How to take a screenshot on your Wear OS smartwatch
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Capturing a screenshot is a seamless task most of us are accustomed to, whether on our phone or computer. They convey information to others in a way that text doesn’t. Taking a screenshot means you won’t have to explain what’s on your screen when you experience an issue. Most phones also allow you to record your screen in a video snippet, which is helpful in some cases, even though it may require some fiddling.
When it comes toWear OS smartwatches, taking a screenshot is an unusual task, as most people are unlikely to share content from their timepiece. Screenshots are useful when trying to solve a problem on your watch or sharing your health statistics. The method to take a screenshot is different depending on the Wear OS version on your watch. First and second generation Wear OS wearables require you to use your phone and the Wear OS app to take a screenshot. Modern ones like theSamsung Galaxy Watch 5allow you to use a combination of keys simultaneously on the watch to take a screenshot.
How to take a screenshot on Wear OS 2 smartwatches
You’ll use your phone to take a screenshot on your Wear OS 2 smartwatch. There isn’t a direct way to take one on the timepiece. This also requires both devices to be on and paired with each other before you take the screenshot.
Even if your Wear OS 2 smartwatch has a circular display, the final screenshot is captured as a square, with black padding added around the screen to make it square. You won’t experience this issue if your wearable has a rectangular or square display or runs Wear OS 3.
How to take a screenshot on Wear OS 3-powered Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5
Taking screenshots on Samsung Galaxy Watches running Wear OS 3 is the easiest of the lot. Like thebest Samsung phones, you’ll press a key combination on the device to capture a screenshot.
Screenshots you take are automatically saved on your phone. You’ll find your screenshots in the Gallery app. Galaxy Watch screenshots are stored in theDCIM/Pictures/Watchfolder on your paired Samsung phone.
You can’t record the screen of your Galaxy Watch.
How to take a screenshot on the Google Pixel Watch
Taking a screenshot on the Pixel Watch isn’t straightforward. You must activate developer options on your phone to take a screenshot on the Pixel Watch. Go to your phone’sSettingsmenu and tapAbout Phone. From there, tapBuild Numberseven times. The hiddenDeveloper optionsappear in your phone’s Settings menu.
When that’s done, follow these steps:
While the Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series have access toGoogle Assistant, you can’t use the digital assistant to take a screenshot using your voice. This is unlike phones, where you can ask Google Assistant to capture your phone’s screen.
How to take a screenshot on Fossil Wear OS 3 watches
To take a screenshot on a Fossil smartwatch running Wear OS 3, use the Fossil app on a companion phone.
The guide above does not work for taking screenshots on the Mi Band or a wearable running RTOS.
Can you record the screen on Wear OS 3 watches?
Unlike Android phones, Wear OS 3 does not provide a screen recording functionality. And given the resource constraints, third-party screen recording apps aren’t available for the platform.
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, Google provides developers a way to record a video on Wear OS watches. This involves using theAndroid tool for Macand recording the raw frame rates using an ADB command. You’ll finddetailed instructions in the Android developer documentation.
Familiarize yourself with Wear OS
If you’re new to the Wear OS environment, you now know how to take a screenshot on your watch, which may be complicated, especially if you don’t have a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or 5. Also, check out our list oftop Wear OS tips and tricksto get the most out of your new smartwatch. If you have a Pixel Watch, we compiledsome essential Pixel Watch tips and tricks to try today.
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