The OnePlus Open is a foldable smartphone that stands out for its innovative design and high-end features. Taking screenshots on this device isn’t just a basic task—it’s a daily necessity for sharing information, saving moments, or capturing bugs and errors.
But with its unique hardware and OxygenOS optimizations, the OnePlus Open offers more than just the standard ways to capture your screen. If you’re new to this phone or switching from another brand, you might miss some advanced tricks and tips.
This article will walk you through every method to screenshot on the OnePlus Open, compare their strengths, and provide troubleshooting advice. By the end, you’ll know how to capture anything on your screen, whether your device is folded or open wide.
Understanding Screenshots On The Oneplus Open
Screenshots are digital images of what you see on your phone screen at a given moment. On the OnePlus Open, taking screenshots is a common way to save chats, web pages, receipts, or even document app errors. The foldable design means you need methods that work both when the phone is folded (cover screen) and unfolded (main screen).
OnePlus has built extra options into OxygenOS to fit this flexibility, including gestures, quick settings, and even split-screen captures.
Why Screenshots Matter
Screenshots go beyond just sharing memes. For remote work, they help you report issues or collaborate with teams. In e-learning, you can save parts of an online lecture. Frequent travelers use screenshots to store tickets and directions. Knowing all the screenshot options on your OnePlus Open saves time and makes your daily phone use smoother.
Hardware Button Method
The most direct way to take a screenshot on the OnePlus Open is using hardware buttons. This method is fast and works on almost any screen, including games and apps that block other tools.
Steps To Capture
- Go to the content you want to capture.
- Press the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
- Hold for about half a second, until you see a flash or hear a shutter sound.
- The screenshot preview will appear in the corner. Tap it to edit or share.
This method works both when the phone is folded and unfolded. It’s reliable and doesn’t need any setup.
Tips For Success
- If you miss the timing, try pressing both buttons together firmly.
- Holding the buttons too long may trigger the power menu; just a quick press is enough.
- Screenshots using hardware buttons also work when you’re playing videos or games, where gestures might not function.
Three-finger Swipe Gesture
OnePlus devices include a special gesture for screenshots. It’s a favorite for many users because it’s fast and doesn’t need both hands.
How To Enable The Gesture
- Open Settings.
- Go to Buttons & Gestures.
- Tap Quick Gestures.
- Toggle on Three-finger screenshot.
How To Use
- Place three fingers together on the screen.
- Swipe down quickly.
- You’ll see a flash and hear a sound, confirming your screenshot.
Advantages And Limitations
This gesture is excellent for one-handed use. However, some apps (like certain banking apps) may block gesture-based screenshots for security. The three-finger method works best when your hands are dry and the screen is clean, as smudges can interfere with touch recognition.
Using The Quick Settings Menu
If you can’t use buttons or gestures, the Quick Settings panel is another reliable way to screenshot.
Steps To Capture
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- Find the Screenshot tile. If you don’t see it, tap the pencil icon to add it.
- Tap Screenshot.
This method is helpful if you have accessibility needs or if your hardware buttons are damaged.
Customizing Quick Settings
- Rearrange tiles so that Screenshot appears in the first row for faster access.
- Add other useful tiles, like Screen Recorder or Split-screen, to capture more than just static images.
Smart Sidebar And Floating Tools
The OnePlus Open includes a Smart Sidebar that lets you access shortcuts, including screenshots, from the edge of your screen.
How To Activate Smart Sidebar
- Open Settings.
- Go to Special Features > Smart Sidebar.
- Enable Smart Sidebar.
Taking A Screenshot
- Swipe from the edge to open the sidebar.
- Tap the Screenshot icon.
The sidebar is useful when multitasking, especially if you want to screenshot while in split-screen mode.
Partial And Scrolling Screenshots
Sometimes, you don’t want the whole screen—just part of it, or a long web page that doesn’t fit in one frame.
Partial Screenshot
- Take a screenshot using any method.
- In the preview window, tap Edit.
- Crop to the area you need, then save.
Scrolling Screenshot
- Take a normal screenshot.
- On the preview, tap Scroll or Expanded Screenshot.
- The phone will automatically scroll down and capture additional content.
- Tap Done when you’ve captured enough.
Scrolling screenshots are perfect for capturing long chat threads, web pages, or documents.
Screenshot With Google Assistant
If your hands are busy or you prefer voice controls, Google Assistant can help.
How To Enable
- Make sure Google Assistant is set up.
- Say, “Hey Google, take a screenshot.”
The Assistant will capture your current screen. Keep in mind that some screens (like certain banking apps) may block Assistant screenshots for privacy.
Comparing Screenshot Methods
The OnePlus Open offers several ways to screenshot. Here’s how they compare:
| Method | Speed | One-Handed? | Works Everywhere? | Customizable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Buttons | Very Fast | No | Yes | No |
| Three-Finger Swipe | Fast | Yes | Most Apps | Yes |
| Quick Settings | Medium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Sidebar | Medium | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Medium | Yes | Some Apps | No |
Editing And Sharing Screenshots
Once you take a screenshot, you usually want to edit or share it. The OnePlus Open’s Gallery app offers quick tools for this.
Editing Options
- Crop: Remove unwanted parts.
- Draw: Mark up your screenshot with a pen or highlighter.
- Text: Add labels or explanations.
- Stickers: Decorate with emojis or icons.
Sharing Directly
After capturing, tap the Share icon in the preview. You can send screenshots via WhatsApp, email, Bluetooth, or upload them to the cloud. Screenshots are saved in the Screenshots folder in your Gallery, making them easy to find later.
Screenshots In Folded Vs. Unfolded Mode
The OnePlus Open has two main screen modes: folded (cover display) and unfolded (main display). Each mode changes the screen’s size and aspect ratio.
What’s Different?
- Folded mode: The screenshot matches the size of the cover screen. Good for quick captures.
- Unfolded mode: Captures a larger area, which is perfect for reading or editing documents.
Table: Screenshot Size Example
| Mode | Screen Size Captured | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Folded | 6.3″ (cover screen) | Quick messages, navigation |
| Unfolded | 7.8″ (main screen) | Documents, web pages, multitasking |
Non-obvious Insight
Switching between modes can affect what’s visible on your screen, not just the screenshot’s size. For example, some apps show more content when unfolded, so your screenshot captures more. If you want to save a long article, unfold first!
Screenshots And Privacy
Screenshots can accidentally include sensitive information like personal messages, account numbers, or private photos. The OnePlus Open helps with privacy in a few ways:
- Some apps block screenshots automatically (banking, streaming).
- You can quickly delete a screenshot from the preview if you capture something by mistake.
- The Gallery lets you move sensitive screenshots to a Hidden Collection.
Pro Tip
Always double-check what’s on your screen before sharing a screenshot. Crop out notification bars or personal details if needed.
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Sometimes, screenshots fail or don’t work as expected. Here’s how to fix common problems:
Screenshot Not Saving
- Check storage: If your phone is full, free up space.
- App restrictions: Some apps don’t allow screenshots for security.
- Restart your phone: Minor glitches often resolve with a reboot.
Gesture Not Working
- Make sure three-finger swipe is enabled in settings.
- Clean your screen and fingers; touch recognition may fail with moisture or dirt.
- Disable conflicting accessibility features that may override gestures.
Hardware Buttons Not Responding
- Check if buttons work for other functions (like volume).
- If hardware is broken, use gestures or quick settings as a workaround.
- Visit a OnePlus service center if buttons are physically damaged.
Image Looks Different
- The screenshot captures exactly what’s on the display, including overlays like navigation bars or pop-ups.
- If your screenshot looks stretched or cropped, check if you switched between folded and unfolded modes.
Advanced Tips: Maximizing Screenshot Use
The OnePlus Open’s unique hardware opens up new possibilities for creative screenshots.
Split-screen Screenshots
With the large unfolded display, you can run two apps side by side. Taking a screenshot captures both apps together.
Example: Chatting on WhatsApp while watching a YouTube video—one screenshot saves both.
Using Third-party Apps
If you need more control (like delayed capture or annotation), try apps such as Screen Master or Screenshot Easy from the Play Store. They offer advanced features, but always check app permissions for privacy.
Automating Screenshots
Power users can use automation tools like Tasker. For example, you can set up a schedule to screenshot a particular app at the same time every day. This is useful for tracking progress in fitness apps or games.
Table: Built-in Vs. Third-party Screenshot Features
| Feature | Built-in Tools | Third-Party Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Screenshot | Yes | Yes |
| Scrolling Screenshot | Yes | Yes |
| Delayed Capture | No | Yes |
| Advanced Editing | Basic | Advanced |
| Automation | No | Yes |
Security And Legal Notes
Remember, capturing and sharing screenshots may have privacy and legal implications. Always respect copyright and personal data. For example, sharing screenshots of banking apps or confidential work documents can lead to security risks.
Non-obvious tip: Some apps can detect screenshots and notify the other party (for example, Snapchat). While this is less common on Android, be aware of app policies.
For more on Android privacy and screenshots, see the official Google Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Take A Screenshot If My Hardware Buttons Are Broken?
Use the three-finger swipe gesture or the Quick Settings tile. Both methods let you capture your screen without using physical buttons. The Smart Sidebar is another good alternative.
Can I Take A Screenshot Of A Video Or Game?
Yes, the hardware button method works in almost all apps, including videos and games. Some apps may block this, but most allow screenshots. For protected content (like Netflix), you may get a blank image.
Where Are Screenshots Saved On The Oneplus Open?
Screenshots are stored in the Screenshots folder inside the Gallery app. You can find them using any file manager at Internal Storage > Pictures > Screenshots.
Why Can’t I Screenshot Some Apps?
Apps with sensitive information (like banking, streaming, or incognito browsers) may block screenshots for privacy. This is controlled by the app, not your phone. There’s no safe way to bypass this restriction.
How Do I Take A Scrolling Screenshot Of A Long Page?
After taking a normal screenshot, tap the Scroll or Expanded Screenshot option in the preview. The phone will scroll and capture the entire page. Tap Done to finish and save.
Screenshots are a powerful feature on the OnePlus Open, helping you save, share, and document anything on your foldable screen. By mastering all the methods—buttons, gestures, quick settings, and more—you’ll be ready for any situation. Take time to explore the advanced tools and privacy settings, and always double-check your images before sharing.
With these skills, you’ll get the most out of your OnePlus Open, whether for work, study, or fun.
