How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Any Android Device

You probably take screenshots all the time, but what if you need to send a screenshot of an entire web page that is beyond your mobile’s screen size? Instead of bombarding your friends with multiple screenshots, you can take and send a scrolling screenshot on Android, which is one long screenshot that covers an area that you have to scroll through to see in full. Doing this is not as hard as you think, especially now that you can do it natively on Android 12. Follow this guide to learn how to take a scrolling screenshot on any Android device.

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Take Scrolling Screenshots in Android 12

Android 12 brings many cool new features, including one that users have long requested: the ability to natively take scrolling screenshots. Now, all devices running Android 12 have the ability to take these long screenshots without needing anything more.

While at this point in time there aren’t many devices running Android 12, more will be updated as time passes. So far, Google’s own Pixel crop is running the latest Android version as well as some Samsung devices, such as the high-end Galaxy S21 series and some mid-range models like the Galaxy A52 4G and Galaxy A72.

If you have a compatible device at your disposal, this guide shows how to take a scrolling screenshot in Android 12. Before detailing the steps, however, note that some apps might not be compatible yet with this feature that is based on the ScrollCaptureCallBack API for View.

Also read:Switch from iOS to Android 12 and Transfer WhatsApp Conversations

Find the Right App

Basically, only apps based on the View package will support scrolling screenshots. This includes popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and more, but other notable utilities like Chrome aren’t supported (unless you have a certain flag enabled). The best way to find out which app supports the option is by trial and error.

1. On your device, open a web page in your browser or a compatible app.
2. To take a regular screenshot on your device, simply press the “Power” and “Volume down” buttons together at the same time.
3. If the app you’re trying to screenshot is compatible, three options will appear at the bottom the screen next to the screenshot preview: “Share,” “Edit” and “Capture More.” It’s the last option that you’re looking for. If the app you’re trying to take a long screenshot of is not compatible, this option won’t be available.

4. Tap on the “Capture More” option and use your finger to drag the window downward so that you can capture everything you need.

5. Once you are satisfied with the size of the screenshot, press the “Save” button in the upper-left corner.

As an interesting sidenote, scrolling screenshots in Android 12 are limited to around 3x the size of your display. If you need an even longer screenshot, you may want to look at the the other methods described in this article.

Also read:Do Social Media and Chat Apps Notify You When a Screenshot Is Taken?

Take Scrolling Screenshots Using Your Phone’s Native Screen Capture Feature

Some smartphone models offer this option natively, so owners don’t need anything else to be able to take a scrolling screenshot.

OnePlus Devices

1. On a OnePlus smartphone, go ahead and take a screenshot like you normally do.
2. You can go for the classic method (hold down the power and volume down button at the same time for a few seconds) or use the three-finger swipe gesture (if you have that enabled).
3. Once you’ve captured it, a small screen screenshot thumbnail will appear in the bottom-right corner. Notice the blue “expanded screenshot” button underneath and tap on it.

4. You’ll be taken back to the page you want to screenshot, which will start scrolling down automatically. When you’re ready, tap the screen to bring the scrolling to a halt. Your extended screenshot will now be visible in your image gallery’s editor.

Huawei Devices

Huawei phone owners can also take long screenshots without external help.

1. Once you’ve captured a screenshot on your device using the classic method, tap to view it, then select the Scrollshot button at the bottom of the display.

2. You’ll be taken back to the page you want to capture. Scroll down until you’ve included all the content, then tap the screen to finish. Your screenshot will now be shown in the phone’s gallery.

Other phones – including models from Samsung, LG, Xiaomi and more – offer a similar option.

Also read:10 Best Android Screen Recording Apps

Capture Long Screenshots Using Any Android Phone

If you own an older device or one from a different device manufacturer that doesn’t include a similar tool, you’ll have to install a third-party app.

LongShot for Long Screenshot

An app that takes great scrolling screenshots is LongShot for Long Screenshot. It’s entirely free and easy to use. While there are many long screenshot apps in the Play Store, the majority will simply stitch multiple screenshots for you to produce a scrolling one. However, with LongShot you can create a long screenshot simply by scrolling on the page/app within seconds.

1. When you open the app, you’ll notice three options allowing you to “Capture Screenshot,” “Capture Web Page,” and “Select Images.”
2. With the “Capture Screenshot” option, you can easily take screenshots for any apps or content on your phone, then save them to your Gallery. If you select this option, you’ll need to give the app permission to display over other apps.

3. The app icon will appear in the form of a floating button that you have to tap in order to start and stop capturing.

4. The result will show up for you to edit, and once you press “Save,” it will go straight to your device’s Gallery.

5. Alternatively, you can use the “Capture Web Page” option if you don’t want to open your browser and want to get things done directly from LongShot. You’ll need to enter the URL of the site where you want to take the scrolling screenshot.

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ScreenMaster

ScreenMaster is an app that allows you to take long screenshots using the stitching method. Compared to other apps, this one lets you easily crop the fluff out, and the results can end up looking pretty nice.

1. Users are required to give the necessary permissions before the app’s floating button appears on the display.
2. Navigate to the webpage or app you wish to screenshot and tap on the button to start the process.

3. A simple screenshot will be produced, and you’ll be taken to a menu window. Here, select the “Stitch” option at the bottom.

4. Start scrolling until you capture the content that’s supposed to fit into the next screenshot, then press the “+” button underneath. Make sure there’s an overlap between the two screenshots. The new screenshot will be added to the carousel on the right.

5. Once you’ve snapped all the screenshots you need, press on checkmark button.

6. This will open the stitching window. Use the Scissors to cut out the parts of the screenshots you don’t like.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create pretty decent-looking long screenshots using ScreenMaster. Your creations will be automatically saved to the gallery.

Also read:How to Use iMessage on Android and Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I check whether my Android phone is running Android 12?

If you want to experience taking rolling screenshots in Android natively, make sure you’ve upgraded to Android 12. To check whether the update is available for your device or your software version, go to “Settings -> System -> System update.”

2. How can I easily record my scrolling in Android 12 and below?

Devices running Android 10 and up can take advantage of the built-in “Screen recorder” feature that can be activated through the appropriate toggle from the Quick Settings panel. If your device is running an older version of Android, then go ahead and check this list of the best screen recording apps for Android and find one that works for you.

3. I can’t get the rolling screenshot to work despite using Android 12 with a compatible app. How can I fix it?

If you’re certain the app you’re trying to long screenshot is compatible, then there’s one more thing you should keep in mind: You need to use the phone’s physical buttons to do the deed and not an alternative method of creating screenshots. For instance, in Android 12 you can also take a normal screenshot from the Recents tab. However, if you use this method, the “Capture more” option needed to take a scrolling screenshot won’t appear.