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. A scrolling screenshot is one long image that covers an area that you have to swipe through to see in full. Follow this guide to learn how to take a scrolling screenshot on any Android device.
Good to know: using incognito mode often while browsing? Check out how you can lift the limitation to take screenshots.
Take Scrolling Screenshots on Android 12 and Up
With the introduction of Android 12, Google finally brought a highly requested feature: the ability to take scrolling screenshots natively, i.e., without the use of third-party apps. Google has since rolled out Android 13, which has retained and refined the option.
While initially the scrolling screenshots feature was limited to some apps while leaving out others (most notably Chrome), it seems the feature has spread wider. You can now take long screenshots of most apps or webpages (provided you browse with Google’s mobile browser or Opera/Brave/Edge, as Firefox is still not supported).
If you have a device running Android 12 or above, follow these steps to take a scrolling screenshot.
- On your phone or tablet, open a web page in your browser or a compatible app.
- Take a screenshot on your device using the classic method by pressing the “Power” and “Volume down” buttons at the same time.
Note: you’ll need to use this method if you want to take a scrolling screenshot. For instance, you won’t be able to expand your shot if you use Google Assistant to take a screenshot.
Three options appear at the bottom of the screen next to the screenshot preview: “Share,” “Edit,” and “Capture more.” Tap on the last option. (If the button does not appear, the app/browser is not supported just yet.)
Use the resizing handles to select the part that you want to include in your scrolling screenshot.
Once you’re satisfied with the size of your screenshot, you can tap the “Edit” button in the lower-right corner to add some text to the image and even doodle if you want.
Tap the “Save” button in the upper-left corner.
Note that Android’s built-in scrolling screenshot feature does not allow you to expand the screenshot endlessly. Most apps and webpages we’ve tried have a predetermined outline, so you won’t be able to go beyond a certain limit. This appears to vary between apps, but most will offer to screenshot up to three and a half times the size of your display.
Good to know: find out whether taking a screenshot on a chat or social app will notify the other party.
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
On a OnePlus smartphone, take a screenshot as you normally would.
Opt for the classic method (hold down the power and volume down buttons at the same time for a few seconds) or use the three-finger swipe gesture (if you have that enabled).
Once you’ve captured it, a small screen screenshot thumbnail will appear in the bottom-right corner. Tap on the “Expanded Screenshot” button underneath.
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 be visible in your image gallery’s editor.
Samsung Devices
Samsung phone owners can also take long screenshots without external help.
Once you’ve captured a screenshot on your device using the classic method, tap to view it, then select the scrolling button at the bottom of the display.
Tapping on it once will add extra info to your screenshot. If you need more coverage, continue to tap on the button until you get everything you want inside the screenshot.
Other phones – including models from Huawei, LG, and Xiaomi – offer a similar option.
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
LongShot for Long Screenshot is free and easy to use. While there are many long screenshot apps in the Play Store, LongShot can help you create a long screenshot within seconds simply by scrolling on the page/app without any restriction. While the app does feature an outdated interface, it does the job pretty well.
When you open the app, you’ll notice three options: “Capture Screenshot,” “Capture Web Page,” and “Select Images.”
With the “Capture Screenshot” option, you can easily take screenshots of 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.
Give the necessary permission for the app to “start recording or casting.”
Go to the page/app you wish to screenshot. You’ll notice a pair of buttons floating on the screen. Tap the green “Start” button to begin capturing your screenshot.
Slowly scroll down the page. When it’s time to end the capture, press the red “Done” button.
The result will show up for you to edit. Press “Save” for the image to go straight to your device’s Gallery.
Alternatively, use the “Capture Web Page” option if you wish to capture a scrolling screenshot of a webpage. You’ll need to enter the URL directly in LongShot.
ScreenMaster
ScreenMaster is another app that allows you to take long screenshots using the stitching method. Compared to alternatives, this one lets you easily crop the fluff out, and the results can end up looking pretty nice.
Give ScreenMaster the necessary permissions so that it can overlay other apps.
Open the app and tap the large green “Turn on Screen Capture” button. You should see a floating mini screen-capture button on the display.
Navigate to the webpage or app you wish to screenshot and tap on the button to start the process.
Allow the app to start recording your screen.
The app will screenshot the screen, then immediately take you to an editing screen. Select the “Stitch” option at the bottom.
Start scrolling until you capture the content that’s supposed to fit into the next screenshot, then press the “+” button underneath to start capturing the next part. Make sure there’s an overlap between the two screenshots (which will be trimmed out later). The new screenshot will be added to the carousel at the top.
Once you’ve snapped all the screenshots you need, tap the checkmark button to open the stitching window.
Use the “Scissors” to cut out the parts that prevent your scrolling screenshot from looking like a whole image.
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.
Tip: learn how to take a scrolling screenshot on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
Can I take a scrolling screenshot on iOS?
It’s possible. You can natively capture a scrolling screenshot of a website, PDF, email, or note by switching to the “Full Page” tab in the screenshot editor. Alternatively, you can install an app such as Picsew.
How can I record my Android screen?
If you have an Android device running Android 10 and above, activate the built-in Screen Recorder function via the Quick Settings panel. If you’re a frequent gamer, you may want to check out some of these third-party screen recorder apps.
How can I edit my scrolling screenshots?
If you’re not happy with the native options offered by Android, there are several other options. For example, you can use the Google Photos app to quickly edit your scrolling screenshots. Even if they are larger than your usual screenshots, they are still screenshots, so you can try all the methods outlined in our post.
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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