Alex Ruben
How To Capture a Screenshot on Your Google TV Streamer 4K
Capturing screenshots on your Google TV Streamer 4K or pretty much any Android TV device can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re trying to do it without a built-in shortcut. It’s kind of weird, but there’s a workaround using apps like Button Mapper. This allows you to remap your remote buttons to do stuff like take screenshots, which isn’t exactly obvious or straightforward. Not sure why Google decided to make this so complicated, but here we are. Once you get it set up, you’ll be able to grab moments in gorgeous HDR — whether it’s a streaming scene or just something funny on your screen. Keep in mind that some setups might need a little patience because these things can be finicky.
How to Fix or Set Up Screenshot Shortcut on Google TV
Method 1: Use Button Mapper to Assign a Screenshot Button
This app is kind of a lifesaver for remapping remote buttons, especially when Android TV doesn’t offer a native screenshot option. What it does is let you assign certain actions—like taking a screenshot—to buttons that usually serve other purposes. Why it helps? Because on many Android TVs, the screenshot feature isn’t easily accessible unless you do this kind of hack. It applies when your remote lacks a dedicated screenshot button, or the default ones don’t work. After doing this, expect to finally be able to grab a shot with a click of a button, which saves you from fumbling around with long press combos or trying to remember secret gestures.
- First, go to Apps on your TV, then open the Google Play Store.
- Search for
Button Mapper. This isn’t the most popular app, but it works great for remapping, at least on Android TV. - Install it (click Install) and then open the app once it’s installed.
- Within Button Mapper, tap on Add Buttons and then press the remote button you want to assign for screenshots—say, a long-ignored button like the volume down or a custom key if your remote has one.
- When the button gets detected, toggle on the customization, then pick Single Tap or Long Press based on your preference.
- Scroll through the list of actions and select Take Screenshot. If it’s not available, sometimes you need to enable Developer Options or give special permissions—so check settings if it acts weird.
- Hit Done and test your new setup after. Might be a bit hit or miss at first, but it generally works after a reboot or remapping a second time.
Method 2: Use ADB to Trigger Screenshots
If you’re comfortable with some command-line magic, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can do the trick. This is handy if Button Mapper isn’t cooperating. It’s kind of weird, but on some Android TV devices, you can use ADB commands to capture a screenshot without needing apps at all. It applies mostly when your device is connected via USB or Wi-Fi debugging.
- Enable Developer Options on your TV: go to Settings > Device Preferences > About and tap on Build Number seven times until it says you’re a developer.
- Then, go back to Settings > Device Preferences > Developer Options and turn on ADB debugging.
- On your PC, install the ADB tool from Google’s platform tools. Open a terminal or command prompt, navigate to the folder where adb.exe is, then connect your PC to the TV by typing
adb connect <tv-ip-address>. - Once connected, type
adb shell screencap /sdcard/screenshot.png. That will save a PNG in your internal storage. To pull it to your PC, runadb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png. - Not the fastest method but kind of satisfying if you want quick snapshots without remapping handlers.
Extra Tips & Common Woes
Before jumping into remapping or command lines, make sure your TV’s software is fully updated. Sometimes, bugs in Android TV can mess with screenshot functions or remote inputs. Also, some apps (like streaming services or protected content) might block screenshots outright, so don’t be too surprised if it doesn’t work everywhere.
On one setup, remapping worked on the first try and on another, it took a few restarts and re-taps. Android TV can be kind of unpredictable that way. Also, extra quick tip—if your remote has a dedicated power or volume button you don’t use often, that’s a good candidate for remapping without messing up your regular functions.
Wrap-up
Getting a screenshot on a Google TV Streamer 4K isn’t the most seamless process right out of the box, but with a little tweaking—either through Button Mapper or ADB—you can make it happen. It’s kind of a hacky workaround, but it works. After all, Android TV isn’t exactly built with user screenshots in mind, so these solutions are more like makeshift fixes.
Summary
- Install Button Mapper from the Play Store for remote remapping.
- Assign a convenient button for screenshots via the app.
- Test and tweak, sometimes a reboot helps.
- Alternatively, use ADB commands for a more direct approach.
- Keep your device updated and watch out for app restrictions.
Conclusion
All in all, if taking screenshots is a must-have for saving content or troubleshooting, remapping with Button Mapper is probably the easiest fix. ADB is handy if you’re comfortable with command lines and don’t mind the extra setup. Fingers crossed, this saves someone hours of frustration and helps capture exactly what’s needed in high quality. Worked for me — hope it works for you, too.