How to Take a Screenshot on a ZTE Phone (Yes, There's a Button for That)

Your ZTE Screenshot Questions, Answered

I handle telecom orders for a living. But I also fix my family's phones on weekends. After fielding the same question from my mom for the third time (and messing it up myself once), I decided to document every screenshot method for ZTE phones.

Look, some of these are obvious. Others? Not so much. Here's what I've learned from personal trial and error.

1. How do I take a screenshot on a standard ZTE phone?

The simplest method: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously. Hold for about a second. You'll see a flash and hear a shutter sound. That's it.

I once held them for five seconds and ended up restarting the phone. Not ideal. A quick press-release is all you need. (Note to self: actually read the manual next time.)

2. Is there a one-button screenshot method on newer ZTE phones?

Yes, thankfully. On recent models running MyOS (like the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and some Blade models), there's a Quick Touch or Gesture method.

Go to Settings > Convenience > Gesture & Motion > Screenshot with 3-finger swipe. Swipe down with three fingers on the screen. It's way more convenient than fumbling with buttons. (Surprise: I found this feature after three years of owning the phone. Ugh.)

3. How do I take a long screenshot (scrolling capture)?

This one tripped me up. After taking a standard screenshot, a small thumbnail preview appears in the bottom corner. Tap that thumbnail, then select Scroll. The phone will automatically scroll down and capture a longer image.

My mistake: I tapped the notification too fast and dismissed it. Wait for the preview to appear. Otherwise, you're stuck cropping a regular screenshot (which looks terrible for articles).

4. What about the ZTE Blade A3 or older models with a dedicated screenshot button?

I learned this one the hard way. Some older ZTE phones (circa 2016-2019) don't have the Volume Down + Power combo. Instead, look for a physical or capacitive button on the top or left edge.

For the ZTE V9 from 2011? Completely different. You used the Slide the palm gesture across the screen. Or press and hold the power button, then select the screenshot option from the pop-up menu. My experience with that model is limited, but those are the two methods I've confirmed. If you're using a device that old, you might need a third-party app.

5. Why isn't my screenshot working?

Here's the thing: most issues are timing-related. You're holding the buttons too long or pressing them in the wrong order. Press Volume Down first, then quickly press the Power button. Not simultaneously? It sometimes registers as a volume change.

Other reasons this fails:

• Screen protector: Thick ones can block the gesture sensor for three-finger swipe. Peel it off and try.
• Battery saver mode: Some ZTE phones disable screenshot gestures to save power. Check your battery settings.
• Frozen app: If a specific app is locked, no screenshot method will work. Force close the app first.

I've wasted a good 20 minutes on this before realizing it was the screen protector. (Note to self: check the obvious stuff first.)

6. Where do screenshots get saved on a ZTE phone?

Default location: Open the Gallery app, then tap Albums. There's a folder called Screenshots. If you can't find it, check the File Manager, then Internal Storage > Pictures > Screenshots.

I once sent a customer a screenshot by accident because I couldn't find it. (awkward) That was the day I pinned the Screenshots folder to my home screen.

7. Can I take a screenshot on a ZTE phone without using buttons?

Yes. Besides the 3-finger swipe mentioned earlier, you can use Google Assistant. Say, "Hey Google, take a screenshot." It works instantly, no button mashing required.

Take it from someone who fields support calls from his mom: this is the method I teach first. She can't find the buttons (which, honestly, are getting smaller every year).

One Last Thing About ZTE Screenshots

My experience is based on about a dozen ZTE models I've personally used or tinkered with, from the ZTE V9 to the Axon 40. If you're using a specific model like the Blade A7 or the Nubia Z50, your experience might differ. The methods above cover about 90% of ZTE phones made after 2018.

Last checked: January 2025. Software updates change things occasionally. When in doubt, the button combo always works. (Finally!)