Taking screen captures is a standard feature on iPhones and newer Android smartphones, but for some reason it's not very intuitive. Screenshots allow you to share your phone's screen with your friends, document technical problems for customer support, and even make how-to guides easier to follow. So, it's definitely worth remembering. Here's how you do it.
iPhone
To take a photo of the current screen on your iPhone, simply hold down the Home and Sleep/Wake (aka On/Off) buttons at the same time. On an iPhone running 2.0, your screen will flash white. On devices running iOS 2.1 and higher, there will also be a nifty camera shutter sound effect.
To access your screenshots, just go to Photos, then Camera Roll.
The process for taking a screenshot on your iPhone is pretty much the same for your iPad and iPod touch. Click here to learn more.
Android
On an Android phone running 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), hold the Volume Down and Power buttons down at the same time. The screen will flash and you'll hear a sound effect. If you look to your notification bar, you should also see a little picture icon appear and disappear, along with a Saving Screenshot message. You will then be alerted when the screenshot has been successfully saved. Pretty easy, right? It didn't use to be!
If you're on a phone running Jelly Bean (4.1) or later, you can view a preview of the screenshot by pulling down your notification drawer.
Your picture can now be found in a new folder called Screenshot in the Gallery app.
BlackBerry
Unlike iPhone and Android phones, the Blackberry unfortunately does not have a built-in screenshot function. However, a third-party app, Capture It, will make sure you don't feel left out.
Simply open www.captureitota.com with your phone's browser, scroll down, and click on Download.
Install the app and head on over to your phone's Options. Then navigate to Application Management (Applications if your OS is older than BlackBerry 6). Find Capture It, press the Menu button, select Edit Permissions, and change all permissions to Allow.
Now all you need to do to take screenshots is select Capture It by hitting your Menu button and scrolling down to the option. It's not quite as convenient as an Android or iPhone, but it works!
Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new emoji, enhanced security, podcast transcripts, Apple Cash virtual numbers, and other useful features. There are even new additions hidden within Safari. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update.
13 Comments
I wish every device had a built-in screenshot feature, e.g. Xbox.
Grr...my phone, I think is Android 3.1 or something that is definitely before JellyBean. Any help for me? I've hated all the screenshot apps I've tried.
I myself no longer have an Android phone, but I believe you're limited to apps or the sdk option. But apparently there are pre-4.0 phones with built-in screenshot features from the manufacturer, like the Galaxy S, Galaxy SII, Droid Charge, LG G2X, etc., but the process is a little different for each.
Doesn't work on HTC Thunderbolt. Meh :(
You're running an older OS. There have been plans to update ThunderBolt to 4.0, but it looks like it will never happen.
Bummer. It's incredible how fast smartphones get dated. Looking forward to upgrading in December... just have to hold out until then lol
after software update my tablet screenshot icon is disappeared how to rebuilt, iwant it back
How to take screen shots in leno go s6000
Try holding the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.
I'm trying to screenshot on Snapchat with my lollipop Android tablet but I can't figure it out
Try the Casper app out for that.
Umm I'm using a bush spiral phone unable to take screen shot any help.
I personally prefer the SDK way of taking a screenshot on any android device. I've also blogged about this method, which lets you takes a screenshot on even an android device from 2008. Though, root access is also good, but not is perfect for every person.
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