The basic method: volume down and power button together
On most RCA tablets, you take a screenshot by pressing the volume down button and the power button at the same time. Hold both buttons for about one second until you see a flash on the screen or hear a camera shutter sound. The screenshot saves automatically to your tablet's photo gallery.
The exact location of these buttons depends on your RCA tablet model. The power button is usually on the right edge or top edge of the tablet. The volume down button sits nearby, often just below the power button. If you're not sure which is which, the power button is typically slightly larger or has a ridge you can feel.
After you take the screenshot, a notification usually appears at the top of your screen for a few seconds. Tapping that notification opens the screenshot right away so you can edit or share it. If you miss the notification, the image is still saved in your photo gallery under a folder called Screenshots or in your main Photos folder.
Key Takeaways
- Press volume down and power button together for about one second to capture your screen.
- Your screenshot saves automatically to the Photos or Screenshots folder in your tablet's gallery.
- A notification appears briefly after you take the screenshot, letting you edit or share it when ready.
- If the standard method does not work, check your tablet's model number and look for an alternative button combination in the settings menu.
- Some RCA tablets let you take screenshots from the quick settings panel without using physical buttons.
Finding your screenshots after you take them
Screenshots go into your tablet's photo gallery automatically. Open the Photos or Gallery app (the icon usually looks like a picture frame or mountain landscape). Look for a folder labeled Screenshots — if you don't see one, check the main Photos folder, where screenshots often appear at the top with the most recent first.
Once you find your screenshot, you can tap and hold it to see options for sharing, editing, or deleting. Many RCA tablets let you crop, draw on, or add text to a screenshot right from the gallery without opening a separate app. If you want to send it to someone, tap the share button (usually three dots or an arrow) and choose your messaging app, email, or cloud storage.
What to do if the button combination does not work
If pressing volume down and power together does nothing, your tablet model may use a different method. Check the model number on the back of your tablet (usually starts with RCA followed by numbers), then search online for "[your model number] how to screenshot" to find the exact steps for your device.
Some older RCA tablets use volume up and power instead of volume down and power. Others let you take a screenshot from the quick settings menu — swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open quick settings, then look for a Screenshot button. A few models also support taking screenshots by swiping your hand across the screen, though this feature is less common.
If none of these work, restart your tablet and try again. Sometimes the screenshot feature gets disabled by accident or needs a fresh start to function properly.
Using the quick settings panel to screenshot
Many newer RCA tablets have a Screenshot button built into the quick settings panel. Swipe down from the very top of your screen with two fingers (or swipe down once, then swipe down again) to open the full quick settings menu. Look for a button labeled Screenshot, Capture, or a camera icon with a rectangle around it.
Tapping this button captures your screen without needing to remember which physical buttons to press. This method is especially useful if you have trouble reaching the power and volume buttons, or if you want to take a screenshot without accidentally turning off your tablet. The screenshot still saves to your Photos folder and works exactly the same way as the button method.
Editing and sharing your screenshots
Right after you take a screenshot, a notification banner appears at the top of your screen. Tap it to open an editing tool where you can crop the image, highlight parts with a marker, add text, or blur sensitive information. These editing tools are built into most RCA tablets and do not require a separate app.
To share a screenshot, open your Photos app, find the screenshot, and tap the share button (usually three dots, a curved arrow, or a square with an arrow pointing out). Choose whether to send it through Messages, Email, WhatsApp, or save it to cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. You can also copy the screenshot to your clipboard and paste it directly into a document or message.
Troubleshooting when screenshots are not saving
If you take a screenshot but it does not appear in your Photos folder, first check that your tablet has enough storage space. Go to Settings, then Storage or About Tablet, and look at how much free space you have. If your tablet is almost full, delete old photos or videos to free up room, then try taking another screenshot.
If storage is not the problem, restart your tablet by holding the power button until a menu appears, then tap Restart. After it turns back on, try taking a screenshot again. If it still does not work, go to Settings, then Apps, find the Photos or Gallery app, and tap Storage, then Clear Cache. This removes temporary files that might be blocking screenshots from saving.
If your tablet is very old or has a cracked screen, the screenshot feature may not work at all. In that case, you can take a photo of your screen with another device, though the image quality will be lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After you take a full screenshot using the button method or quick settings, open the screenshot in your Photos app and use the crop tool to select only the area you want to keep. Some RCA tablets also have a partial screenshot option in the quick settings menu — look for a button labeled Partial Screenshot or Screenshot Tool.
Where do screenshots go if I do not have a Photos app?
Check your tablet for an app called Gallery, Pictures, or Files. Screenshots usually save to whichever app handles photos on your device. If you still cannot find them, open the Files app and look in the DCIM or Pictures folder. You can also search for "screenshot" in your tablet's search bar to locate the files.
Can I take a screenshot without the power button if it is broken?
Yes. Use the quick settings panel method instead — swipe down from the top twice and tap Screenshot. If that does not work, you can also use the accessibility menu. Go to Settings, then Accessibility, and enable Screenshot from the accessibility shortcuts. You can then take screenshots without touching the power button.
Why does my screenshot come out blurry?
Screenshots are usually sharp because they capture the digital image directly. If yours is blurry, the problem is likely in how you are viewing it. Try opening the screenshot in a different app, or zoom in to see if it is actually clear. If the image is genuinely blurry, your tablet may have a display issue unrelated to the screenshot feature.
Can I take a screenshot of a video while it is playing?
Yes. Press the screenshot buttons while the video is playing, and you will capture a still image of that moment. The screenshot saves like any other, though some streaming apps may blur or block the image for copyright reasons. If the screenshot comes out blank or black, the app is preventing screenshots for security purposes.