The quickest way to capture your screen
On most Samsung tablets, you take a screenshot by pressing the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time. Hold both for about a second until you see a flash, hear a shutter sound, or see a notification at the top of the screen. The screenshot saves automatically to your Photos app or Gallery.
This method works on nearly all Samsung tablet models made in the last five years. The buttons are usually on the right edge of the tablet when you hold it in portrait mode (tall). If you don't hear or see confirmation, you may have released the buttons too quickly — try again and hold for a full second.
Once the screenshot is taken, a preview or notification usually appears on your screen for a few seconds. You can tap it to edit, share, or delete the image right away, or ignore it and find the screenshot later in your Photos or Gallery app.
Key Takeaways
- Press Power and Volume Down together for about one second to take a screenshot on a Samsung tablet.
- The screenshot saves automatically to your Photos app or Gallery without any extra steps.
- A notification or preview appears on screen after you take the screenshot, letting you edit or share it when ready.
- If the screenshot does not work, make sure you are holding both buttons for a full second and that your tablet is not in a special mode like Kids Mode.
- Some Samsung tablets also allow you to swipe the edge of your hand across the screen to capture a screenshot, though this feature must be turned on in Settings.
Where your screenshots are stored
Your screenshots go into the Screenshots folder inside your Photos or Gallery app. On most Samsung tablets, you can open the Gallery app from your home screen, then look for a folder labeled "Screenshots" or "Captures." All your screenshots are organized by date, with the newest ones at the top.
If you cannot find the Screenshots folder, try opening the Photos app instead — Samsung tablets sometimes use one or the other depending on the model and Android version. You can also search for "screenshot" in your file manager to locate them if they ended up in an unexpected place.
Using the palm swipe method (if available)
Some Samsung tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen from left to right or right to left. This feature is called Palm Swipe to Capture and is not turned on by default — you have to enable it in Settings first.
To turn it on, open Settings, go to Advanced Features (or Motions and Gestures on older models), and look for "Palm Swipe to Capture" or "Capture with Palm." Toggle it on. Once it is enabled, you can swipe the side of your hand across the screen to take a screenshot without using any buttons.
This method works best when you use the fleshy edge of your hand (the side near your pinky) and swipe in one smooth motion. It can take a few tries to get the angle and speed right. If it does not work, go back to the Power and Volume Down method, which is more reliable.
Editing and sharing screenshots right away
After you take a screenshot, a preview card usually appears at the bottom or top of your screen for a few seconds. Tap it to open a quick editor where you can crop, draw on, or add text to the image before saving it. You can also tap a share button to send it directly to a contact, email, or messaging app.
If you miss the preview card, you can still edit the screenshot later by opening your Gallery or Photos app, finding the image, and tapping the edit button (usually a pencil icon). Samsung tablets come with a built-in editor that lets you crop, rotate, adjust brightness, and add drawings or text.
Troubleshooting if screenshots are not working
If pressing Power and Volume Down does not take a screenshot, first check that your tablet is not in a restricted mode. Kids Mode and some other parental control settings can disable screenshots. Go to Settings and search for "Kids Mode" or "Parental Controls" to see if either is active, then turn it off if needed.
Next, make sure you are pressing the correct buttons. The Power button is usually on the right edge, and the Volume Down button is below it. Press them at the exact same time and hold for a full second. If your tablet is very new or very old, the button location might be different — check your tablet's manual or search online for your specific model number.
If your tablet is frozen or not responding, a screenshot may not work. Try restarting your tablet by holding the Power button until a restart menu appears, then tap "Restart." After it boots back up, try taking a screenshot again.
Different methods for different Samsung tablet models
The Power and Volume Down method works on almost all Samsung tablets, but a few older or specialized models may use a different combination. Some very old Samsung tablets used Power and Home button together instead. If the standard method does not work, try pressing Power and the physical Home button (if your tablet has one) at the same time.
If your tablet has a stylus (like a Galaxy Tab S with an S Pen), you can also take a screenshot by opening the Air Command menu with the stylus and selecting "Screenshot" from the menu. This is optional and slower than the button method, but it is another option if the buttons are not working.
For the most accurate instructions for your exact model, search online for your tablet's model number (usually found in Settings under "About Tablet") plus "how to take a screenshot." Samsung's support site has specific guides for each model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After you take a full screenshot, tap the preview card that appears and use the crop tool to select only the area you want to keep. You can also use the built-in editor in your Gallery app to crop any screenshot after the fact. Some Samsung tablets also have a "Partial Screenshot" option in the notification panel if you swipe down from the top.
Where do I find the Power and Volume Down buttons on my tablet?
Both buttons are usually on the right edge of the tablet when you hold it in portrait mode (tall). The Power button is typically in the middle of the edge, and the Volume Down button is below it. If you are not sure, check your tablet's manual or search for your specific model number online.
Why is my screenshot blurry or low quality?
Screenshots are captured at your tablet's screen resolution, so they should be sharp. If they look blurry, try cleaning your screen and taking another screenshot. If the problem continues, restart your tablet. Very old tablets may have lower screen resolution, which can make screenshots appear less detailed, but this is normal.
Can I take a screenshot if my screen is locked?
No. You must unlock your tablet first before taking a screenshot. If you try to press the buttons while the screen is locked, it may trigger other functions instead. Unlock your tablet, navigate to what you want to capture, and then take the screenshot.
How much storage do screenshots use?
Each screenshot uses a small amount of storage — usually between 100 and 500 kilobytes depending on your screen resolution and what is on the screen. You can take hundreds of screenshots before they use a noticeable amount of space. If you want to free up storage, you can delete old screenshots from your Gallery app.