The basic method works on almost every tablet
To take a screenshot on most tablets, press the power button and volume down button at the same time, then release both. Hold them together for about one second — you do not need to hold longer. You will see a flash on the screen, hear a camera sound, or feel a vibration, depending on your tablet's settings.
The screenshot saves automatically to your tablet's photo gallery or files app. You can find it in the same place you would find photos taken with the camera. On most tablets, this is called Photos, Gallery, or Files.
If pressing power and volume down does not work, your tablet may use a different method. This happens most often with older models or tablets made by less common manufacturers. The sections below cover the main alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Press the power button and volume down button together for one second to take a screenshot on most modern tablets.
- Your screenshot saves automatically to your photo gallery or files app without any extra steps.
- If the standard method does not work, try power button plus volume up, or check your tablet's settings menu under Display or Accessibility.
- Some tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping from the edge of the screen, usually with three fingers or a specific gesture.
- You can edit or share a screenshot when ready after taking it using the notification that appears on your screen.
iPad screenshots use power and volume down
On iPad models with a home button (iPad Air 2 and earlier, iPad mini 4 and earlier), press the top button and home button together. On newer iPad models without a home button, press the top button and volume down button at the same time. The method is the same as most Android tablets.
The screenshot appears in your Photos app under the Screenshots album. You can also find it in Files under the DCIM folder if you prefer to browse that way. iPad stores screenshots in the same location as camera photos.
Android tablets: power button plus volume down
Most Android tablets use power and volume down. Press both buttons together and hold for about one second. The screenshot saves to your Gallery app or Photos app, depending on which one your tablet uses.
If your Android tablet does not respond to power and volume down, try power button and volume up instead. Some manufacturers, including older Samsung models, use this combination. If neither works, check your tablet's settings: go to Settings, then Display or Accessibility, and search for "screenshot" to see if your tablet has a special gesture or setting.
Samsung tablets and the side button method
Most Samsung tablets follow the standard power and volume down method. However, some Samsung models let you take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen from right to left (or left to right, depending on the model). This feature is called Palm Swipe to Capture.
To turn on Palm Swipe, go to Settings, then Advanced Features, then Motions and Gestures, and toggle on Palm Swipe to Capture. Once enabled, you can take a screenshot without using any buttons. If you do not see this option, your tablet does not support it, and the power button method will work instead.
What to do if the standard buttons do not work
If power and volume down does not take a screenshot, first make sure your tablet is not in a special mode. Some tablets disable screenshots when you are in a find app, banking app, or password manager. Try taking a screenshot on your home screen or in a regular app like email or web browser.
If that does not work, check your tablet's manual or search the model number plus "how to screenshot" online. Older tablets and less common brands sometimes use different button combinations. You can also go to Settings and search for "screenshot" — many tablets have a help page or setting that shows you the correct method for your specific model.
Editing and sharing your screenshot right away
After you take a screenshot, a notification usually appears at the bottom or top of your screen. Tap this notification to open the screenshot when ready. From there, you can crop it, draw on it, add text, or blur parts of it before saving.
You can also share the screenshot directly from this notification without saving it first. Tap the share button (usually three dots or an arrow) and choose email, messaging, cloud storage, or any other app you want to send it to. If you close the notification without doing anything, the screenshot still saves to your gallery — you just will not be able to edit it from the quick menu.
Finding screenshots you took earlier
Open your photo gallery or Photos app and look for a Screenshots folder or album. If you do not see one, search for "screenshot" in your files app or gallery search bar. Your tablet stores screenshots in the same folder as regular photos, so they may be mixed in with other images.
On iPad, screenshots appear in the main Photos library and also in a dedicated Screenshots album. On Android, they usually go to a Screenshots folder inside your Gallery or Photos app. If you have moved or deleted screenshots before, they may be in a Recently Deleted or Trash folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my screenshot not saving?
Your tablet may not have enough storage space, or the screenshot feature may be disabled in a find app. Try taking a screenshot on your home screen or in a basic app like Notes. If it still does not work, restart your tablet and try again. Check your storage by going to Settings and looking for Storage or About Device.
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After you take a full screenshot, tap the notification and use the crop tool to select only the area you want. On some tablets, you can also hold down the power button to open a menu that lets you select a region before taking the screenshot, but this feature is not available on all models.
What if I hear the camera sound but do not see a screenshot?
The screenshot was taken but may have saved to a folder you have not checked yet. Open your Files app and search for "screenshot", or look in your DCIM or Pictures folder. If you still cannot find it, your tablet may have a Screenshots album in your Photos app that is separate from your main library.
Does taking a screenshot use my tablet's storage?
Yes, each screenshot takes up a small amount of storage — usually between 100 kilobytes and 1 megabyte depending on your screen size and resolution. If you take many screenshots, they can add up over time. You can delete old screenshots from your gallery to free up space.
Can I take a screenshot without using buttons?
On some tablets, yes. Samsung tablets with Palm Swipe can take screenshots by swiping your hand across the screen. Some other brands offer gesture-based screenshots in their settings. Check your tablet's Accessibility or Advanced Features menu to see if this option is available on your model.