Are you an Android smartphone user? Do you know the ins and outs of your device? Though there is a digital manual, users still find themselves confused even in their device’s minor features.
Case in point: The screenshot. Taking a screenshot or Android snapshots still confuse countless Android phone users. Of the 2.5 billion active Android devices in the world, not everyone knows how to take screenshots the quickest way possible.
And though all these phones run on the Android OS, the buttons and functions differ from phone to phone. So how do you take screenshots fast especially when you need them most?
Continue reading below as we teach you how to take screenshots the right way.
When to Take Screenshots
Android snapshots or screenshots are one of the most overlooked features of Android phones. You may or may not use it regularly but screenshots offer key benefits. Let’s take a look at the reasons why screenshots are essential:
Automation
Are you looking to show a demonstration for your team? Are you planning to display the same method multiple times? By taking screenshots, you no longer need to go through the process all over again.
This is helpful for automation requirements and repetitive tasks.
Accountability
Are you an educator? You can use your Android phone’s screenshot feature to hold your students accountable for their work. You can instruct your pupils to take screenshots of their output.
Thereafter, they can send the photos via email, Dropbox, or Messenger.
Saving and Remembering
Sometimes, you encounter interesting articles while browsing online. But what if you don’t have the time to read its entirety at the moment? You can simply take a screenshot of the page including its title.
Through the screenshot, you will have no worries about forgetting the article. Open the screenshot and use it as a reference. Thereafter, you can search for articles online faster.
Taking Android Snapshots: How to Do It on Your Phone
As we mentioned earlier, taking screenshots in Android devices differ depending on the phone you are using. Here’s an extensive rundown on how to take screenshots for different types of Android phones.
Samsung Phones
If you are using Samsung’s current flagship model – the Galaxy S20 Ultra/S20+/S20, you can take a screenshot by pressing the power button and the volume button together. This means there is no need to perform a long-press.
The key is to press the two buttons together and not hold them down.
In case you’re using the Galaxy S10 series from 2019, there are many ways to take a screenshot. First, you can press the power and volume buttons down. But you need to hold them down for about two seconds before releasing.
Another is by swiping the screen using your palm. But before you can do this, you must first activate it. Go to “Settings” and look for “Advanced features.”
Tap “Motions and gestures” and tap the toggle switch under “Palm swipe to capture” to turn it on.
If you are a Bixby user, you can instruct it to take a screenshot. Hold the Bixby button and say “Hey Bixby.” Say “Take a screenshot” to capture an image of the page on the screen.
If you want to take a screenshot of certain portions of the screen, then you need to perform a rolling screenshot. Visit https://setapp.com/how-to/take-a-scrolling-screenshot to learn how to take one.
Oppo Phones
There are three ways to take a screenshot using the Oppo A9 (2020). The simplest method is through the hardware buttons. Much like with the Galaxy S20, press the power button and volume button down at the same time.
This will automatically save the image to your gallery.
The second method is through the three-finger swipe. Swipe down the screen you wish to capture. Instead of using your palm, you only need three fingers to swipe.
Last but not least, you install a third-party application that you can download from Google Play. The good thing about these apps is you can crop and tweak your screenshots in different ways.
Google Phones
For Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL users, you have two ways to capture a screenshot. First is by using the power button. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds. Thereafter, you will see a few icons appear on the screen.
Select “Screenshot” to save the image.
Another option is through the Google Assistant. Enable Google Assistant and say “OK Google.” You can also give the home button a long press.
When Google Assistance wakes up, say “Take a screenshot.” If the screenshot is a success, you will see a notification at the top of the screen.
Acer Phones
Are you using the Acer Liquid Z630? Then there are two ways to take a screenshot on your device. First, is by simultaneously pressing and holding down the power and volume buttons.
Secondly, you can take a screenshot through third-party apps. Some of the best third-party screenshot apps for Acer phones include Screen Master, Super Screenshot, and Touchshot.
Asus Phones
For Asus smartphone users, simply press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. This applies to most Asus phones.
In case this method doesn’t work on yours, hold down the recent apps key for two seconds. This should capture the image that you want.
Huawei Phones
For Huawei devices, you can press and hold the volume and power buttons together. Another is through the top bar. Drag down the top bar while at the home screen and select the screenshot option.
Sony Phones
Press and hold down your phone’s power key. Wait for the prompt window to appear. Thereafter, hit the “+” option.
Alternatively, you can also press and hold the volume and power keys at the same time.
Unleash the Power of Your Android Device
Now that you know the fastest ways to take Android snapshots, you can capture images that you need without wasting much of your time. But taking screenshots is only one of the many features you need to learn.
Check out our other articles on Android devices. We offer tips and tricks to help unleash the full potentials of your Android device.