Smart TVs have become an essential part of our daily lives., allowing us to enjoy tailored entertainment and take advantage of features previously reserved only for computers or mobile devices. However, there's one feature that often raises questions: How to take screenshots on a Smart TVIf you've ever wondered, here's the definitive answer.
Although taking a screenshot from your mobile or computer is a piece of cake, When we try it on a smart TV, things don't seem so simple.. However, the good news is that there are several methods available to anyone, whether you are a computer user or Android TV, Google TVChromecast, Apple TV, or even an LG TV with WebOS. Below, you'll find all the options, from the fastest to the most advanced, so you can capture what you're watching on your TV without any hassle.
Why would you want to take a screenshot on your Smart TV?
Capturing what you see on your TV can be useful for many reasons.From saving a special moment in a movie, sharing information about an app error, saving instructions, to even sending an image to tech support. More and more brands and systems offer practical ways to do this., either natively or through specific apps.
How to take screenshots on Android TV, Google TV, and Chromecast
If you have a Smart TV that works with Android TV, Google TV or some Chromecast type deviceYou can take screenshots using several methods. We'll show you both the most convenient method and professional alternatives.
1. Direct method with the remote control
Some TVs allow you to take screenshots simply using the remote control.The usual combination is:
- Press the power button and the volume down button on your remote at the same time.
If you see an animation on the screen after pressing them, the capture has been saved successfully. It is usually stored in the folder Pictures/Screenshots from the TV.
To access those images from the TV itself or transfer them to another device, you can use simple applications like Send files to TV, File Commander o Easy Join Go TVThis way, you can quickly and easily take screenshots to your mobile phone or computer.
2. Using the Button Mapper application and FX File Explorer
If your Android TV model or version does not allow the above method, You can turn to versatile solutions like Button MapperThis process allows you to customize the behavior of the controller's buttons and assign new functions, such as taking a screenshot.
The steps for this method are as follows:
- Enter the Play Store on your TV and download Button Mapper y Fx file explorerBoth apps are free.
- Open Button Mapper and grant the necessary permissions. Access System > Accessibility and activate Button Mapper.
- Customize your preferred button on the controller (for example, the home button) and select Customize now.
- Choose "Long Press" and assign the action of Screenshot.
Hereinafter, Every time you hold down the selected button, a screenshot will be taken automatically. The images will be saved inside the TV.
To find them, simply open Fx file explorer and navigate to Main Storage > Pictures > Screenshots. There, all your screenshots will be ready to be sent or managed however you prefer.
3. Take screenshots on Android TV using a computer and ADB
For users looking for an advanced option, It is possible to connect the TV to a computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) systemThis method requires some prior configuration steps, but offers complete control and allows you to quickly transfer captures to your PC.
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your TV.
Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About. Tap the build number seven times. The developer menu will appear, where you can enable Debugging. USB. - Connect your TV and PC to the same WiFi network.
This is crucial for both devices to be able to communicate. - On your PC, install ADB tools (available through Android Studio or SDK Tools). You can see how to activate the capture tool in Windows 11.
- Get the TV's IP address.
On your TV, go to Network & Internet settings and note down the assigned IP address. - Connect from the PC to the TV running on the terminal:
adb connect - Take the capture:
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/captura.png - Download the image to your computer:
adb pull /sdcard/capture.png
The downloaded file will be ready to share, edit, or store on your PC.This process, although more technical, offers perfect results and allows you to perform additional tasks on your Android TV.
How to take screenshots on Apple TV
In the case of Apple TVThe process is somewhat different, as there's no native function on the remote. However, you can capture the device's screen using a computer on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure Apple TV and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open QuickTime Player in the Mac the PC. If you use Windows, download the application from the official Apple website.
- Go to File and select 'New Video Recording'.
- Choose Apple TV as your video source in QuickTime options.
- Accept the permission request that will appear on your television.
- You can now record or capture while watching content in QuickTime Player.
This solution allows you to easily capture images from any Apple TV and is valid for both recordings and specific screenshots.
Screenshots on LG TVs with WebOS
If you have a LG TV that incorporates the WebOS platform and the famous Magic Remote, taking a screenshot is very simple and quick:
- Press the 123/INPUT button on the Magic Remote.
- An icon will appear on the screen giving access to the 'Screen Capture' function..
- Press the 'Capture' button and the image will be saved. The TV will confirm that the capture has been made.
This native method is specific to newer LG models and offers great convenience for users who want to save what appears on the screen without complications.
How to capture screen using external storage
Another alternative, especially in mid-range or low-end models, is use an external storage device such as a USB or hard drive.
- Connect the USB flash drive or hard drive to your Smart TV.
- Turn on the TV and access the main menu.
- Look for the screenshot option from the menu or within the USB directory.
- Save the image directly to the external device.
This method is not always available, but it can be useful if your TV allows it and if you prefer do not install additional applications.
What to do if your Smart TV doesn't allow screenshots?
Some models, especially older ones or those with OS owners, may not have any method available to capture directlyIn those cases, you can try:
- Consult the manufacturer's manual or official website, since sometimes there are little-known button combinations.
- Update the television firmware, because new versions sometimes include new features.
- Using external devices to record the screen, like an HDMI capture card. It's not the same as a screenshot, but it at least allows you to save the visual content.
In any case, The trend is that more and more models integrate this function as standard or let apps manage it..
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