How to Screenshot on Google Pixel Phones

The latest Pixel lineup—the Pixel 9 series—features improved AI functionality, a brighter screen, and a powerful new Tensor G4 chip. But before diving into these upgrades, nailing the basic features is key to getting the most out of your device. 

From pressing physical buttons to simply using your voice, Google Pixel phones offer a whole host of methods to help you capture important information using just one simple tool: screenshots. 

In this article, we’ll explore the details of each method, including how to take a longer scrolling screenshot. So, whether you’ve recently purchased the Pixel 9 Pro or are looking for new ways to use your older Pixel device, you’re in the right place!

How Do I Take a Screenshot On My Google Pixel Device?

The traditional and most common way to take a screenshot is by using the Power and Volume buttons on the right side of your phone. This works for devices supporting Android 11 and up, which covers most of the Google Pixel devices available today — including the latest Pixel 9 series.

1. Simultaneously press the Power and Volume down buttons on the screen you’d like to capture.

2. Your Google Pixel will take a screenshot and save it in the Google Photos app.

3. Look to the bottom left corner — this is where a preview is displayed.
   

Alternative Screenshotting Methods

What’s great about the Google Pixel setup is that there are plenty of options for capturing and saving important information and precious memories. Keep reading to discover four more ways to take a screenshot on any Google Pixel device.

1. Scrolling Screenshots

Screenshots quickly capture the screens of social media sites or small pieces of crucial information. But what happens when you need to save a complete webpage, recipe, conversation thread, or lengthy document?. Enter the long or scrolling screenshot.

Here’s how to take a scrolling screenshot on Pixel Phones with Android 12 and above:

1. Take a normal screenshot by pressing the Power and Volume down buttons.

2. A preview will then be displayed. Select Capture more at the bottom of the screen.

3. Use the crop feature to select the content you want to capture from the complete page. Drag the handles to the top and bottom to capture everything.

4. Tap Save and the scrolling screenshot will be added to your Photos app like a standard one.

2. Without Buttons

Whether the Volume or Power button is damaged or you’re simply looking for a more convenient way to work, try taking a screenshot without buttons. 

Although not completely hands-free, the methods below require simple swiping, and vary depending on the navigation system you’ve selected. 

Most Google Pixel devices offer Gesture navigation, which uses swipes and gestures, while 3-button uses on-screen Home, Back, and App Overview buttons. Exclusive to the Pixel 3 lineup and earlier, 2-button navigation consists of the same buttons, minus App Overview.

• Gesture Navigation: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold. Then, choose an open app and tap Screenshot.

• 3-Button Navigation: Press the square Overview icon in your navigation bar, select an open app, then tap Screenshot.

• 2-Button Navigation: Tap the Power button, then Screenshot.

Switch between systems in the Settings app by going to the System tab, then selecting Navigation Mode.

3. Quick Tap

Quick Tap allows Google Pixel users to carry out specific actions, just by tapping the back of the phone twice. These commands include displaying notifications, opening apps, and playing music. Here’s how to program Quick Tap to take a screenshot:

1. Go to the Settings menu

2. Scroll down to System and select Gestures

3. Click Quick Tap to start actions, then Use Quick Tap

4. Finally, choose Take screenshot

5. To activate, quickly tap the back of your device twice

If Quick Tap activates too easily (just by picking up your phone, for example!), use this menu to change the settings to “Require stronger taps.”

4. Google Assistant

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant that works with voice command to open apps, search the web, and navigate your Pixel device. It can also capture hands-free screenshots! To use Google Assistant, simply:

1. Make sure you’re on the page you’d like to screenshot.

2. Hold the Home button or say “Hey Google” to activate the assistant.

3. When you’re ready, ask the assistant to “Take a screenshot.”

Many new Google Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9 series, now use Gemini — an upgraded personal AI assistant. However, you can switch between the two by opening Settings in the Google app.

Where Are Screenshots Stored On a Google Pixel Phone?

Finding a screenshot you’ve just captured is pretty simple. Just press the preview in the lower left corner of the screen! To see older ones, go to your Photos app.

Tap Collections, On this Device, then open the Screenshots folder. From here, you can Share or Edit the photo to display the necessary information.

How Can I Find Old Screenshots On a Pixel 9 Phone?

Although they’re stored in a dedicated section, sourcing the exact screenshot you’re looking for can be challenging — especially if you’ve got hundreds, with the Pixel 9 Pro offering storage all the way up to 1TB! That’s where Pixel Screenshots comes in, a new and exclusive Google AI-powered feature for the Pixel 9 series.

Pixel Screenshots uses Gemini Nano, Google’s latest AI model on Android devices, to save and organize your screenshots. The feature processes information within each image, like addresses, prices, and the image’s source, to categorize screenshots and group them around different topics or ideas.

It also automatically generates a title, summary, and suggested actions, like adding a date to your Google Calendar, setting a reminder, or putting a ticket into your Google Wallet. Easily find that receipt needed for your records, a coupon that’s about to expire, or a saved recipe you’ve only just found time to cook! 

Then, use Google’s personal AI Gemini assistant to locate a specific image by asking a question and you’ll get a conversation reply in return. For instance, ask “What date is Mom’s birthday?” and Gemini will reply “1st July.” 

What Next?

Now that you’ve mastered taking screenshots, why not check out some of the other features available on the latest Google Pixel devices? Discover how to use voice assistant on the Pixel 9 Pro XL or find out when to expect the exciting new Pixel 10!