Every Way to Take a Screenshot on Android
Screenshots make it easy to quickly share information with others, and they're also a fantastic way to store information for yourself to reference later. All Android handsets are capable of this feature, but did you know there's more than one way to take a screenshot on an Android?
Power + Volume Down
Perhaps the most common way to take a screenshot, all you need to do is hold both the power button and volume down button at the same time.
Quickly press both buttons, and you should hear a camera shutter sound (if your device isn't on silent) and see your screen flash. A small thumbnail containing the screenshot you've just captured will then appear at the bottom of your display.
Depending on the handset you own, this technique may vary slightly. You might need to hold down the buttons for slightly longer on some models, while others need just a quick tap. After a few tries, you're sure to master it.
Samsung Screenshots
When it comes to Samsung handsets, you'll have plenty of ways to take a screenshot. Samsung Galaxy users, for example, can use the Power + Volume Down button method above, but there are also two other ways to snap a screenshot.
The first method is Swipe to Capture. You'll need to switch on the palm swipe gesture to get started: just head to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures. From here, activate Palm swipe to capture, then go back to your home screen. All you need to do to take a screenshot is slide your hand from the left edge of your screen to the right edge - and voila, screenshot captured.
Galaxy users also benefit from the Smart Selection Tool method. Again, you'll need to change up your settings for this. Visit Settings > Display > Edge Screen and select 'Edge Panels'. Turn it on if it's currently deactivated, and add something called the Smart Capture Panel.
After activating this, you'll be able use your Edge Panel to select the Smart Capture Panel. Not only will you be able to take a screenshot from here, you can record your screen and even create GIFs.
The final Samsung screenshot method is for Samsung Galaxy Note handsets only, or any Samsung device with the S-Pen.
To get started, remove the S-Pen and use the Air Command menu to tap on Smart Capture. From here you can take your screenshot, or use the stylus to edit the capture window if you'd only like to save a portion of whatever is on your display.
Other Android Handsets
Just like Samsung, Motorola, and other manufacturers like Huawei and Honor, all offer additional ways to capture the perfect screenshot.
Motorola, for example, makes use of Moto Actions. Special gestures designed to make your life easier, it's possible to take a screenshot using three fingers on select models. Open your Moto app drawer, tap Moto Actions and activate Three-finger Screenshot. To help you get to grips with the technique, you'll be shown a quick demo - but once you have the process down, all you need to do is tap the screen with three fingers like the demonstration.
Huawei and Honor phones, meanwhile, can add a screenshot shortcut for even faster access. Pull down the notification panel, switch to Shortcuts then tap the Screenshot Icon to complete the process.
As for Sony phones, hold down the power button on its own and a special menu will appear. Hit Take Screenshot and you're done.
Whether you're an existing Android user, or you're thinking about switching to Android for your next handset, we hope our screenshot tips will come in useful. And if you are on the hunt for a new phone, don't forget to take a look at the deals available right here at Mobiles.co.uk.