How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel

When you take a screenshot on the Google Pixel, you can save information you need for later. Thanks to a scrolling screenshot, you can take one of what you see on the whole page. The good news is that you can choose from different methods and choose the one that best works for you.

Whether you have one of the best Samsung phones or the latest Pixel 8 Pro, taking screenshots is quick and easy. Here, you'll discover how easy it is to use your Pixel to take quick screenshots and know how to find them. 

Note: The following methods were used using a Pixel 8 Pro.

Take a screenshot using buttons

The first method you can try to take screenshots is straightforward and is usually the first method many turn to on various Android phones. The button combination is quick and easy, so you can try it by doing the following.

How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel using buttons

1. Hold down the power and volume down buttons on the phone's right side.

2. Release both buttons at the same time.

3. Your Pixel will make a snapping sound, and a miniature version of your screen will appear on the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

If you performed the combination properly, you should see a smaller version of the screen you took and a notification. Simply tap the share or edit buttons to access your screenshot.

How to take a scrolling screenshot

Taking a screenshot of what's on your screen isn't always enough, but that's when you can try a scrolling screenshot. You can easily take one by using the button combination (Power + volume down), but besides the thumbnail preview, you'll see an option called Capture more.

1. Drag the screenshot window until you crop what you need. You'll see a magnifying glass on the side to see what information will be included in the screenshot. 

2. Tap the Save button. You'll also see an option to share or edit your screenshot.

Take a screenshot without buttons

There are several methods to take screenshots without using the hardware buttons. These depend on the type of navigation you are using on the Google Pixel. For reference, here are the different navigation methods available on Google Pixel:

1. Gesture navigation

2. 3-button navigation

3. Back tap gestures

4. Google Assistant

How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel with gesture navigation

1. Swipe up and hold from the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap the Screenshot button at the bottom when the App Switcher is revealed.

3. A preview will appear in the bottom left corner once successful.

How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel with 3-button navigation

1. Tap the square Overview button in your navigation bar.

2. Swipe over to the app that you wish to screenshot.

3. Tap the Screenshot button.

4. A preview will appear in the bottom left corner once successful.

How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel with back tap gestures

You can customize the back tap gestures on your Google Pixel phone so that it takes screenshots with that function. Once you have assigned the screenshot function to the back tap gesture, all you have to do is tap the back twice. Take note that you must have the Pixel 4a 5G or newer Pixels for this feature.

Here's how you can customize your Pixel's back tap gesture so that it takes screenshots when you tap the rear twice.

1. Open Settings on your Pixel.

2. Tap System.

3. Select Gestures to locate the relevant options.

4. Once you're in the gestures settings, tap Quick Tap.

5. Make sure the Use Quick Tap toggle is switched on.

6. Select Take screenshot.

How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel with Google Assistant

Google introduced the ability to use Google Assistant to snap screenshots with nothing but your voice in 2017. This feature was long anticipated. Here's how to take a screenshot with Google Assistant.

1. Say Hey Google.

2. When ready, say Take a screenshot.

If you are using the stock Pixel launcher, you can also tap the microphone icon in the Google Search bar to activate the Assistant. Then, ask it to take a screenshot or tap the keyboard icon in the Assistant prompt to type it out. 

If you try to activate the Google Assistant in every possible way and you don't get an answer, here is how you can check if you have it enabled.

1. Go to Settings 

2. Select Google

3. Tap the All services tab

4. Choose Settings for Google apps 

5. Select the Search, Assistant & Voice option

6. Google Assistant

7. Hey Google & Voice Match

8. Toggle on Hey Google

How to access your screenshots

How to access the screenshot you took on the Google Pixel

Right after taking a screenshot, you'll see a tiny thumbnail in the left-hand corner of your Pixel's display that shows a miniature version of the image. You can access the screengrab you just took by tapping the preview.

1. In the bottom right corner, tap the preview of the screenshot you just took.

2. If you want to edit the image, tap the pencil icon.

3. Alternatively, tap the Share button to send the screenshot to someone or share it via an app.

How to access all of your screenshots on the Google Pixel

If you were too late and the thumbnail disappeared, don't worry. It isn't gone forever! Screenshots are stored in a designated Google Pixel folder and accessible through the Photos app.

1. Open Google Photos from the home screen, folder, or app drawer.

2. Tap the Library button in the bottom toolbar.

3. Select Device folders.

4. Under the Photos on device section, tap Screenshots.

5. Open or share the screenshot or screenshots you want.

Keep capturing

Screenshots are possible on all phones. Once you have all the screenshots you need, you can access them in Google Photos. It's good that you have different methods to choose from, just in case you're having issues with one. 

To access your screenshots, you can take the long way or short way by long-pressing on the Google Photos app icon. Remember to double-check which screenshots you're erasing before they are permanently removed. Or, you will find yourself in need of instructions on how to recover deleted photos from Android.