How to take screenshots with Android 4.0 and higher

Before Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, it wasn’t possible to take screenshots directly from an Android device unless it was rooted. There weren’t any shortcuts to take screenshots, and even apps that circumvented rooting were very unstable. Android finally allowed screenshots without rooting or additional apps when Google released Android 4.0.

It was strange a feature that so many people use wasn’t included initially, but now it’s available for anyone who has a device running stock Android 4.0 or higher. Some Android 3.0 tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 added a screenshot function in the menu bar, but Android 2.3 Gingerbread users may not have the feature.

Here’s how to take screenshots with an Android device running 4.0 and higher.

Taking screenshots

It’s very easy to take screenshots in Android 4.0. For the majority of devices, all you have to do is hold the power and volume down button simultaneously. This works for all Nexus family devices like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7.

Third party devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3 require you to hold the power button and the physical home button.

You’ll know that a screenshot has been taken by the phone sounding a notification or an icon appearing in the notification bar.

Wrap-up

I’ve found that with devices running CyanogenMod 9, you can also take screenshots with the same button combination.

Taking screenshots is really that easy and is also a great way to snapshot something on your device quickly.