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Being able to take a screenshot is one of the most basic functions on Android phones nowadays (can you believe that it used to require root access on your device?). All phones come out with this capability, and different handsets have different creative ways to do it. This is the case with the Moto G Stylus 2023. Here’s a guide showing you all the different ways you can take a screenshot with your Moto G Stylus.
In case you’re curious about this phone, Android Headlines has additional content on it. You can click here to read our full review of the Moto G Stylus 2023. It dives into several aspects that define this phone’s user experience. Also, if you want to know how to conserve battery power with it, you can click here. Lastly, if you want to know how to customize the theme on this phone, click here.
How to take a screenshot on the Moto G Stylus 2023
Motorola offers several ways for you to take a quick screenshot. You’re able to do so in the more traditional way, but they’re also a few ways that Motorola offers.
Power and volume down button
The first way is the classic method that Android users have used for several years. When something happens on your screen that you want to capture, simply press the volume down button and the power button simultaneously.
If you use older Android phones to take screenshots, you may be tempted to hold these buttons down. However, with a Moto G Stylus 2023, that won’t be necessary. If you try to hold the buttons down, the phone will take the screenshot instantly.
3-finger method
This next method you won’t find on many other Android smartphones. If you need to take a quick screenshot, but you can’t quite reach your hand around to access the power in volume down button, you can use the three-finger method.
This method isn’t as quick as the aforementioned method, but you can use it without much trouble. Simply place and hold three fingers on the screen for about a second. When you do that, you’ll see the phone take a screenshot.
This method is more convenient, but it won’t be the best for all scenarios. If it’s important that you take the screenshot without affecting what’s on your screen, then you may want to pass this method up. Your phone will register the three individual taps before it takes a screenshot.
For example, if you’re using a painting or drawing app, you will see three distinct dots on your screenshot where the phone registered your input. This method is best for use on your home screen when nothing is really affected by your input.
Enabling this method
The three-finger method might not be enabled by default. In order to enable it, go to your System Settings (drag down on your home screen twice and press the little gear icon at the bottom). In the settings, go down to the Gestures button.
On the resulting page, a little way down, you will see the Three-finger screenshot section. When you tap on that, you will see the toggle at the top of the screen along with a little animation at the bottom showing you how it works. Flip the toggle to use this method.
From the stylus toolbar
This wouldn’t be much of a stylus device if it didn’t come with useful tools to help you fully realize the styluses’ potential. When you unsheathe the stylus from the silo, you’ll see a little toolbar appear on the right side of the screen.
You will see several tools, but the one you’re looking for is the tool that looks like a hand drawing a square over a scene (see the picture below). When you tap that button, you will see your phone take the screenshot. However, the toolbar will not show up in the screenshot. So, you will not have to worry about it getting in the way.
Selecting the option
You should see this option pop up in the toolbar by default. However, on the off chance that it’s not there, tap on the little gear icon at the bottom of the toolbar. The top section will show the tools that are currently assigned to the toolbar.
Directly under it, you will see the selection of tools that you can add. Select the screenshot option to add it to your toolbar. You can also add other tools and apps to the toolbar for quick access.
Through the recent apps screen
This functionality was introduced with Android 12. If you are using an app that you want to take a screenshot of, you can simply access the recent apps screen (if you have three button navigation set, it will be the square button on the right. If you are using gesture navigation, swipe up from the bottom and hold your finger there.)
Directly under the app you’re in, you will see the screenshot function. Simply tap it to take a screenshot. The system will take a screenshot of the app only, and not the entire recent apps screen.
Using Google Assistant
This method is not exclusive to the Motorola G Stylus 2023, but it can really come in handy. The Google Assistant can perform many functions for your phone, and this includes taking screenshots. Simply say the “Hey Google” or “Ok Google” phrase to access the assistant. Then, just say “Take a screenshot.” The assistant will take the screenshot for you.
Just know that this method does take a few seconds. You have to summon the assistant, and then wait for it to ascertain your request and Perform It. So, if you’re trying to take a screenshot of something time-sensitive, you may want to use a different method.
Enabling this feature
Most likely, this feature will not be available by default. In order to enable it, open the Google Search app. You can either do this by going straight to the Google app on your home screen or tapping on the Google search bar. Tap on your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and tap on the Settings button close to the bottom.
On the resulting screen, scroll down to the General Settings button. In the general settings, flip the toggle next to the Use screen context section. This will give the assistant permission to access your screen to take the screenshot.
Taking a screenshot with this phone is quick and easy and, hopefully, this guide showed you your new favorite way to take screenshots with the Moto G Stylus 2023.