Although we consider scrolling screenshots a minor feature update for Android 12, it was actually a highly requested feature by users. So to some at least, this probably feels like a huge change. Now you might be someone who wasn’t even aware scrolling screenshots was a thing. Regardless, it’s here now, and maybe you’re curious how to use it. Don’t worry. Because if you’re trying to figure out how to take one of these longer screenshots, we’ve got you covered. This handy guide will walk you through all the necessary steps.
How to take a scrolling screenshot in Android 12
You’ll need Android 12 on your device to make this work. So either make sure you’re using a device that has the Android 12 update available, or a device that can install the beta. This means the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and all current Pixel devices, as well as a handful of devices from other manufacturers.
Start by taking a screenshot
To take a scrolling screenshot, the first thing you need to do is take a screenshot. Any screenshot, anywhere on the device. In any app or on any screen (Some apps don’t allow screenshots, or scrolling screenshots). Like the app drawer for instance. If you wanted to capture every app you have installed in one single screenshot, you could use the scrolling screenshot to take one long screenshot that displays everything as you scroll through your app drawer.
Not sure how to take a normal screenshot? No problem
If you’re unsure how to take a screenshot in general, we have you covered here too. Most devices will allow you to take a screenshot by simultaneously holding down the volume down and power buttons. Trust us, you’ll know if it works.
Tap the “capture more” option
After you take a screenshot you should see the options on the screenshot panel that allow you to edit, share, or capture more of the image. Tap on capture more to enable the ability to select more of the area to include.
Drag the crop box to include more of the image
After you hit the capture more button, you’ll see more of the scrollable screen you were on before the screenshot along with a crop box you can drag up and down. Tap on and drag the edges of the box to include more of the image until you have your desired screenshot.
Hit the save button
Now all that’s left to do is hit the save button. This will save the longer screenshot in your screenshots folder inside the photo gallery. Where you can then do with it as you please.
The benefits of a scrolling screenshot in Android 12
There are numerous reasons why you might want to use this feature. You might, as described above, want to show someone every app you have installed on your device, and to do that may need to extend the screenshot to include your entire app drawer. But you could also use it to take an extended screenshot from an article you’ve read so you can share a piece of it with someone. This could also serve as an easy way to create an infographic or share a screenshot of an infographic you aren’t able to save or download. Of course Samsung phones and some other phone brands have allowed for this some time. But now it’s native to Android and baked right in. So you don’t need anything extra. And that’s all there is to it. Easy right?
