10 Easy Solutions to Fix Screenshot Not Working on Android
Taking screenshots on Android phones has become a breeze in recent years. You simply press the Power and Volume down buttons, and voila! However, sometimes you may encounter issues like “Can't take screenshot” or blank screenshots. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 simple ways to fix the screenshot not working problem on Android devices. These solutions work for all major brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and LG.
1. Clear All Open Apps
Start by closing all the apps running on your Android phone. Open the Recent apps screen and either tap the “Close all” button or swipe up to close them. This will clear any background processes that might be interfering with the screenshot function. Once done, try taking a screenshot again.
2. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can often resolve issues with the screenshot functionality. Restart your Android phone to clear any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the problem.
3. Use the Correct Methods to Take Screenshots
Different Android phones have different methods for capturing screenshots. The most common way is to press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. However, some phones require you to press the buttons once and release them quickly. Make sure you are using the correct method for your device.
4. Check Security Policy
If you receive messages like “Can't take screenshots due to security policy” or “Cannot capture a screenshot. The page contains personal information,” it means that certain apps or your device's security settings are preventing screenshots. This is common in apps like Netflix and banking apps. To fix this, you can contact the department that issued your phone or use Google Assistant to take screenshots in restricted apps. Alternatively, you can remove the associated work/school account in the Settings to disable the screenshot security. Please note that this may restrict your access to certain apps or emails associated with that account.
5. Check Google Assistant Settings
If you are unable to take screenshots using Google Assistant, make sure screenshots are enabled in the Google Assistant settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital Assistant (or Assist and Voice input) and enable the toggle for “Use screenshot.”
6. Check Internal Storage
Low storage space can also cause screenshot issues on Android. To check your storage, go to Settings > Storage or Settings > General Management > Storage. If your phone is running low on storage, follow some tips to free up space. Once you have cleared some internal storage, try taking a screenshot again.
7. Turn off Incognito Mode
If you're trying to take a screenshot in Chrome's Incognito mode, you won't be able to. Google has intentionally blocked the ability to capture screenshots in Incognito mode. Switch to normal browsing mode and try taking a screenshot.
8. Enable Media Storage
Some Android users have reported that enabling the Media storage app can fix screenshot issues. To do this, go to Settings > Apps, find the Media storage app, and enable it if it's disabled.
9. Use Safe Mode
Try taking a screenshot in Safe mode to identify if a third-party app is causing the problem. To enter Safe mode, press and hold the Power button until you see the Power menu, then touch and hold the Power off option and tap on Safe mode. If you can take a screenshot in Safe mode, uninstall any recently installed apps or security-related apps that may be conflicting with the screenshot function.
10. Reset Settings
If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting the settings on your Android phone. This will not delete any personal data, but it will reset app preferences, permissions, and other settings. To do this, go to Settings > System (or General Management) > Reset > Reset all settings (or Reset app preferences).
Bonus: Take Screenshot Without Buttons
If the physical buttons on your phone are the issue, you can use third-party apps to take screenshots. Apps like Screenshot Touch and Screen Master allow you to capture screenshots using floating icons or gestures. Check out other useful screenshot apps on the Play Store.
I hope these solutions help you fix the screenshot not working issue on your Android phone. Once everything is working fine, explore apps that allow you to take long screenshots or learn some handy screenshot-taking tips if you are a Samsung Galaxy user. Happy screenshotting!

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”