Google pixel won't take screen shot

[RayTomes]

I got my new Google pixel XL 128gb and I tried many times to press the two buttons simultaneously but it will not take a screen shot.

 

[iOS Gravity]

Press and HOLD the power and volume down buttons. I had the same issues coming from an iPhone, but its nice since I can't accidentally take screenshots anymore.

 

[RayTomes]

OK got it. The confusion was press down while it is press VOL DOWN with power. Thank you.

 

[Jeremy8000]

Glad you found your solution - for others who might search and find this thread and still have difficulty, note that if you have the phone in a bumper or case, this could be an issue. The way some manufacturers design button overlays causes the VOL+ button to be pressed in as well when its surrounding (VOL- and PWR) buttons are pressed.

 

[jeepnprincesspj]

OMG.. after googling many times and trying over and over again... I found this thread. It was the case!! Now I know why I can't take a screen shot. Doesn't help since I need the case.... but at least I know why it wouldn't work.

Thank you!!

 

[Lilybell2]

Fortunately, my Spigen Tough Armor case doesn't interfere with my Pixel XL taking a screen shot, but it's sure good to know that some cases can be problematical. It has to be very frustrating when you try over and over to take a screenshot and you have no idea why it's not working for you.

 

[kickingirl]

Glad I found this thread. I removed the case, but *still* cannot take a screen shot. the power off option and alarms off feature keep triggering. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Lilybell2]

Here are a couple of videos. Note it's just a matter of simultaneously pressing and holding both buttons until you have the screenshot. Mostly, it just takes a bit of practice to get it right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r95ewMFQpb0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKveVLi37-g

 

[N4Newbie]

It seems a bit of overkill, but I find that the only way to do it successfully is to use both hands: one to squeeze the power button and the other to squeeze the volume down button. If I try to do it one-handed I always fail.

I somewhat miss Android 6.x ability to take a screenshot from the Now on Tap menu.

But, wait - I just found something new!

From anything other than a home screen, open the Google Assistant (you know, long-press the circle at the bottom center of the screen), then tap the "Share screenshot" button that appears. Mail it to yourself, "Save to Drive", or do whatever else you may have planned for it.

 

[mkhall]

Yes, this is helpful, but be warned that it won't catch any screen overlays (like Facebook Messengers chat heads), which are closed when GA starts to take the shot (unlike the double-button method).

 

[N4Newbie]

Yes, this is helpful, but be warned that it won't catch any screen overlays (like Facebook Messengers chat heads), which are closed when GA starts to take the shot (unlike the double-button method).

That is true. Also the notification bar from the top of the screen is not included with the "Share screenshot" method.

 

[Bob Lyons]

Hi, my screen capture is not working and I suspect it is the Otterbox Defender case I have on my 2XL. That being said I have a very noticeable ghost issue on my screen. Will a screen shot capture that? In my case it's a Grey streak but the clincher is where it emanates from the right side of the screen there is a bulge of blackness. Ugh!

 

[Stephen Metz-Lago]

Nope. No case. Both hands. No joy. This is a pretty basic function that's worked fine on every other phone and is really the only disappointing thing about my Pixel XL. The Google Assistant workaround suggested above works, but it's a lot of trouble for a screen shot.

 

[kjharrison]

You can also press and hold the assistant button (the round button between the square and triangle). You can then share it it save to to your Drive account.

 

[kjharrison]

You can also press and hold the assistant button (the round button between the square and triangle). You can then share it it save to to your Drive account.

Oops. Somebody else also mentioned this.