The basic method: buttons or gestures
How you take a screenshot on a tablet depends on what kind of tablet you own. iPad users press the top button and the volume-up button at the same time, then release both. Android tablet users usually press the power button and the volume-down button together. The screenshot appears as a thumbnail in the corner of your screen for a few seconds — tap it to edit or share, or let it disappear and find the image later in your Photos or Gallery app.
Some Android tablets use different button combinations. Samsung tablets, for example, sometimes respond to pressing the power button and the home button together instead. If the standard power-plus-volume method does not work on your device, check the tablet's manual or search the manufacturer's name plus "how to screenshot" to find the exact combination for your model.
If your tablet has a stylus — like an iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab with an S Pen — you may also be able to take a screenshot by pressing a button on the stylus itself. This is faster if you are already holding the pen, but the button-and-gesture method always works as a backup.
Key Takeaways
- iPad: press the top button and volume-up button at the same time to capture the screen.
- Most Android tablets: press the power button and volume-down button together.
- Samsung tablets may use the power button and home button instead of volume-down.
- Screenshots save automatically to your Photos app (iPad) or Gallery app (Android) and appear as a thumbnail you can edit when ready.
- If the standard method does not work, check your tablet's manual for the correct button combination for your specific model.
Where your screenshot goes after you take it
On an iPad, the screenshot lands in the Photos app under the Screenshots album. On Android tablets, it goes to the Gallery app, usually in a folder called Screenshots. Both systems save the image automatically — you do not have to do anything extra to store it.
The thumbnail that appears in the corner of your screen lasts only a few seconds. If you tap it while it is still visible, you can crop the image, draw on it, or add text before saving. If you miss that window, the full screenshot is already saved in your Photos or Gallery app, and you can edit it there using your tablet's built-in editing tools or a third-party app.
Using built-in editing tools right after you screenshot
Both iPad and Android tablets let you mark up a screenshot when ready after you take it. On iPad, tap the thumbnail and select Markup to draw, add shapes, or write text directly on the image. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer — Samsung tablets have a built-in editor you can access from the notification that appears after you screenshot, while other Android tablets may require you to open the image in the Gallery app and use the edit option there.
Marking up a screenshot is useful if you want to circle something, add an arrow, or highlight text before you send it to someone. The changes save to the screenshot file, so the marked-up version is what gets stored in your Photos or Gallery app.
Taking a screenshot of a scrolling page or conversation
If you need to capture more than what fits on your screen at once — like a long email thread or a webpage — iPad and newer Android tablets offer a scrolling screenshot feature. On iPad, after you take a screenshot, tap the thumbnail and select Full Page to extend the capture down the page. On Samsung tablets, look for a Scroll Capture or Extended Screenshot option in the screenshot toolbar that appears after you capture.
Not all Android tablets have this feature, and it works only in certain apps like browsers and email. If your tablet does not offer it, you can take multiple regular screenshots and stitch them together using a free app, or use your tablet's built-in screen recording feature to capture video instead.
Recording your screen instead of taking a still screenshot
If you need to show movement or a series of actions — like demonstrating how to use an app — screen recording is faster than taking multiple screenshots. On iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, press and hold the Record button (a filled circle), then tap Microphone if you want to record audio as well. On Android, the method varies: Samsung tablets have a Screen Recorder in the Quick Settings panel, while other Android tablets may require you to dig into Settings to find the recording tool.
Screen recordings save as video files in your Photos or Gallery app, just like screenshots. They take up more storage space than still images, so delete them once you have shared or saved what you needed.
Troubleshooting when the screenshot button combination does not work
If you press the buttons and nothing happens, the most common reason is that you are not holding them long enough. Press and hold both buttons for a full second before releasing — a quick tap will not trigger the screenshot. You should see the screen flash or hear a camera sound (if your tablet has sound on) when it works.
If the screen flashes but no image appears in your Photos or Gallery app, check that your tablet has enough storage space. A full storage drive can prevent screenshots from saving. Go to Settings and look for Storage to see how much space you have left. If you are running low, delete old photos, videos, or apps to free up room.
If you still cannot take a screenshot after trying multiple times, restart your tablet. Turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try the button combination again. If it works after the restart, the issue was a temporary software glitch. If it still does not work, your tablet may have a hardware problem with one of the buttons, and you should contact the manufacturer or visit a repair shop.
Using accessibility features to take a screenshot without buttons
If pressing buttons is difficult for you, both iPad and Android tablets offer accessibility options. On iPad, you can enable AssistiveTouch in Settings under Accessibility, which creates an on-screen button you can tap to take a screenshot. On Android, look for Accessibility in Settings and search for screenshot or gesture options — many tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping with three fingers or using voice commands.
These methods are slower than the button combination, but they work just as well and may be easier depending on your needs. Once you set up an accessibility feature, it stays active until you turn it off, so you can use it every time you need a screenshot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot of a video while it is playing?
Yes, you can take a screenshot of a video on most tablets, but the image will show a still frame from that moment in the video. Some streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+ block screenshots for copyright reasons — if you try to screenshot, the image will come out blank or black. For other videos, the screenshot works normally.
Where do I find my screenshots if they are not in Photos or Gallery?
Check a folder called Screenshots, Captures, or Screen Captures in your Photos or Gallery app — many tablets organize them separately from regular photos. If you still cannot find them, open your file manager app and search for the date you took the screenshot. Screenshots are always saved somewhere on your tablet unless storage was completely full when you took them.
Can I take a screenshot without making a sound?
On iPad, mute your tablet using the physical mute switch on the side, and the screenshot will be silent. On Android, turn off your tablet's sound in Settings or use the physical volume buttons to mute it. The screenshot will still save — the sound is just a notification that it happened.
What is the difference between a screenshot and a screen recording?
A screenshot captures a single still image of what is on your screen at that moment. A screen recording captures video of everything you do on your screen for as long as you let it record. Screenshots are smaller files and better for sharing a single moment, while recordings are better for showing a process or demonstrating how to use an app.
Do screenshots include my personal information like passwords?
Yes — a screenshot captures exactly what is visible on your screen, including passwords, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive information you can see. Never screenshot a page with passwords or financial details unless you are saving it for your own records in a find location. Be careful when sharing screenshots with others, and consider cropping out sensitive information before you send them.