Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 finally enables partial screenshots, but not for everyone

At a glance:

• Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3 enables partial screenshots by default on large‑screen devices.
• The screen recording toolbar now offers three screenshot options: selected window, selected area, and entire screen.
• Partial screen recording remains disabled and the UI is not optimized for phones.

Feature overview

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 3, the third quarterly preview release from Google, finally turns on the previously hidden partial screenshot capability by default. The update also refines the screen recording toolbar, giving users clearer control over what can be captured. The three screenshot options are: Take a screenshot of the selected window in split‑screen mode, Take a screenshot of the selected area, and Take a screenshot of the entire screen. The first option also works for App Bubbles to capture only the selection in the bubble. Additionally, it should function similarly for apps opened in windows within Aluminium OS, allowing precise capture of any on‑screen content.

Device compatibility

Large‑screen devices such as tablets, foldables and devices with screens larger than six inches support the new partial screenshot feature without UI distortion. The system automatically scales the toolbar to fit the display size, preserving readability. Phones, however, trigger an enlarged, unoptimized toolbar when the feature is forced, making the experience cumbersome. Partial screen recording is still not enabled by default; users can only record an active window or the whole screen. Google has indicated that full integration may arrive in a later release, and early testers report that the current limitation restricts flexible capture.

Future developments

Developers and power users can now capture specific split‑screen windows, enhancing multitasking workflows on devices with ample display real estate. This capability is particularly valuable for productivity apps that rely on side‑by‑side views. As a result, the feature is expected to boost efficiency for both casual and professional users. Google has hinted that both partial screenshot and partial screen recording will be fully enabled by default in a future Android release, potentially expanding to all device sizes. Community feedback suggests that UI refinements will be needed to make the toolbar comfortable on smaller phones. Watch for upcoming beta updates that address these concerns before the stable rollout.