MCP Mobile Server

android_screenshot

Capture screenshots from Android devices or emulators to save locally for debugging, testing, or documentation purposes.

Instructions

Capture screenshot from Android device or emulator

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "serial": "<serial>",
      "outputPath": "<outputPath>"
    },
    "name": "android_screenshot"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`serial`	Yes	Device serial number (use android_devices_list to get available devices)
`outputPath`	Yes	Local path where screenshot will be saved (e.g., ./screenshot.png)
`options`	No

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedDec 7, 2025

TDQS

C2.9/5.0

Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states the action ('Capture screenshot') but lacks details on behavioral traits: it doesn't specify if this requires device permissions, whether it's a blocking operation, potential errors (e.g., device not found), or what happens on success (e.g., file saved locally). For a tool with no annotations, this is a significant gap in transparency.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without unnecessary words. It's front-loaded and appropriately sized, with every word contributing to understanding the core function.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no annotations, no output schema, and a tool that performs an action (screenshot capture) with potential side effects, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on prerequisites, error handling, output behavior (e.g., file saved confirmation), and doesn't compensate for the missing structured data, making it inadequate for safe and effective use.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 67%, with parameters like 'serial' and 'outputPath' well-documented in the schema. The description adds no parameter-specific semantics beyond implying screenshot capture. It doesn't explain the 'options' object or provide context beyond what the schema offers, so it meets the baseline for moderate schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Capture screenshot') and target ('from Android device or emulator'), which is specific and unambiguous. It distinguishes from iOS screenshot tools (like ios_take_screenshot) but doesn't explicitly differentiate from other Android tools like android_list_devices or android_logcat, though the purpose is distinct by nature.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives is provided. The description doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., device must be connected or emulator running), nor does it compare to similar tools like ios_take_screenshot or other Android utilities. Usage is implied by the tool name and purpose alone.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.