The basic method: buttons or gestures
The way you take a screenshot depends on what kind of tablet you own. iPad users press the top button and volume-up button at the same time, then release both. Android tablet users usually press the power button and volume-down button together. Some Android tablets use power and volume-up instead — check your tablet's manual if the first combination does not work.
The screenshot appears as a thumbnail in the bottom-left corner of your screen for a few seconds. Tap it to open the screenshot, edit it, or delete it. If you do not tap it, the screenshot saves automatically to your Photos or Gallery app.
A few newer tablets let you take a screenshot by swiping down from the top with three fingers at once. Try this method if the button combination does not produce a result.
Key Takeaways
- iPad: press the top button and volume-up button at the same time and release both.
- Android tablet: press the power button and volume-down button together, or check your manual if that does not work.
- The screenshot saves to your Photos app (iPad) or Gallery app (Android) automatically.
- You can edit or mark up a screenshot when ready after taking it by tapping the thumbnail that appears on your screen.
Where your screenshots are stored
On an iPad, screenshots go into the Photos app in a folder called Screenshots. Open Photos, tap the Albums tab at the bottom, scroll down, and tap Screenshots to see all of them in one place.
On an Android tablet, screenshots usually land in the Gallery app or Google Photos. Open Gallery, look for a Screenshots folder, or search for "screenshots" in the app's search bar. Some Android tablets also save them to a folder called DCIM or Pictures — if you cannot find them in Gallery, check your file manager.
Editing a screenshot right after you take it
Both iPad and Android tablets show a thumbnail of your screenshot in the corner when ready after you capture it. Tap that thumbnail to open a menu with editing options.
On iPad, you can draw on the screenshot with your finger or Apple Pencil, add text, magnify part of the image, or add a signature. On Android, the options vary by tablet model, but most let you crop, draw, or add text. After you finish editing, tap Save or Done to keep your changes.
If you do not tap the thumbnail, your unedited screenshot saves automatically and you can edit it later by opening the Photos or Gallery app and finding it in your Screenshots folder.
Taking a full-page screenshot
Some newer iPads and Android tablets can capture an entire webpage or document in one screenshot, not just what fits on your screen. After you take a regular screenshot, look for an option that says Full Page or Scrolling Screenshot in the editing menu that appears.
On iPad, this feature is called Full Page and works in Safari and some other apps. On Android, it is called Scrolling Screenshot or Long Screenshot and the name and availability depend on your tablet model. If you do not see this option, your tablet does not support it.
Using built-in tools to capture part of your screen
If you want to capture only part of your screen instead of the whole thing, both iPad and Android offer a partial screenshot tool. On iPad, press the top button and volume-up button, then when ready tap the thumbnail. Tap Tools, then tap Magnifier to zoom in on a specific area before saving.
On Android, the method varies. Some tablets let you long-press the power button to open a menu with a Partial Screenshot or Screenshot option. Others require you to open Settings, find Advanced Features or Tools, and turn on a Partial Screenshot mode. Check your tablet's manual for the exact steps.
Troubleshooting when screenshots do not work
If the button combination does not produce a screenshot, make sure you are pressing both buttons at exactly the same time. Press them firmly and hold for about one second, then release both together. If nothing happens, try the gesture method — swipe down from the top with three fingers.
Some apps block screenshots for security reasons. If you can take screenshots everywhere else but not in a specific app, that app is preventing it. You cannot override this restriction.
If your tablet is very low on storage space, it may not be able to save screenshots. Check your storage in Settings and delete files you no longer need. If your tablet is frozen or running very slowly, restart it and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot without using buttons?
Yes. Many newer tablets support a three-finger swipe down from the top of the screen. This works on most recent iPad models and some Android tablets. If your tablet does not respond to this gesture, the button method is your main option.
Where do I find my screenshots after I take them?
iPad screenshots go to the Photos app in a Screenshots folder. Android screenshots usually appear in the Gallery app or Google Photos, often in a Screenshots folder. You can also search for "screenshots" in your file manager to locate them.
Can I edit a screenshot after I save it?
Yes. Open your Photos or Gallery app, find the screenshot, and tap it to open editing tools. Both iPad and Android let you crop, draw, add text, and make other changes after the fact. Save your changes when you are done.
Why does my tablet not let me take a screenshot in a certain app?
Some apps block screenshots for security or copyright reasons. Banking apps, streaming services, and password managers often have this restriction. You cannot override it, but you can take screenshots in other apps normally.
What is the difference between a regular screenshot and a full-page screenshot?
A regular screenshot captures only what is visible on your screen at that moment. A full-page screenshot scrolls down automatically and stitches multiple images together to show an entire webpage or document. Not all tablets support full-page screenshots.