The basic method: press and hold two buttons at once
On most tablets, you take a screenshot by pressing the power button and the volume-down button at the same time, then releasing both. Hold them together for about one second—you'll see a flash on the screen and hear a camera shutter sound (if your sound is on). That's the screenshot captured.
The exact buttons vary slightly by tablet brand and model. On iPads, it's the top button and either volume-down button. On Android tablets made by Samsung, it's the power button and volume-down. On other Android brands, the combination is usually the same, but some older models use power plus volume-up instead.
Your screenshot saves automatically to your tablet's photo library or gallery app. You don't have to do anything else—it's already stored and ready to view, edit, or share.
Key Takeaways
- Press the power button and volume-down button together for about one second to capture a screenshot on most tablets.
- The screenshot appears as a flash and sound, then saves automatically to your photo library or gallery without any extra steps.
- iPad and Android tablets use the same button combination, though the exact button names differ between brands.
- If the standard method doesn't work, check your tablet's settings or manual, as older or specialized models may use a different combination.
Where your screenshot goes after you take it
On an iPad, screenshots land in the Photos app under the "Screenshots" album. You can also find them in the "All Photos" view. They're stored with a timestamp so you can tell when you took each one.
On Android tablets, screenshots usually go into a folder called "Screenshots" inside your Gallery or Photos app. Some manufacturers create a dedicated Screenshots folder; others mix them with your regular photos. Open your gallery app and look for a folder labeled "Screenshots" or search for recent images if you're not sure where to look.
Once a screenshot is saved, you can edit it, delete it, or share it through email, messaging apps, or social media—just like any other photo on your tablet.
What to do if the button method isn't working
If pressing the two buttons doesn't produce a screenshot, first check that you're holding both buttons at the same time, not one after the other. The timing matters—they need to be pressed together, not in sequence.
On some tablets, especially older models or specialized versions, the button combination may be different. Check your tablet's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the correct method for your specific model. Samsung tablets, for instance, sometimes have a "Palm Swipe" option in settings that lets you take a screenshot by swiping your hand across the screen instead.
If your tablet has a stylus (like an iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab with an S Pen), you might also be able to take a screenshot through the stylus menu or by pressing a button on the stylus itself. Check your device settings under "Accessibility" or "Advanced Features" to see what options are available.
Using your tablet's built-in screenshot tools
Many tablets offer more than just a basic screenshot. After you take a screenshot, a menu often appears at the bottom of the screen with options to edit, crop, or share it right away. On iPads, you'll see buttons to markup the image (add drawings, text, or shapes) or delete it. On Android tablets, you might see options to crop, share, or open it in an editor.
If you want to capture just part of your screen instead of the whole thing, some tablets let you take a partial screenshot. On newer iPads, you can tap "Show Markup" after taking a screenshot, then use the crop tool. On Android, some models have a "Partial Screenshot" or "Crop" option in the screenshot menu that appears right after you capture.
You can also take a scrolling screenshot on many tablets, which captures content that extends beyond what fits on the screen at once. This is useful for saving long web pages or conversations. Look for a "Scroll" or "Long Screenshot" option in the menu that appears after you take the initial screenshot.
Troubleshooting when screenshots won't save
If you're taking screenshots but they're not showing up in your photo library, check that your tablet has enough storage space. When storage is very low, some tablets won't save new screenshots. Go to your tablet's settings and look for "Storage" or "Device Storage" to see how much space is available.
Another reason screenshots might not save is if your photo library app is having problems. Try restarting your tablet by turning it off and back on, then take a screenshot again. This often clears temporary glitches that prevent saving.
If screenshots still aren't appearing, check your tablet's privacy settings. On iPads, go to Settings > Privacy and make sure the Photos app has permission to save images. On Android, open Settings > Apps, find your Gallery or Photos app, and check that it has permission to access storage.
Sharing and managing your screenshots
Once your screenshot is saved, you can share it when ready by opening your photo library, selecting the screenshot, and tapping the share button. Most tablets let you send screenshots through email, text message, cloud storage apps like Google Drive or iCloud, or social media apps.
If you take a lot of screenshots, organize them into folders or albums so they're easier to find later. On iPads, you can create a new album in the Photos app and move screenshots into it. On Android, some gallery apps let you create folders or use tags to organize images by topic or date.
You can also delete screenshots you no longer need to free up storage space. Select the screenshot in your gallery, tap delete, and confirm. On most tablets, deleted photos go to a "Recently Deleted" or "Trash" folder where they stay for 30 days before being permanently removed, so you can recover them if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot of a video while it's playing?
Yes, you can take a screenshot while a video is playing, and it will capture a still image of that moment in the video. However, some streaming apps (like Netflix or Disney+) block screenshots for copyright protection, so the screenshot may not save even if you press the buttons. Regular videos from your photo library or most websites will screenshot normally.
What's the difference between a screenshot and a screen recording?
A screenshot captures a single still image of what's on your screen at that moment. A screen recording captures video of everything you do on your screen for as long as you record. Most tablets have a screen recording feature in the Control Center (iPad) or Quick Settings (Android) if you need to record instead of just taking a still image.
Why does my screenshot look blurry or low quality?
Screenshots are saved at your tablet's native screen resolution, so they should be sharp. If a screenshot looks blurry, it's usually because the content itself (like a photo or video) is low quality, not the screenshot. If text looks fuzzy, try zooming in on the content before taking the screenshot so the text is larger and clearer.
Can I take a screenshot without the sound?
Yes. Lower your tablet's volume before taking the screenshot, or turn on silent mode. On iPads, flip the mute switch on the side of the device. On Android, press the volume-down button until you see "Vibrate" or "Silent" mode active. The screenshot will still be captured; you just won't hear the shutter sound.
How do I take a screenshot of my entire screen if it's showing multiple apps?
The standard screenshot method captures everything visible on your screen at that moment, including multiple apps if they're all showing (like in split-screen mode). If you want to screenshot just one app, close or minimize the others first, then take the screenshot. You can also use the crop tool after taking the screenshot to remove parts you don't need.