Take Screenshots on an Android

Taking a screenshot -- a "capture" of the image currently displayed on your Android phone or tablet -- is the first step in sharing images, building presentations, or writing instructions for your device. Follow this guide to start taking screenshots on your Android phone or tablet.

Steps

  1. The simplest method for taking a screenshot is available on most (if not all) devices running Android 4.0 or later. Some earlier versions of Android also support this, but it varies by individual device. The easiest way to find out is to try it.Note: If you are using a Kindle device, follow "Taking Screenshots on a Kindle" (below).
  2. Navigate to the screen or image you want to capture. The screenshot function will capture everything that is currently being displayed on your phone or tablet, including any "buttons" that appear on-screen.
  3. Take the screenshot (capture what's on the screen).
    There are various ways to do this, depending upon the particular device and Android version.
    • Press two physical buttons at the same time for 1-2 seconds.
      • On most devices running Android 4.0 or later, it will be the Power/Lock and Volume Down buttons.
      • Otherwise, especially with earlier versions of Android and Samsung devices, it will be the Power/Lock and Home buttons.
      • On the Kobo Arc 10HD tablet before Android 4.0, it is the
        Back (right, bottom) and Home buttons.
    • After you release both buttons, you will know your screen is "captured" if:
      • you see a copy of your screen display shrink into a frame.
      • you hear a camera shutter sound (not on all devices), and/or
      • a notification bar appears (on devices with Notification capability).
    • If no "capture" occurs, try again a few times until you get it right. Sometimes it takes a little practice.
    • Remember, you must press the two physical buttons at the same time, otherwise it will not work. If you see the result of pressing just one of the buttons (usually the one you pressed first), or no result at all, then you did not press them at the same time. Try it again.
  4. Open the screenshot.
    There are various ways to do this, depending upon the particular device and Android version.
    • Open the Gallery app, then open the Screenshots album.
      • Tap on each screenshot to view it full screen.
      • From there you can share it, remove it, or perform other actions available on your device.
    • Look in your Notifications screen (Android 4.2 and later):
      • For each screenshot taken, there will be one notification entry (a bar or line).
      • Tap each screenshot's notification entry to view it and take further action(s).
  5. Connect to a PC or Mac if you cannot find your screenshots. If you were able to take screenshots, but simply cannot find the screenshots anywhere on your device, you will need to connect your device to a desktop or laptop computer to view and manage your screenshots.
    • Plug your device into a desktop or laptop computer, either a Windows PC or a Mac.
    • For a Windows PC, follow the instructions in How to Save Pictures Onto Your PC.
    • For a Mac, follow the instructions in Connect Android to a Mac or Manage Files on Android with a Mac.


Tips

  • If you are not familiar with the Android operating system versions, check out the Android History page on Android.com.
  • If your Android device cannot take screenshots on its own, then your best alternative is to employ a Screenshot app. Even if you can take screenshots the "manual" way, you may find a Screenshot app to be easier and more useful, since it usually gives you more control over taking your screenshots. For example, many Screenshot apps also allow you to:
    • Select specific sections of the screen to "capture",
    • Easily place your screen captures into libraries and/or albums and manage them, plus
    • In some cases, edit your captures and/or transfer them to your desktop and laptop computers.

Warnings

  • Remember that Copyright and Trademark laws apply to any media that has been copyrighted or trademarked, even if such media was sent to you via your phone or tablet by someone authorized to do so. Be sure you do not violate these laws when you capture and share content from the screen of your phone or tablet.
  • Stay away from "rooting" your Android device, as it leaves the Android operating system wide open to accidental changes or deletions that may affect the operation of your device. Even if you are an advanced user, think twice.
  • Always reject any Screenshot apps that require your Android device to be "Rooted".
    To "root" an Android device means to grant any app (software) installed on the device, plus any user of the device, including YOU, complete and total access to all the folders and files on the device that would normally be accessible only to the Android operating system. This includes device configuration files, and operating system functions. Once your Android device is "rooted", it is more open to attack by viruses and malware. Rooting your Android device usually voids the device's warranty!

Things You'll Need

  • A smart phone or tablet with the Android mobile device operating system software.
  • Desktop or laptop computer - a Windows PC or Mac. [Only if you Cannot find your Screen Captures]
  • A "screen capture" App with NO "Rooting" Required. [Optional]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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