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 buttons for about one 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 in a folder called "Screenshots."
This method works on nearly all Samsung tablet models made in the last five years. If your tablet is older or you're using a different brand, the button combination may differ — but Samsung has used this two-button method as the standard for a long time.
Key Takeaways
- Press Power and Volume Down together for one second to capture your screen on a Samsung tablet.
- Your screenshot saves automatically to the Photos app in a Screenshots folder.
- You can also use the palm swipe method if your tablet supports it — swipe the edge of your hand across the screen from left to right or right to left.
- If the standard buttons don't work, check your tablet model in Settings to see if it uses a different method.
- After taking a screenshot, you can edit, crop, or share it directly from the notification that appears.
Finding your screenshots after you take them
Once you press the buttons, your tablet saves the image automatically. Open your Photos app and look for a folder labeled "Screenshots" — it's usually near the top of your album list. Tap it to see all the screenshots you've taken.
You can also find screenshots by opening the Files app (sometimes called "My Files"), then navigating to Pictures or DCIM, where a Screenshots folder usually sits. The exact location depends on your tablet model, but both the Photos app and Files app will get you there.
If you want to keep a screenshot organized, you can move it to a different folder, rename it, or share it directly to email, messaging apps, or cloud storage from the Photos app.
Using the palm swipe method instead
Some Samsung tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping the side of your hand across the screen. To use this method, go to Settings, then tap Advanced Features (or Motions and Gestures, depending on your model). Look for an option called Palm Swipe to Capture and turn it on.
Once enabled, hold your tablet steady and swipe the edge of your hand from left to right or right to left across the screen. Your tablet will capture the screenshot the same way as the button method — the image saves to your Photos app automatically. This method takes practice, so don't worry if it doesn't work the first few times.
Not all Samsung tablets support this feature. If you don't see the option in Settings, your model may not have it, and the Power + Volume Down method is your best choice.
Editing your screenshot right after you take it
When you take a screenshot, a notification usually appears at the top of your screen or in the notification panel. Tap that notification to open a quick editing menu where you can crop, draw on, or add text to your screenshot before saving it.
If you miss the notification, you can still edit the screenshot later by opening it in the Photos app, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting Edit. From there, you can use your tablet's built-in tools to crop, rotate, adjust brightness, or add annotations.
For more detailed editing, you can also open the screenshot in a third-party app like Snapseed or Photoshop Express, both of which are free to read from the Google Play Store.
What to do if the button method isn't working
If pressing Power and Volume Down doesn't capture a screenshot, first make sure you're pressing both buttons at exactly the same time and holding them for at least one second. Many people release too quickly or press them in sequence rather than together.
If that doesn't work, restart your tablet by holding the Power button until the shutdown menu appears, then tap "Restart." Sometimes a software glitch prevents screenshots from working, and a restart fixes it.
Check your tablet model by going to Settings > About Tablet and looking for the model number. Search online for "[your model number] how to take screenshot" to confirm you're using the right button combination. Older Samsung tablets or tablets running very old versions of Android may use a different method.
Sharing your screenshot with others
After you take a screenshot, open the Photos app and find the image in your Screenshots folder. Tap and hold the screenshot, then tap the Share button (usually a box with an arrow pointing outward). Choose how you want to send it — email, text message, social media, cloud storage, or messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
You can also share directly from the notification that appears right after you take the screenshot. Tap the notification and look for a Share option in the editing menu that appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my screenshot saving?
Check that your tablet has enough storage space — if the storage is full, screenshots may not save. Go to Settings > Storage to see how much space is available. Also make sure the Photos app has permission to access your tablet's storage. Go to Settings > Apps > Photos, tap Permissions, and turn on Storage.
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After taking a full screenshot, open it in the Photos app and tap Edit. Use the crop tool to select only the part you want to keep. Some Samsung tablets also have a "Partial Screenshot" option in the notification menu that appears after you take a screenshot — tap it to draw a box around the area you want to capture.
Where do I find the Volume Down button on my tablet?
The Volume Down button is usually on the right side or bottom edge of your tablet, near the Power button. It's a small button that you press to lower the volume. If you're not sure which button it is, press it and watch the volume indicator on your screen go down to confirm.
Can I take a screenshot if my screen is locked?
No. You must unlock your tablet first before taking a screenshot. Once unlocked, the Power + Volume Down method works on any screen — your home screen, inside an app, or anywhere else.
How do I take a screenshot on an older Samsung tablet?
Older Samsung tablets usually use the same Power + Volume Down method, but some very old models may require a different combination. Check your tablet's manual or search online for your specific model number. If the button method doesn't work, try holding the Power button alone for a few seconds to see if a screenshot option appears in a menu.