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.
- 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