Taking a screenshot on a Google Pixel phone is a simple task that can be accomplished through a couple of different methods. The Pixel line, known for its user-friendly Android operating system, offers flexibility for capturing what’s on your screen. Users often need to take screenshots to save information from the web, capture messages, or preserve the image of an app.
One of the easiest ways to take a screenshot is by using the phone’s physical buttons. This method is quick and intuitive. It requires the simultaneous pressing of the power and the volume down buttons. Within moments, the screen flashes, indicating that the photo has been captured and saved to the device. Another approach involves using voice commands to instruct the device to take the screenshot, which can be done if the phone’s Assistant is set up and listening.
How to Take a Screenshot on Google Pixel
Capturing your screen on a Google Pixel is quick and easy — whether you want to save a conversation, capture a webpage, or share an app screen. This guide covers all the ways to take a screenshot on any Google Pixel model, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 8, and earlier generations.
📱 Method 1: Use the Power and Volume Buttons
This is the simplest and most common way to take a screenshot on any Pixel phone.
Steps:
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
- You’ll see the screen flash briefly and hear a shutter sound (if your sound is on).
- A small preview will appear in the bottom-left corner — tap it to edit, share, or delete the screenshot.
Tip: The screenshot is automatically saved in your Photos app → Library → Screenshots.
🧭 Method 2: Use the Recent Apps Screen (Android 14 & 15)
If you’re using Android 14 or later, you can take a screenshot directly from the Recent Apps view.
Steps:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open Recent Apps.
- Find the app you want to capture.
- Tap the Screenshot button below the app preview.
This method is especially useful if your physical buttons are hard to reach or not working properly.
(source: Google Help)
🗣️ Method 3: Ask Google Assistant
You can also take a screenshot hands-free using your voice.
Steps:
- Say “Hey Google, take a screenshot.”
- The Assistant will capture your screen instantly.
You can then share or edit the screenshot directly from the preview.
📜 Method 4: Take a Scrolling Screenshot
Need to capture a long webpage or chat? Use the Scrolling Screenshot feature.
Steps:
- Take a normal screenshot using any method above.
- When the preview appears, tap “Capture more.”
- Drag the borders to select the full area you want to include.
- Tap Save when done.
The full image will be stored in your Screenshots folder.
⚙️ Method 5: Use Quick Settings (Android 15+)
Some newer Pixels (like the Pixel 9 series) let you add a Screenshot shortcut to Quick Settings.
To set it up:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings.
- Tap the pencil icon (Edit).
- Drag the Screenshot tile into your active Quick Settings area.
- Now, you can just tap it anytime to capture your screen.
🖼️ Where to Find Your Screenshots
All screenshots are automatically saved to:
Photos app → Library → Screenshots
From there, you can:
- Edit (crop, markup, or adjust colors)
- Share via messaging or social media
- Back them up to Google Photos
🧩 Bonus: Take Screenshots on Pixel Tablet or Fold
- Pixel Tablet: Press Power + Volume Down.
- Pixel Fold: Works the same way — Power + Volume Down captures the current screen (even on the inner display).
✅ Final Thoughts
Taking a screenshot on a Google Pixel is fast and flexible — whether you prefer buttons, gestures, or voice commands. With Android 15’s improvements, you can even capture extended content and manage screenshots more easily than ever.
Sources:
- Google Help – Take a screenshot on your Pixel phone or tablet
- TechRadar – How to screenshot on Google Pixel phones
- Android Central – How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel
Key Takeaways
- Google Pixel offers easy methods to take screenshots.
- Physical buttons can capture what’s on the screen quickly.
- Voice commands can also trigger a screenshot.
Taking a Screenshot on Your Google Pixel
Capturing a screenshot on Google Pixel phones is straightforward. There are several methods from button combinations to voice commands that work swiftly.
Using Physical Buttons
To take a screenshot using the physical buttons, users should hold the Power button and the Volume down button simultaneously. This method is quick and does not require any on-screen navigation. The screenshot will save automatically to the phone’s photo gallery where users can edit or share it as needed.
Using Google Assistant
For those who prefer a hands-free approach, Google Assistant is helpful. Users can activate this feature by saying “Hey Google” or tapping the microphone icon. Following this with the voice command “Take a screenshot” will capture what’s on the screen. This method is convenient when manual dexterity is a challenge or the phone is mounted.
Using Screen Gestures
On Android 12, users can employ screen gestures to take a screenshot. A swipe up from the bottom of the screen and a tap on the “Screenshot” button from the recent apps overview will do the trick. This gesture navigation is handy, especially when using the phone with one hand.
Exploring Advanced Features
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models include advanced features like the scrolling screenshot. This allows users to capture content that is extending beyond the viewable screen area. After taking a regular screenshot, they can simply tap the “Capture more” button that appears to extend the screenshot lengthwise.
