Where Does Pixel Screenshots Store Its Library?
Pixel Screenshots collects screenshots into a searchable library with an on-device AI index. Originals stay in DCIM; the index lives in app storage.
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Pixel Screenshots splits the job in two. Android keeps saving screenshot files to the usual Screenshots folder, while the Screenshots app builds a private searchable index over them with on-device AI. Collections, reminders, and summaries attach to the index entries.
That split decides backups. Google Photos carries the image files; the app storage carries the smarts. Deleting a screenshot from the gallery eventually drops it from search too. Treat the app as a lens over the gallery rather than a vault, and keep Photos backup on.
Where Pixel Screenshots stores this, by platform
/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots
Image files in the gallery folder; AI index and collections in private storage. Keep Photos backup on so originals survive. Exact index folder names may vary by version.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search my screenshots?
Open the Screenshots app and use search: the on-device model reads text and objects inside shots. Grant the app screenshot access on first run or the library stays empty. Results link back to the original files in the gallery.
Do collections transfer to a new Pixel?
Yes for the originals through Google Photos backup. The AI index and collections rebuild on the new phone as it reprocesses synced shots. Give it a charging night on WiFi before judging search quality after a move.
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