Taking a screenshot on your smartphone is something that we do almost every single day — whether it’s saving an important payment receipt, capturing a high score from a game, saving chat proof, or sharing funny memes with friends. Thankfully, almost every smartphone today — Android or iPhone — comes with easy screenshot features. But the problem is, different smartphones have different ways of taking a screenshot. That’s why many users get confused.
So in this complete 2025 guide, I will show you how to take screenshot on any smartphone — whether you use Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, Realme, iPhone, or any other Android device. Not just that, you will also learn advanced screenshot tricks like long screenshot, scrolling screenshot, screenshot using voice commands, and screenshot without using physical buttons.
Let’s get started!
What is a Screenshot & Why Do We Use It?
A screenshot means capturing whatever is visible on your smartphone screen and saving it as an image. Screenshot feature is extremely helpful in daily life. You don’t need to copy text, write important information manually because a screenshot does all that instantly.
Here are some common uses of screenshots:
- Save important payment transaction proof
- Capture OTP, ticket, timetable, or class notes
- Share interesting posts from apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
- Report bugs, errors, or suspicious activities
- Save online shopping details like order confirmation or product info
- Record achievements in games or apps
- Document digital conversations for personal or official evidence
In short, screenshots help us capture anything instantly without depending on any app or internet connection.
How to Take Screenshot on Android Smartphones (General Guide)
Most Android smartphones provide a common method to capture screenshots. If you don’t know your phone’s brand or model-specific shortcut, first try this universal Android screenshot method:
Method 1: Power Button + Volume Down Button
- Open the screen or content you want to capture
- Press and hold Power Button + Volume Down Button together
- Hold for 1 second and release
- You will see a flash animation and hear a shutter sound (optional)
- The screenshot will automatically get saved in Gallery → Screenshots folder
This is the most widely used method and works on around 90% Android devices including Google Pixel, Realme, Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, Motorola, OnePlus, Nokia, Tecno, Infinix, etc.
Other Android Screenshot Methods
There are many alternative ways too. Let’s look at them one by one:
Method 2: Using Quick Settings or Notification Panel
- Swipe down the notification panel
- Tap Screenshot / Capture / Screen Grab
- Screenshot will be saved automatically
This method is helpful when your phone’s physical buttons are damaged.
Read More : How to Save Mobile Battery Life – Best Simple Tips for Every Smartphone User (2025 Guide)
Method 3: Using Google Assistant
You can ask Google to take the screenshot for you.
Say:
“Hey Google, take a screenshot”
Google Assistant will capture your screen instantly. This is best when buttons are not reachable or while using the phone in full screen.
Method 4: Three-Finger Swipe Gesture
Most Chinese brand smartphones like Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO support this gesture.
How to use:
- Open the screen you want to capture
- Swipe three fingers down on screen
- Screenshot will be taken
If disabled, enable from:
Settings → Additional Settings → Button & Gestures → Screenshot Gesture
Android Screenshot Methods Summary (Table)
| Brand | Shortcut Buttons | Gesture Option | Voice Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Power + Volume Down | Palm Swipe Gesture | Bixby / Google Assistant |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Swipe | Google Assistant |
| Realme | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Swipe | Google Assistant |
| OPPO | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Swipe / Smart Sidebar | Google Assistant |
| Vivo | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Swipe | Google Assistant |
| Motorola | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Tap | Google Assistant |
| OnePlus | Power + Volume Down | Three Finger Swipe | Google Assistant |
Save this table for easy reference.
How to Take Screenshot on iPhone (Any Model)
iPhones have different screenshot methods depending on the model — whether it has a Home button or not. Let us understand both:
Method 1: iPhone with Face ID (No Home Button)
(Example: iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series)
Steps:
- Open the screen you want to capture
- Press Side Button + Volume Up Button together
- Release quickly
- Screenshot preview will appear in bottom left corner
You can tap the preview to crop, edit, draw or share instantly.
Method 2: iPhone with Touch ID (Home Button Models)
(Example: iPhone SE, iPhone 6, 7, 8 series)
Steps:
- Press Home Button + Side/Top Button together
- Release and the screenshot will be captured
This method is very simple for older iPhones.
Method 3: AssistiveTouch (Screenshot Without Buttons)
Best option if physical buttons are damaged.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch
- Enable AssistiveTouch
- Tap the floating button → Device → More → Screenshot
Now you can take screenshots with a tap on screen.
Method 4: Back Tap Screenshot
A new and smart feature in latest iPhones:
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
- Select Screenshot
Now double tap on the back of your iPhone to take a screenshot! ✨
How to Take Scrolling Screenshot / Long Screenshot
Sometimes one screen is not enough, like when you want to capture:
- Long chats in WhatsApp
- Full webpage content
- Long receipts or forms
In that situation, use Scrolling Screenshot.
Android Long Screenshot
After capturing screenshot:
- Tap Scroll / Expand / Capture More option
- Scroll down until desired content is captured
- Save it
iPhone Long Screenshot
- Take screenshot
- Tap preview → Select Full Page
- Save as PDF or edit before saving
This helps you capture entire pages in one single image.
Screenshot with Smart Features (Advanced)
Technology has made screenshots more powerful. Here are some advanced features available in latest smartphones:
1.Screenshot using Voice Assistants
- iPhone: “Hey Siri, take a screenshot”
- Android: “Hey Google, take a screenshot”
2.Screenshot using Smart Sidebar
(Available in OPPO, Vivo, Realme)
- Swipe from the edge → Tap Screenshot
3.Screenshot using Palm or Hand Gesture
(Available on Samsung)
- Swipe your palm from left to right across screen
4.Screenshot Editor
You can:
- Crop
- Blur sensitive information
- Highlight text
- Add stickers or notes
These tools help while sharing private data safely.
What If Screenshot is Not Allowed?
Some apps block screenshots for security reasons, such as:
- Banking apps
- Payment apps
- Password manager apps
- Streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
You may see a black screen instead of screenshot. This is a security measure to protect privacy and copyrighted content. Do not use third-party apps to bypass these restrictions — it could be illegal or unsafe.
Where Do Screenshots Get Saved?
Screenshot files automatically go to:
Android:
- Gallery → Screenshots folder
- Or File Manager → Internal Storage → DCIM → Screenshots
iPhone:
- Photos App → Albums → Screenshots
You can edit, rename, or share screenshots anytime.
Tips to Make Screenshot Experience Better
- Clean your notifications before taking screenshot for professional sharing
- Blur phone number or private details before sharing
- Use long screenshot for webpages and chats
- Keep storage free to avoid saving issues
- Use cloud backup for important screenshots
These small habits will help a lot in day-to-day usage.
FAQs: How to Take Screenshot on Any Smartphone
Q1: How do I take a screenshot without buttons?
✔ Use:
- Google Assistant / Siri
- AssistiveTouch on iPhone
- Smart Sidebar
- Accessibility gesture
Q2: Why can’t I take screenshots in some apps?
✔ Due to privacy and copyright protection in banking and streaming apps.
Q3: Where are screenshots stored?
✔ In Screenshots folder inside Gallery/Photos.
Q4: Can I take scrolling screenshots on all phones?
✔ Supported in most Android and iPhone models (iOS 13+).
Q5: Do I need an app to take screenshots?
✔ No. Every modern smartphone has built-in screenshot feature.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on any smartphone is super easy in 2025. Whether you use Android or iPhone, you have multiple screenshot methods — using buttons, gestures, voice commands, or even smart touch features. You can also take scrolling screenshots, edit them instantly, and share them with friends or colleagues.
Next time when you need to save something important — just Snap it! Capture it! Screenshot it!
If your smartphone buttons are damaged, don’t worry — there are completely button-free screenshot solutions available too.
So now you know exactly how to take screenshot on any smartphone — with every smart trick included. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone who gets confused while taking screenshots.