If you can’t take screenshots on Android phone or tablet, you’re probably seeing an error message that says you can’t take screenshot “due to limited storage space” or “due to security policy”. Ideally, taking screenshots on Android should be easy.
Sometimes you could try using a physical method like pressing a few key combos or swiping, but it doesn’t capture the image. You could also use Google Assistant to do it but it still won’t take the screenshot.
Among the causes of this problem is certain restrictions that don’t allow screenshot taking, whether at work or if you have a school account that disallows it. Another cause is using incognito mode in Chrome, which disallows screen grabs. Finally, a mechanical issue like low storage or a broken button can also cause this issue.
If the Android screenshot isn’t working on your device, we have some tips that can help you fix it.
What to do when you can’t take screenshots on Android
Enable Android Screenshots
If your device is limited by work or school restrictions, check with the admin to see if it’s a known issue, and if so, IT should be able to resolve it. If it’s there for a security purpose, then you may not be able to take the screenshots.
You can uninstall a work-related app by doing this:
- Open Settings>Apps & Notifications
- Tap See all apps and tap the selected app
- Now tap Uninstall to remove the app
If you’re in Incognito mode in Google Chrome, disable it before taking a screenshot. To do this:
- Tap Tabs in the upper right side of Chrome browser
- Now tap X to close the tabs
- Open a new tab in regular Chrome browser mode and take the screenshot
Try other combinations to take screenshots on Android
You can try other combinations or primary methods to take the screenshot:
- Press key combinations on your device
- Press down volume down and power buttons simultaneously (or Home and Power button)
- Use the hand gesture to capture screenshots (if using Samsung Galaxy device). Enable it by going to Settings>Advanced Features>Palm swipe to capture
- Use swipe
- Use Google Assistant. To do this, say “OK, Google, take a screenshot” and it will respond “OK touch to continue
If the problem is due to limited storage, reboot your Android device and then try taking the screenshot again. If it doesn’t help, clear the cache and try again.
If all else fails, perform a factory reset by going to Settings>System>Advanced>Reset Options and tap Erase All data (factory reset). Finally, tap Reset phone>Erase everything (this is for Android 9). For Android 7 or 8, go to Settings>About device>Reset>Factory Reset.
Elsie is a tech writer with 8+ years professional experience. For Tech News Watch, she brings rich experience contributing to topics such as Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS among others. In her spare time, she loves checking out the latest tech trends, gadgets, and news, listening to music and cars.
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