The basic method: buttons you press at the same time
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 hear a camera shutter sound or see a flash on the screen, and the image saves to your Photos or Gallery app automatically.
The exact button combination depends on your tablet's operating system. Apple tablets use one method, Android tablets use another, and a few older or specialized tablets have their own approach. The method also changed slightly when Apple released newer iPad models, so if you have an older iPad, the steps are a bit different.
Once you take the screenshot, it lands in your default photo storage — usually the Photos app on iPad or the Gallery app on Android. You can edit it, share it, or delete it from there like any other image on your tablet.
Key Takeaways
- On most iPads, press the top button and volume-down button together for one second to capture the screen.
- On most Android tablets, press the power button and volume-down button together for one second.
- The screenshot saves automatically to your Photos or Gallery app and you can edit or share it when ready.
- Older iPad models use a different button combination — the home button and top button together — so check your model if the standard method doesn't work.
- If your tablet has physical buttons in unusual places, your user manual or the manufacturer's support site will show the exact location.
iPad screenshots: which buttons to use
On newer iPad models (iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch from 2018 onward, iPad Air 4 and later, iPad 7 and later, and iPad mini 6 and later), press the top button and the volume-down button at the same time. These models don't have a home button, so Apple moved the screenshot function to the power button instead.
On older iPad models that have a home button (iPad Air 3 and earlier, iPad mini 5 and earlier, iPad 6 and earlier), press the home button and the top button together. The home button is the circular button at the bottom of the screen bezel.
If you're not sure which generation your iPad is, go to Settings > General > About and look for the model name. Apple's support site lists the button layout for each model if you want to double-check before you try.
Android tablet screenshots: power and volume buttons
On Android tablets, press the power button (usually on the right or top edge) and the volume-down button at the same time. Hold both for about one second until you see the flash or hear the shutter sound. The screenshot then saves to your Gallery app or Photos app, depending on which one your tablet uses.
The power button location varies by tablet brand and model — it might be on the side, the top, or even the back. If you can't find it, look for the button that normally turns your tablet on and off. The volume-down button is usually near the power button and is marked with a minus sign or down arrow.
Some Android tablets also let you take a screenshot by swiping your hand across the screen or by using a menu option in the settings. Check your tablet's user manual or the manufacturer's support page if the button method doesn't work for your specific model.
Where your screenshot goes and how to find it
After you take a screenshot, it saves automatically to your tablet's photo storage. On iPad, open the Photos app and look for a "Screenshots" album, or scroll through your recent photos to find it. On Android, open the Gallery app (or Photos app, depending on your tablet) and look for a Screenshots folder, or check the most recent images in your library.
The screenshot file is a regular image file — usually a PNG or JPG — so you can edit it, share it by email or messaging app, or delete it like any other photo. Many tablets also show a notification or preview right after you take the screenshot, with options to edit or share it when ready.
If you can't find your screenshot, check whether your tablet's storage is full. Some tablets stop saving screenshots when the storage is nearly full, and the image may not appear in your photo app until you free up space.
Editing your screenshot right after you take it
On iPad, a thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the bottom-left corner of the screen for a few seconds after you take it. Tap that thumbnail to open the screenshot editor, where you can draw on it, add text, magnify part of it, or crop it. When you're done, tap Done and choose to save it or delete the original.
On Android, the notification that appears after you take a screenshot usually includes an Edit button. Tap it to open your tablet's built-in photo editor, where you can crop, draw, add text, or make other changes. The exact editing tools depend on your tablet's brand and software version.
If you miss the when ready editing window, you can still edit your screenshot later by opening it in your Photos or Gallery app and using the Edit option there. Most tablets have a basic photo editor built in, and you can also use third-party apps from your app store if you want more advanced tools.
Troubleshooting: what to do if the screenshot doesn't work
If you press the buttons and nothing happens, make sure you're holding both buttons at the same time, not one after the other. Press them together firmly for about one full second, then release. If your tablet vibrates or makes a sound but no screenshot appears, check that your storage isn't full by going to Settings and looking at your available space.
If you have an older or less common tablet model, the button combination might be different. Check your tablet's user manual or visit the manufacturer's support website and search for "how to take a screenshot" plus your tablet model. Some tablets also have accessibility features that let you take a screenshot from a menu instead of using buttons.
If screenshots worked before but stopped working, restart your tablet by turning it off and back on. This often fixes temporary software glitches. If the problem continues, check whether you have the latest software update installed — go to Settings and look for a Software Update or System Update option.
Using screenshots for support and documentation
Screenshots are useful when you need to show someone else what's on your screen — whether you're asking for tech support, reporting a problem to an app developer, or sharing information with a family member. Take a screenshot of the exact screen where the problem appears, then share it through email, messaging, or a support form.
When you share a screenshot, remember that it captures everything on your screen, including any personal information like account numbers, passwords, or private messages. Before you share, edit the screenshot to cover or remove anything you don't want others to see. Most tablets let you draw or add shapes to blur or hide sensitive areas.
Screenshots also work well for keeping a record of important information — a confirmation number, a receipt, a map direction, or a message you want to save. Just remember that screenshots take up storage space, so delete ones you no longer need to keep your tablet running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot if my tablet's power button is broken?
Yes. On iPad, you can use Accessibility Shortcuts to take a screenshot without pressing buttons — go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut and enable Screenshot, then triple-tap the home button or back of your iPad. On Android, check your tablet's accessibility settings for a screenshot option in the menu, or use a third-party app from your app store.
Why does my screenshot look blurry or cut off?
A blurry screenshot usually means your tablet's screen needs cleaning, or you moved it while taking the screenshot. A cut-off screenshot might mean a notification or menu was covering part of the screen. Take another screenshot and make sure the screen is clean and still before you press the buttons.
How much storage space do screenshots use?
A single screenshot typically uses between 100 kilobytes and 2 megabytes, depending on your tablet's screen size and resolution. If you take many screenshots, they can add up over time. Check your storage in Settings and delete old screenshots you no longer need to free up space.
Can I take a screenshot of a video that's playing?
Yes, you can take a screenshot while a video is playing, and it will capture a still image from that moment. However, some streaming apps or protected content may blur or block the screenshot for copyright reasons, so the image might not show what you expected.
Is there a way to take a screenshot without the sound or notification?
On iPad, you can mute your tablet by using the physical mute switch (on the side of the device) before you take the screenshot. On Android, put your tablet in silent mode through the volume buttons or settings. The screenshot will still be saved, but you won't hear the shutter sound or see a notification.