How to screenshot on an Android device
A screenshot is a photo of what is on your device’s screen.
The screenshot is usually saved in the same place as all other photos you take.
Many different devices use Google’s Android operating system, so there are different ways screenshots can be taken.
You should be able to take screenshots on most Android devices by holding down the ‘Power’ and ‘Volume down’ buttons. Some devices also have a screenshot button in the pull-down menu.
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Screenshots can help you save important information, such as messages or booking confirmations. They can also help you keep a record of abuse or other harmful behaviour online. |
To take a screenshot, open the screen that you want to capture. Usually, you can press the power and volume down buttons at the same time. You should see a flash, which means the screenshot has been taken. |
To see the screenshot, open the gallery or photos app on your device. Keep in mind that some apps may block screenshots or let the person you're interacting with know when one is taken. If that could affect your safety, you might consider using another device to take a photo of the screen instead. If you want to make sure others who use your device don't see the screenshot, you can move it to a locked album or hidden folder. You could also send a copy to someone you trust, then delete it from your device. |
If the methods described in this video don't work on your device, try searching the internet for instructions using the name and model of your device. You can find more information on how to collect evidence at our website at esafety.gov.au. |
Taking a screenshot on an Android device
How to screenshot on Samsung
- Press and hold the ‘Power’ button and the ‘Volume down’ button (at the same time) for 1 to 2 seconds to take the screenshot.
- You should see the screen flash or change before it goes back to normal.
Samsung phones also support hand gestures to take screenshots. To do this you can:
- Position your hand like you plan to karate chop the phone, then swipe the entire side of your hand along the screen from left to right.
- You may need to set this up by going to ‘Settings’, ‘Advanced features’, ‘Motion and gestures’ and ‘Palm swipe’ to capture.
If your phone has Bixby, you can use voice command to ask the voice assistant to take a screenshot for you.
How to screenshot on Google Pixel
- Open the screen that you want to capture.
- Press the 'Power’ and ‘Volume down’ buttons at the same time.
- Your phone will take a picture of the screen and save it.
- At the bottom left, you will find a preview of your screenshot.
If your phone has Google Assistant, you can use voice command to ask the voice assistant to take a screenshot for you.
How to screenshot on Chromebook
- Newer Chromebooks may have a screenshot key. (On the key is a picture of a rectangle with a circle in the middle). You can press this to take a screenshot.
- If your Chromebook doesn't have a screenshot key, press and hold ‘Shift, ‘Ctrl’ and ‘Show Windows’. (The ‘Show Windows’ key is located at the top of the keyboard and it has a picture of a rectangle with two lines on the right-hand side). A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. You can then select the relevant button to either capture your full screen, part of the screen, or a specific window.
- Screenshots are automatically saved to your 'Downloads' folder.
How to take a screen recording on Android
- Access your ‘Quick settings’ from the pull-down menu.
- Add the ‘Screen recorder’ function by clicking on the pencil icon in the bottom left corner, then tap and drag the ‘Screen recorder’ icon into your ‘Quick settings’.
- Tap the ‘Screen recorder’ icon and then tap the ‘Start’ button to start recording your screen.
- Stop recording your screen by swiping down from the top of your screen to find the Screen recorder notification bar and select ‘Tap to stop’.
- The recording is stored in your default camera roll – usually Google Photos.
What to do if you have a different device or computer
We also have advice on:
If none of these screenshot methods work on your device, we suggest you open your search engine and search ‘How do I take a screenshot/screen recording with a [add your device type/model]’.
There are also some apps that can be used to take a screenshot or take a screen recording. Open Google Play and search ‘screen capture’ or ‘screen recorder’.
Last updated: 03/09/2026