Printing text messages from your Android phone might seem tricky, but it’s definitely achievable. While Android doesn’t have a direct “print SMS” button, using screenshots offers a straightforward workaround. This method allows you to capture your text conversations visually and then print them, ensuring you have a physical copy of important exchanges.
Guide on how to print text messages from Android phone using screenshot method, as displayed on a phone screen.
Screenshotting is a versatile technique for capturing information displayed on your phone screen, and it works perfectly for text messages. This approach is particularly useful when you want to preserve the visual layout of your messages, showing the conversation bubbles as they appear in your messaging app. Let’s explore how to effectively use screenshots to print your text conversations from your Android device.
Screenshotting Your Text Conversation on Android
Before you can print, you need to capture your text message exchange as a screenshot. Android phones offer several ways to take screenshots, ensuring there’s a method that suits your device and preferences. Here are the most common techniques:
- Power and Volume Down Buttons: The most universal method involves simultaneously pressing the power button and the volume down button. Hold them down for a second, and you should see a screen flash or hear a camera shutter sound, indicating a successful screenshot.
- Google Assistant: For a hands-free approach, you can use Google Assistant. Simply activate the Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or “OK Google,” and then say “take a screenshot.” The Assistant will capture your current screen.
- Device-Specific Gestures: Some Android manufacturers offer unique gesture-based screenshot methods. These can include swiping the screen with three fingers or using a palm swipe. These gestures are often introduced during the initial phone setup, or you can find them in your phone’s settings under “Gestures” or “Advanced Features.”
Once you’ve chosen your preferred method, navigate to the text message conversation you wish to print. Scroll through the conversation to position the section you want to capture on your screen. Keep in mind that a single screenshot will only capture what’s visible on your screen at that moment. For longer conversations, you may need to take multiple screenshots. Some advanced Android devices offer scrolling screenshots, which allow you to capture an entire page or conversation in one go, but for standard printing, multiple regular screenshots are usually sufficient.
After capturing your screenshots, they are typically saved in your phone’s Gallery app, often within a “Screenshots” folder, and also backed up to Google Photos if you have it enabled.
Printing Screenshots via Google Photos
Google Photos provides a convenient way to print your screenshots directly from your Android phone. If you use Google Photos for photo backup and management (which is common on Android), this method is particularly streamlined.
- Open Google Photos: Launch the Google Photos app on your Android phone.
- Locate Your Screenshot: Your most recent screenshots should appear at the top of your photo stream, as Google Photos organizes images by date. Find the screenshot of your text message conversation.
- Open the Image Menu: Tap on the screenshot to open it full screen. Then, tap the three vertical dots (the “hamburger menu”) usually located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Order photo”: From the menu options that appear, choose “Order photo“. This option initiates the printing process within Google Photos.
- Choose “Photo print”: You’ll be presented with different print options like “Photo book,” “Photo print,” and “Canvas print.” Select “Photo print” to print your screenshot as a standard photo.
- Follow the Printing Process: Google Photos will guide you through the remaining steps, which include selecting print sizes, paper type, and quantity. You will also need to set up payment and shipping details. The cost of printing will vary based on your location and the print options you choose, but it’s generally an affordable service.
By following these steps, you can easily print your text message screenshots using Google Photos, receiving physical prints delivered to your address.
Alternative Printing Methods for Screenshots
While Google Photos offers a direct printing service, you are not limited to it. Since your text message conversation is now saved as a standard image screenshot, you have various alternative ways to print it:
- Share with a Printing App: You can share the screenshot image with other photo printing apps installed on your phone. Many third-party printing apps offer similar services to Google Photos and might provide different print options or pricing.
- Email and Print from Computer: Another option is to email the screenshot image to yourself. Then, access your email on a computer connected to a printer. Download the image and print it using your computer’s printing capabilities. This method gives you more control over print settings and allows you to use your home printer.
These alternatives provide flexibility in how you choose to print your text messages. Whether you prefer the convenience of Google Photos or want to explore other printing services or use your own printer, screenshotting your text conversations offers a reliable way to get them onto paper.
In conclusion, while Android lacks a direct print function for SMS, leveraging the screenshot feature coupled with Google Photos or other printing methods provides a practical solution. This approach allows you to effectively print your text messages, preserving important conversations in a tangible format.
