The quickest way to screenshot on most Samsung tablets
On most Samsung tablets, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for about one second. You'll see a flash on the screen, hear a camera sound, and a notification will appear at the top. That's your screenshot—it's saved to your Photos app automatically.
The exact button combination depends on which Samsung tablet model you own and which version of Android it runs. Older models and some newer ones use different methods, so if the Power + Volume Down combination doesn't work, try the alternatives below.
Key Takeaways
- Power button + Volume Down is the standard screenshot method on most current Samsung tablets.
- If that doesn't work, try swiping three fingers down from the top of the screen, which works on many Samsung models.
- Screenshots are saved automatically to your Photos app in a folder called "Screenshots."
- Some Samsung tablets let you edit or share the screenshot when ready after taking it from the notification that appears.
Alternative method: Three-finger swipe
Many Samsung tablets support a gesture-based screenshot. Place three fingers on the screen and swipe downward from the top. The screen will flash and you'll hear the camera sound, just like with the button method.
This method works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models from the last several years, but not all. If you try it and nothing happens, your tablet may not have this feature enabled. You can turn it on by going to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures and looking for an option called Palm Swipe to Capture or Screenshot. Toggle it on if it's available.
Where your screenshots are stored
Every screenshot you take is automatically saved to your tablet's photo library. Open your Photos or Gallery app and look for a folder labeled Screenshots. All your screenshots will be there, organized by date.
If you can't find the Screenshots folder, it may be hidden. In the Photos app, tap the menu (three horizontal lines or three dots) and look for an option to show hidden folders or albums. You can also search for "screenshot" in your Photos app's search bar to find them quickly.
Editing and sharing right after you screenshot
When you take a screenshot, a notification appears at the top of your screen for a few seconds. Tap that notification and your tablet will open a quick-edit window where you can crop, draw on, or add text to the screenshot before saving it.
From that same window, you can share the screenshot directly to messages, email, or social media without having to save it first and open it again. If you miss the notification, you can always open the screenshot from your Photos app and use the edit or share buttons there.
Troubleshooting if screenshots aren't working
If you press Power + Volume Down and nothing happens, first make sure you're pressing both buttons at exactly the same time and holding for a full second. It's straightforward to press one slightly before the other, which won't trigger the screenshot.
If that still doesn't work, restart your tablet. Sometimes a software glitch prevents the screenshot function from responding. Power off your tablet completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try the Power + Volume Down combination again.
If your tablet is very old or runs an older version of Android, the button combination might be different. Check your tablet's model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About Tablet) and search for "[your model number] screenshot" to find the correct method for your specific device.
Using Samsung's built-in screen recording instead
If you need to capture video of what's happening on your screen rather than a still image, Samsung tablets have a built-in screen recorder. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel, then look for Screen Recorder or Record Screen. Tap it to start recording.
The recording will capture everything on your screen along with audio from your tablet's speakers (and microphone, if you enable it). When you're done, tap the recording notification to stop. Your video is saved to your Photos app just like screenshots are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After you take a screenshot using Power + Volume Down, tap the notification that appears and select the crop tool. You can then drag the corners to select only the area you want to keep. Some Samsung tablets also let you take a partial screenshot by holding Power + Volume Down longer (about 3 seconds) to open a menu with cropping options.
Why does my screenshot sound like a camera?
Samsung tablets play a camera shutter sound when you take a screenshot for the same reason phones do—to let you know the action completed. If you want to silence it, mute your tablet's volume before taking the screenshot, or go to Settings > Sounds and Vibration and turn off the camera shutter sound there.
Where do I find my screenshots if they're not in the Photos app?
Check your file manager app (called Files or My Files on Samsung tablets). Navigate to Internal Storage > DCIM > Screenshots. Screenshots are sometimes stored here instead of in the Photos app, depending on your tablet's settings.
Can I take a screenshot without using buttons?
Yes, if your tablet supports the three-finger swipe gesture. You can also use voice commands if you have Google Assistant enabled—say "Hey Google, take a screenshot." Some Samsung tablets also have a floating toolbar you can enable in Settings > Advanced Features that includes a screenshot button.