Screenshots are one of the best ways to tell people what exactly you are doing on your device. This can help in many ways, you can help someone go through a process or even share your achievements such as your new high score in Temple Run.
Although, this feature is not easy to get in older device, all new devices running Android 4.0 and above come with this feature built-in. Taking a screen is not much of a big deal either, however, the process can vary from device to device. This is why it is very important to know how you can take screenshots on your specific device. Without further ado, lets get straight to finding out which method will work best for you.
Screenshots on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and Above
If your device is running Android 4.0 and above, taking a screenshot should not be a problem at all. Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to the area of which you would like to take a Screenshot.
- Press both Power and volume down button, simultaneously.
- If you have done it right, a flashing image will be seen on the borders of the screen and a sound could be heard confirming the Screenshot has been taken.
- You can then access the screenshot by going into images in the gallery (there is usually a “screenshot” folder. It is located in the \pictures\ directory if you are browsing the files). There will also come a notification in the notification bar, you can also directly go from there by tapping on it.
Here is a video, showing how to take screenshot on Android 4.0 and above
Note: Some phones such as Samsung Galaxy series will require you to press Power and Home button simultaneously to take a screenshot. Other OEMs may also use the same combination. If the above mentioned method doesn’t work on your device then you should try pressing Power and Home button instead.
Here is a video showing how you can take screenshot using Power and Home button.
If you are not lucky at the first attempt then don’t worry and try again, it will happen, you just need to get the timing right.
Screenshots on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and below
Unfortunately, these old versions don’t come with Screenshots feature built-in. However, some old phones do support this feature even if the operating system doesn’t come with it, including many Samsung phones.
Before going for any hard methods try pressing Power and Home button at the same time on your device running Android 2.3 or below. If the screenshot is taken, then have fun, if not, then unfortunately you will have to opt for hard measures.
There are two ways you can get a screenshot feature on your phone running Android 2.3 and below. However, both come with some expense, so make sure the screenshot feature is worth it.
Solution #1
If you have a rooted Android phone, then you can simply get a free Screenshot app that requires root from Google Play Store such as Quick Screenshot. With such app you will be able to take Screenshots with more than just one shortcut. You can also flash a custom ROM that comes with Screenshot feature such as CyanogenMod. However, if you don’t have a rooted phone, then make sure the reason why you need a screenshot feature is worth rooting your phone.
Solution #2
If you don’t want to root your phone, then you can buy No Root Screenshot it from Google Play store (we don’t get any money if you do). The app does come with a price, but if you really require screenshot capabilities, then it is worth it. Just download the app on your phone and a companion app on your PC. In order to take screenshots you need to attach your phone with your PC and enable screenshots using the companion app on the PC.
However, you will have to go through the process of attaching your phone with your PC again if you will reboot your phone. Here is a video demonstrating how to do it:
Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Note etc…
There are two different methods to take screenshots on Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5.
Method # 1
You can take a Screenshot on your Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 just like on the other Galaxy phones using Power and home button. Press the Power and Home button simultaneously to take a screenshot which you can access from the Gallery or directly from the notification bar.
Method # 2
The second method is called “Palm swipe to capture” which is actually quite convenient and doesn’t require pressing any buttons. To take a screenshot using this method you will have to:
- Put your hand on one side of the screen (either left or right) like you are shaking hands with someone.
- Make sure the base of your hand rests properly on the screen and swipe in the other direction. if you have done it properly the screenshot will be taken and you can access it just like in the Method # 1.
This feature is enabled by default; however, you can also disable it if you are taking screenshots by accident.
To Disable this function of Galaxy S5 go to:
- Settings Menu
- Scroll down and tap on “Motions and Gesture” under the heading “Motion”.
- There Tap on “Palm swipe to capture” and toggle it off.
To disable this function on Galaxy S4 go to:
- Settings Menu
- Tap on “My Devices”
- Scroll down and tap on “Motions and Gesture” under the heading “Input and control”.
- There Tap on “Palm motion” and toggle it off.
The second method is quite convenient as pressing buttons can sometimes lead to turning the phone off or toggling volume which can be quite frustrating. But with “Palm swipe to capture” the worst possible thing you can do is swiping the screen.
After taking the Screenshot you can edit it and also share it via different means like email, Facebook and Twitter, etc.
Screenshots on LG G series Phones
On LG G series phones you can take screenshots using two methods just like Galaxy S4 and S5. However, the methods are a bit different with the same results.
Method # 1
Just like on all other android phones you can take a screenshot on LG G series phones by pressing Power and Volume down button simultaneously. However, it can be a bit tricky on LG G series phones as the Volume and Power button are located at the back of the phone below the camera.
You can just grab the phone with both hands and place index finger of one hand on Power Button and index finger of the other hand on the Volume down button and press them at the same time. If you have done it right you will see the screenshot capture gesture along with a sound.
Of course, you can press the button the way you are comfortable with, it’s just easier to do it the way we have told.
Method # 2
If you think pressing buttons is a bit difficult for you then there is a software method too. You can just swipe up from the bottom and a Google Now ring will pop up, if you look at the right side there will an option of QuickMemo+. On some LG Phones, the bottom swipe no longer shows the QuickMemo+ button, but it is still present in the shortcuts when you swipe from the top of the screen down.
Just tap it and a screenshot will be taken immediately. After the screenshot has been taken you will be taken to a screen where you can draw on the screenshot, write on it, share it or simply save it in the Gallery. Don’t forget to save it! Here is a video showing both methods
You can also download apps that can help take screenshots such as Screenshot Ultimate, but the results will never be as good as the original method. However, these apps do come with some extra feature like multiple shortcuts to take screenshots, but still it is better to stay with the original method for optimum results.