How to take a screenshot on Android smartphones

The Android operating system has evolved in the last few years. At one point of time, taking a screenshot on an Android smartphone was not possible without an app. However, now there are several ways in which you can take a screenshot on your Android smartphone -- that do not involve a third-party app.

Some companies also offer extended screenshot features, including the ability to capture screenshots of multiple pages, a wider set of screenshot editing features and more.

In this post, we take a look at ways in which you can take a screenshot without using an app.

How to take a screenshot on Android smartphones

Using shortcut buttons

Most companies use the standard screenshot shortcut these days, so this should work on most modern smartphones.

• Press and hold the power and volume down buttons until the screenshot is captured.
  
• If this does not work for you, you might have to press the power and volume up buttons together.
  
• Some companies also use the home button instead of the volume rocker. On these phones, you will have to press the power and home buttons together.
  
• In addition to this, you can also simply press and hold the power button until you get a pop-up on screen. This pop-up will include an option to take a screenshot. Tap on it.
  

Using quick settings shortcut

You can also use quick settings shortcuts to take a screenshot. Most smartphone makers have added a screenshot shortcut in the quick settings.

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• Open the Quick Settings drawer by swiping down on the status bar.
  
• Tap on the Screenshot shortcut.
  

Using gestures

Gestures have gained popularity over the last couple of years. Several smartphone makers have added the ability to capture a screenshot using gestures.

To enable this option, follow these steps:

• Open Settings and search for ‘screenshot’.
  
• This will list a few results. Look for ‘Three-finger screenshot’ and tap on it.
  
• Tap on the ‘Three-finger screenshot’ option to enable it.
  
• Now, you can take a screenshot by swiping down using three fingers.
  

This feature might vary from company to company, but overall the general idea should be similar.

See also:

Here’s how to take full page screenshots on Android smartphones

Here’s how to take a full page screenshot on your iPhone