducing new ways to create screenshots.
- On many HTC and Meizu devices, you can “screen” the image on the display by pressing the “Power” and “Home” buttons together.
- U Xiaomi products possible in quick menu Click on the scissor-shaped icon that says “screenshot”. After which the screenshot will be saved in the device memory. In addition, some Xiaomi gadgets offer the ability to take screenshots using the three-finger-down gesture.
- By default, LG smartphones have branded application Quick Memo. It also allows you to quickly take screenshots. Quick Memo is launched through the top “curtain” of the notification panel.
- On Sony mobile devices (Xperia series), a screenshot can be taken through a special window, which is called up by long pressing the power button.
Is it possible to take a screenshot on Android using applications?
Of course, you can take a screenshot using additional software. There are a number of applications (available in Play Market or Google Play), in functionality which includes taking screenshots. What is their advantage? No need to bother and remember which buttons are used to take a screenshot. Just go into the program, select the appropriate item and take a screenshot. In addition, many similar applications also offer convenient tools to edit the screen.
If you don’t know which software to choose, then pay attention to the following programs:
- Screenshot Ultimate;
- Screenshot Pro;
- No Root Screenshot it.
These applications allow you to take screenshots in completely different ways - by shaking your smartphone, touching a widget on the desktop, through a separate shortcut or using timer settings, by holding a key for a long time, etc. At the same time, using this software, you can select the “screenshot” format » images (JPEG, PNG, etc.) and quickly send it through a special service.
Some applications that take screenshots require Root, that is, the so-called superuser rights!
For reference! If the screenshot is not saved, then first check whether there is free space on the media where the screenshot should be loaded. If the disk is really full, then use the CCleaner application or delete the cache to clear the memory.
Finally
Let's summarize everything said above. It turns out that you can take a screenshot of the screen on Android different ways. In our opinion, the easiest way is to use the standard options, where you only need to press one or two buttons. Although some people choose special applications to create screenshots. The choice is yours! In any case, taking screenshots on Android is no more difficult than on iOS and Windows.
In recent years, many Internet portals use screenshots taken from both smartphones and tablets when writing reviews. If you have Android version no lower than 4.0, then taking a screenshot will not be difficult, but for owners previous versions you'll have to work hard. With today's instructions, every user will learn how to take a screenshot on Android the most different versions. We will tell you about two methods that are the most common and another one that will make you spend a few minutes, but in the future you will be able to take screenshots on your Android without any effort.
How to take a screenshot on Android: method No. 1.
The first method tells us about standard capabilities. You can take a screenshot, as they say, “out of the box” on everyone modern devices, in which this function is implemented.
- For Android 3.2 and higher, you need to hold down the “Recent applications” button for a while.
- For Android 4.x, 5.x, 6.x - you must simultaneously press the volume down button and the Power button and hold for 1-2 seconds.
- On Samsung Galaxy devices - press the Back button and the Home button (the screenshots will be saved in the ScreenCapture folder).
- Samsung Galaxy S II – click on the Home button and the lock button (screenshots will be saved in the ScreenCapture folder).
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2 – run the edge of your palm across the smartphone display (works only on proprietary firmware with TouchWiz).
- HTC Desire S – press the Power button and the Home button.
How to take a screenshot on Android: method No. 2.
If you have superuser rights (ROOT rights), then you can use the following instructions. Initially, all Android devices are sold without ROOT rights, that is, you do not have the opportunity to view hidden files and folders, install custom firmware or use programs that require superuser rights.
But, if you have ROOT, then in order to take a screenshot on your Android, you will need to download one of the many applications designed for taking screenshots on Android, which can be found on Google Play.
Here is a list of the most popular programs to take screenshots on Android:
- Screenshot
- Screenshot
- Screenshot It
- Screen capture
- screenshot
To operate these applications, you will need superuser rights, so do not install them if you do not have ROOT rights, because this will be of no use and the application will not function.
How to take a screenshot on Android: method No. 3.
The third method is universal and allows you to take a screenshot of absolutely everything Android devices, regardless of the OS version. It is worth warning that this method is labor-intensive, but fully functional. Note: You will need a desktop computer or laptop.
So, let's begin:
The first thing we have to do is connect our smartphone or tablet to the computer using a USB cable and install the drivers (if they are not already installed).
Now you need to download the SDK from the official website, but not install it, but copy all the files and folders from the downloaded archive, for example, along the path C:\SDK. The shorter the path to the files, the easier it will be for you in the future, because you will work with the command line. So, after unpacking the downloaded archive, you have the following folders: "SDK Manager", "sdk" And "eclipse".
Now you need to go along the way C:\SDK\sdk\platform-tools and copy the following files from there: "fastboot.exe", "AdbWinApi.dll" And "adb.exe", to a folder along the way C:\Windwos\System32. If you have done everything, then move on to the next step.
Launch the command line (Start - All Programs - Accessories (System Tools) - Command Prompt). If you can’t find it through the Start menu, then you can go to the command line in another way: Start – Run and in the window that appears, type “cmd” and press Enter. After which you will see a black command line window.
The next step is to go to the command line exactly in the folder where you placed the SDK. To do this we will use the "cd" command. Next we type the following command "cd c:\" and we get to the root of drive C, then type the command "cd SDK" and go directly to the SDK folder where the files are located. Then we type the command again "cd SDK" and go to the directory we need. Now let's type the command "cd platform-tools". If you have placed the SDK folder in a different path C:\SDK, then your commands will be the same, only indicating your folder path; in principle, it’s not difficult to guess.
After we got into the directory "platform-tools" we need to enter the following command "adb shell" and press the Enter button. If you did everything correctly, you will see the following message shell@android:/$.
After which the command line can be minimized, but not closed, we won’t need it for now.
Note: If after you enter the command "adb shell" and press Enter you will see a message "device not found» (device not found) - this only means that you need to enable USB debugging mode, you can read how to do this on our website.
So, there’s only one small thing left to do, you need to go to the folder tools(located along the way C:\SDK\sdk\tools\) look for the file there ddms.bat and launch it. The program should open for you "Davlik Debug Monitor".
The connected Android devices will be shown on the left side of the display. I only have one device connected - Samsung Galaxy Note II. Select our device by clicking on it with the mouse, and then open the menu Device-Screen Capture.
IN this menu you can take screenshots, rotate it, copy it to the clipboard, or simply save it. This process of creating screenshots can be considered complete.
Despite the fact that this method is the most complex, it can be used on absolutely all Android devices. If you have a device with an older Android version or a Chinese device, then this method of taking screenshots on Android can be a real salvation for you.
