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 camera sound, or see a notification at the top of the screen. The image saves automatically to your Photos app in a folder called Screenshots.

The exact button combination depends on which Samsung tablet model you own and which version of Android it runs, but Power + Volume Down works on nearly all current Samsung tablets. If that doesn't work, try Power + Volume Up instead — some older models use that combination.

You'll know the screenshot worked because your tablet will give you visual or audio feedback. Most tablets show a thumbnail of the screenshot in the corner of the screen for a few seconds, and you can tap it to edit or share right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Power and Volume Down together for about one second to take a screenshot on most Samsung tablets.
  • The screenshot saves automatically to your Photos app in a folder named Screenshots.
  • A thumbnail appears in the corner of your screen after you capture, letting you edit or share when ready.
  • If Power + Volume Down doesn't work, try Power + Volume Up, which some older Samsung tablets use instead.
  • You can also use the palm swipe gesture if your tablet supports it — swipe the edge of your hand across the screen from left to right.

Where your screenshots are stored

Every screenshot you take goes into your Photos app automatically. Open Photos, tap the menu (three horizontal lines), and look for a folder called Screenshots. All your captured images are organized there by date, with the newest ones at the top.

If you can't find the Screenshots folder, it may be hidden. In the Photos app menu, look for an option to show hidden folders or albums. On some Samsung tablets, screenshots also appear in a folder called DCIM or in your main Pictures folder, depending on your Android version.

Using the thumbnail to edit or share right away

After you take a screenshot, a small preview appears in the corner of your screen for a few seconds. Tap that thumbnail to open a quick menu with editing and sharing options. You can crop the image, draw on it, or add text without opening the full Photos app.

If you want to share the screenshot when ready, tap the thumbnail and select Share. You can send it through Messages, Email, WhatsApp, or any other app installed on your tablet. If you miss the thumbnail, you can always open Photos later and share from there.

The palm swipe method (if your tablet supports it)

Some Samsung tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen from left to right. This gesture is called Palm Swipe to Capture and is turned on by default on many models, though not all.

To check if your tablet has this feature, go to Settings, then search for "palm swipe" or "palm swipe to capture." If the option appears, make sure it's turned on. Then you can take a screenshot by placing the side of your hand on the left edge of the screen and swiping toward the right in one smooth motion.

This method takes practice — your hand needs to be flat and touch the screen continuously as you swipe. If it doesn't work the first time, try again with a slower, steadier motion. The button method (Power + Volume Down) is usually faster and more reliable.

What to do if the button method isn't working

If pressing Power + Volume Down doesn't capture a screenshot, first make sure you're holding both buttons at the same time, not one after the other. They need to be pressed together for about one second. If you press them too quickly or separately, nothing will happen.

If that still doesn't work, try Power + Volume Up instead. Older Samsung tablet models sometimes use this combination. You can also restart your tablet and try again — occasionally a software glitch prevents screenshots from working temporarily.

If neither button combination works and your tablet is very old, check your tablet's manual or Samsung's support website for your specific model number. Very early Samsung tablets used different methods, though this is rare with tablets made in the last five years.

Taking a screenshot of just part of your screen

If you only want to capture a portion of your screen instead of the whole thing, use the Partial Screenshot feature. After you take a regular screenshot using Power + Volume Down, tap the thumbnail that appears and look for a crop or edit option. You can then draw a rectangle around the area you want to keep.

On some Samsung tablets, you can also access Partial Screenshot directly from the Quick Settings menu. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings, look for a Partial Screenshot or Screenshot button, and tap it. Then drag a rectangle on your screen to select what you want to capture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my screenshots after I take them?

Open your Photos app, tap the menu, and look for a Screenshots folder. All your captured images are stored there organized by date. If you don't see a Screenshots folder, check your Pictures folder or search for "Screenshots" in the Photos app.

Can I take a screenshot of my entire screen at once?

Yes. Press Power and Volume Down together, and the entire visible screen captures. If you want to capture something longer that doesn't fit on one screen, you may need to take multiple screenshots or use your tablet's built-in scrolling screenshot feature if available.

What if I accidentally take a screenshot I don't want?

Open your Photos app, find the screenshot in the Screenshots folder, and delete it. You can also delete it right away by tapping the thumbnail that appears after you capture and selecting delete or discard.

Does taking a screenshot use up storage space?

Yes, each screenshot is a file that takes up storage space on your tablet, though usually only a small amount. If you take many screenshots, they can add up over time. Delete ones you no longer need to free up space.

Can I take a screenshot without making a sound?

On most Samsung tablets, the screenshot sound is tied to your notification volume. Lower your tablet's volume before taking a screenshot, or turn on Silent mode, and the sound won't play. The screenshot will still be captured and saved.