How to take a screenshot on Android 4.4.2 on a Nexus 4?

Question

I read that you need to hold the volume down button and power button simultaneously to take a screenshot. I've tried this many times and I just can't get it to work. Most of the time the volume lowers, sometimes the screen locks.

Update: Sometimes it's very easy to take screenshots, but usually it's impossible. It's likely a hardware or software defect. Many times I'm also unable to unlock the screen on my Nexus 4. I'm confident it's not a timing issue.

Answer 1

If the buttons don't work, you could always try using ADB from a computer. Root is not required but USB Debugging must be enabled. Then just run:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png
adb shell rm /sdcard/screen.png

These commands will produce a screenshot and save it in the sdcard directory (on some devices, including the Nexus line, have an emulated sdcard partition in the internal storage; so don't worry about this), pull to your computer, and then deletes it from your phone.

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Unfortunately, one would think that this would be easier on stock Android. But that's why so many aftermarket versions or apps exist: to provide the missing functionality that people can cherrypick from and customize as they please. Below is an example of a simpler and nicer interface from which to take screenshots, which was added to stock 4.4.3 Android using GravityBox [KK] (root and Xposed required).