Taking a screenshot on the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is simple once you know which method suits you best. Sony Xperia phones run near-stock Android with a few unique Sony features — most notably Side Sense, which is a gesture system exclusive to Xperia devices that makes screenshots effortless.
In this guide you will find 5 tested methods to take a screenshot on your Sony Xperia 1 VIII, plus where your screenshots are saved and what to do if they stop working.
Contents
Method 1: Using Physical Keys
The quickest way to take a screenshot on the Sony Xperia 1 VIII is using the hardware buttons. This works on any screen at any time.
Step 1: Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
Step 2: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time for 1-2 seconds.
Step 3: You will hear a camera shutter sound and see a brief flash on the screen — this confirms the screenshot was taken.
Step 4: A small preview appears at the bottom left of your screen with options to Share, Edit and Capture More (scrolling screenshot).
Step 5: Find your screenshot in the Photos app → Albums → Screenshots or Gallery → Screenshots.
Tip: Press both buttons at exactly the same time. If the volume bar appears or the power menu opens, you pressed one button slightly before the other — try again pressing both simultaneously.
Method 2: Using Side Sense (Xperia Exclusive)
Side Sense is a unique feature found only on Sony Xperia phones. It lets you take a screenshot with a simple double-tap gesture on the edge of your screen — no buttons needed.
How to enable Side Sense:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your Sony Xperia 1 VIII.
Step 2: Tap Display.
Step 3: Tap Side sense.
Step 4: Make sure Side sense is turned ON.
Step 5: Tap Gestures under Side sense settings.
Step 6: Select a gesture — Double-tap, Slide up or Slide down — and assign it to Take screenshot.
How to use it:
Step 7: Go to any screen you want to capture.
Step 8: Perform your chosen gesture on the Side sense bar (the small white bar on the edge of your screen).
Step 9: Your screenshot is taken instantly — the preview appears at the bottom left.
Tip: The Side sense bar appears on the right edge of your screen by default. If you cannot see it, go to Settings → Display → Side sense and make sure it is visible. This feature works on Xperia 1, Xperia 5 and Xperia 10 series devices.
Method 3: Using the Power Button Menu
Sony Xperia phones have a screenshot shortcut built directly into the power button menu — useful when you need to screenshot quickly with one hand.
Step 1: Tap on the screen you want to capture.
Step 2: Press and hold the Power button for about 1 second until the power menu appears.
Step 3: Tap Screenshot from the menu options.
Step 4: Your screenshot is taken instantly and saved to your Gallery.
Note: This option appears in the power button menu on Xperia phones running Android 11 and above. If you do not see it, make sure your phone is updated to the latest software version.
Method 3: Using the Power Button Menu
Sony Xperia phones have a screenshot shortcut built directly into the power button menu — useful when you need to screenshot quickly with one hand.
Step 1: Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
Step 2: Press and hold the Power button for about 1 second until the power menu appears.
Step 3: Tap Screenshot from the menu options.
Step 4: Your screenshot is taken instantly and saved to your Gallery.
Note: This option appears in the power button menu on Xperia phones running Android 11 and above. If you do not see it, make sure your phone is updated to the latest software version.
Method 4: Using Recent Apps
You can take a screenshot of any recently used app directly from the Recent Apps screen without going back to it.
Step 1: Go to the app screen you want to capture screenshot.
Step 2: Tap the Recent Apps button (square icon at the bottom of your screen) or swipe up and hold from the bottom.
Step 3: In the Recent Apps view, swipe left or right to find the app card you want to capture.
Step 4: Tap the Screenshot button that appears below the app card.
Step 5: Your screenshot is saved automatically to Photos → Screenshots.
Note: On Sony Xperia devices you may also see a Screenshot option when you tap the app icon at the top of the app card. Both options work the same way.
Method 5: Using Google Assistant
Take a screenshot on your Sony Xperia 1 VIII completely hands-free using a voice command — perfect when both hands are full.
Step 1: Make sure Google Assistant is set up on your Sony Xperia 1 VIII. Download the Google app from the Play Store if needed.
Step 2: Go to the screen you want to capture.
Step 3: Say “Hey Google, take a screenshot” loudly.
Step 4: Google Assistant captures the screen instantly and gives you options to share or save it.
Alternative: Long press the Home button or swipe up from the bottom corner to open Google Assistant manually, then use the screenshot option from the Assistant menu.
After taking a regular screenshot, tap Capture More from the preview that appears at the bottom of your screen. Use the cropping tool to select the area you want and tap the arrow to scroll and extend the capture. Tap Save when done.
Yes — use Side Sense, the Power button menu, Recent Apps Screenshot button or say “Hey Google, take a screenshot.” All four methods work without pressing Volume Down and Power simultaneously.
A black screenshot means you tried to capture a protected app like Netflix or a banking app. These apps block screenshots for security. Test your screenshot on your home screen or a different app to confirm your phone works normally.
Tap the screenshot preview that appears at the bottom left of your screen right after taking it. Tap Share and choose your preferred app — WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, or any other app.
Having trouble with your screenshots? Read our guide on fixing screenshots not saving on Android. Browse all our Sony Xperia screenshot guides for other Xperia devices.
About Sony Xperia 1 VIII
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Primary Camera | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP |
| Android Version | Android 16 |
| Display | 6.5 Inches |
| Battery | 5000 mah |