The Basic Method: Power and Volume Down
On most Samsung tablets, you take a screenshot by pressing the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time, then releasing both when ready. Hold them together for just a moment—about half a second. You will see the screen flash or dim slightly, and you may hear a camera shutter sound, depending on your tablet's settings.
The screenshot saves automatically to your tablet's Gallery app in a folder called "Screenshots." You do not need to do anything else after taking it. The image is ready to view, edit, or share right away.
Key Takeaways
- Press Power and Volume Down together for about half a second to take a screenshot on a Samsung tablet.
- Your screenshot saves automatically to the Gallery app in a Screenshots folder.
- If the basic method does not work, check your tablet model or try the Palm Swipe method if your tablet supports it.
- You can edit or crop your screenshot when ready after taking it using the toolbar that appears on screen.
- Screenshots appear in your Gallery app and can be shared through any messaging or social media app.
What Happens Right After You Take a Screenshot
When you successfully take a screenshot, a small toolbar usually appears at the bottom of your screen for a few seconds. This toolbar shows options to edit, share, or delete the screenshot you just took. If you tap "Edit," you can crop the image, draw on it, or add text before saving it.
If you do not tap anything, the toolbar disappears and your screenshot is saved as-is to the Gallery app. You can always find it later by opening Gallery, tapping "Albums," and selecting "Screenshots."
The Palm Swipe Method (If Your Tablet Supports It)
Some Samsung tablets allow you to take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen from left to right or right to left. This feature is called Palm Swipe to Capture and is not turned on by default.
To turn it on, go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures > Palm Swipe to Capture and toggle it on. Once enabled, you can take a screenshot by placing the side of your hand on the screen and swiping across. Not all Samsung tablet models have this feature, so if you do not see it in your settings, your tablet does not support it.
Finding Your Screenshots in the Gallery App
Open the Gallery app on your tablet. At the bottom of the screen, tap Albums. Scroll down until you see the folder labeled Screenshots. Tap it to see all the screenshots you have taken. The newest ones appear at the top.
From here, you can tap any screenshot to view it full-screen, or long-press it to delete, share, or move it to another folder. You can also edit a screenshot by tapping it and then tapping the pencil icon that appears.
Troubleshooting: When the Screenshot Does Not Work
If pressing Power and Volume Down does not take a screenshot, first make sure you are pressing both buttons at exactly the same time. A common mistake is pressing one button slightly before the other—the timing needs to be simultaneous. Try again, holding both for about half a second.
If that still does not work, restart your tablet. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on. Then try the Power and Volume Down combination again. If your tablet is very old or uses an older version of Samsung's software, the button combination may be different—in that case, check your tablet's manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number.
Editing and Sharing Your Screenshots
After you take a screenshot, the editing toolbar appears for a few seconds. Tap Edit to open the screenshot in Samsung's built-in editor. From there, you can crop the image, draw on it with a pen tool, add text, or blur parts of it. When you are done, tap Save to replace the original or Save As to keep both versions.
To share a screenshot without editing it, open the Gallery app, find your screenshot, and tap it. Then tap the Share button (usually a curved arrow icon). You can send it through text message, email, social media, or any other app installed on your tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do screenshots save on my Samsung tablet?
Screenshots save automatically to your Gallery app in a folder called "Screenshots." You can find them by opening Gallery, tapping Albums, and scrolling to the Screenshots folder. They are stored on your tablet's internal storage.
Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?
Yes. After you take a full screenshot using Power and Volume Down, tap "Edit" in the toolbar that appears. Use the crop tool to select only the part of the screen you want to keep, then save it. Some Samsung tablets also have a "Partial Screenshot" option in the Power menu, depending on the model.
What if my tablet does not have a physical Power button?
If your tablet has no physical buttons, you can take a screenshot using the Power menu. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Settings panel, then look for a "Screenshot" button or icon. Tap it to capture the screen. Not all Samsung tablets have this option, so check your settings if you do not see it.
Can I take a screenshot of a video or streaming app?
You can take a screenshot of most apps, but some streaming services and protected content may block screenshots for copyright reasons. If you try to screenshot a video and nothing happens, the app is preventing it. You can still take screenshots of other content on your tablet normally.
How do I delete a screenshot?
Open the Gallery app, go to the Screenshots folder, and long-press the screenshot you want to delete. A menu will appear with a "Delete" option. Tap it to remove the screenshot. You can also delete it when ready after taking it by tapping "Delete" in the toolbar that appears right after you capture it.