react-native-screencapture

Simple React Native Android module to request screen-capture permission and capture a screenshot (returns { path, base64 }).

Install

# or from npm if published
npm install react-native-screencapture

# rebuild app
cd android && ./gradlew clean && cd ..
npx react-native run-android

Required AndroidManifest entries

Add these to android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml (inside <manifest>):

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW" />

Also declare a foreground service (inside <application>):

<service
  android:name=".YourProjectionService"
  android:exported="false"
  android:foregroundServiceType="mediaProjection" />

Notes: app saves screenshots to app external files or cache. On Android 10+ scoped storage applies; saving to your app folder does not require extra runtime permission.

Minimal usage

import RNScreenCapture from 'react-native-screencapturee';


// request permission (shows system dialog)
await RNScreenCapture.requestPermission();

// capture screenshot (after permission)
const { path, base64 } = await RNScreenCapture.captureScreenshot();
console.log('Saved at', path);

API

• requestPermission(): Promise<boolean> — show system permission dialog, resolves true when granted.
• captureScreenshot(): Promise<{ path: string, base64: string }> — capture and return saved file path + base64 PNG.

Quick notes

• Android only (API 21+). iOS not supported for full-device capture.
• To capture while app is backgrounded, implement a foreground service (YourProjectionService) that holds the MediaProjection token and runs VirtualDisplay there.
• SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW (overlay) must be granted by the user in system settings — open Settings.ACTION_MANAGE_OVERLAY_PERMISSION from native code.
• Some apps block screenshots with FLAG_SECURE — cannot be bypassed.
• Always inform users and show a persistent notification when doing background capture.

Publish (short)

1. Update package.json version and fields.
2. npm pack to test locally.
3. npm publish --access public.