The quickest way to capture your screen

On most Samsung tablets, press the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time and hold them for about one second. Your tablet will flash, vibrate, or make a camera sound—that means the screenshot was taken. The image saves automatically to your Photos app or Gallery, usually in a folder called "Screenshots."

This method works on nearly all Samsung tablet models made in the last five years. If your tablet has a physical home button (older models), you can also try pressing the Home button and Power button together, though the Power + Volume Down combination is more reliable across different models.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for one second to take a screenshot on your Samsung tablet.
  • Your screenshot saves automatically to your Photos app or Gallery in a Screenshots folder.
  • You will see a flash, vibration, or hear a camera sound when the screenshot is captured.
  • If the button method does not work, you can use the palm swipe gesture or access screenshots through your tablet's settings menu.

Finding your screenshot after you take it

Once you capture a screenshot, it goes straight into your device's storage. Open your Gallery or Photos app—the name depends on your tablet model and Android version. Look for a folder labeled "Screenshots" at the top or in the main view. If you do not see it, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines or three dots) and search for "Screenshots" or scroll down through your folders.

Screenshots are stored as image files with names like "Screenshot_20240115_143022.png." You can open, edit, share, or delete them like any other photo on your tablet. If you want to move a screenshot to a different folder, long-press it and select "Move" or "Copy."

Using palm swipe if buttons do not work

Some Samsung tablets let you 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—you have to enable it first.

Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures > Palm Swipe to Capture and toggle it on. Once active, place the side of your hand on one edge of the screen and swipe across to the opposite edge in one smooth motion. Your tablet will capture the screenshot the same way as the button method. This works best when your hand covers about one-third of the screen width.

Editing and sharing screenshots right away

When you take a screenshot on a Samsung tablet, a small toolbar usually appears at the bottom of the screen for a few seconds. This toolbar lets you crop, draw on, or share the screenshot without opening another app. Tap the crop icon to trim the image, the pen icon to write or draw on it, or the share icon to send it via email, text, or social media.

If you miss the toolbar, you can still edit the screenshot later by opening it in your Gallery app, tapping the edit button (pencil icon), and making changes. You can also use Samsung's built-in Markup tool to add text, shapes, or highlights before sharing.

Troubleshooting when screenshots will not capture

If pressing Power and Volume Down does not work, first check that your tablet is not in a special mode. Some apps, games, or security settings block screenshots. Try taking a screenshot from your home screen or a basic app like Notes to see if the feature works there.

If it still does not work, restart your tablet by holding the Power button until the shutdown menu appears, then tap "Restart." After the tablet turns back on, try the Power + Volume Down combination again. If you are using an older Samsung tablet model, the button combination might be different—check your tablet's manual or search for your specific model number online.

Using Samsung's built-in screen capture tools

Beyond the standard screenshot, Samsung tablets include a Screen Capture tool in the Quick Settings menu. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel, then look for "Screen Capture" or "Screenshot" and tap it. This opens the same capture function as the button method but gives you a moment to frame what you want to capture before you press the button.

Some Samsung tablets also have a Scroll Capture feature that lets you capture an entire webpage or document even if it extends beyond what fits on your screen. After taking a screenshot, look for a "Scroll Capture" or "Capture More" option in the toolbar and tap it. Your tablet will scroll down and add the rest of the content to your screenshot automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do screenshots save on my Samsung tablet?

Screenshots save automatically to your Gallery or Photos app, usually in a folder called "Screenshots." You can also find them by opening your file manager and navigating to the Pictures or DCIM folder, where Samsung stores image files.

Can I take a screenshot of a locked screen or during a call?

You can take a screenshot of your lock screen, but some apps and games block screenshots for security or copyright reasons. During a phone or video call, the screenshot may not capture the other person's image depending on your tablet's settings and the app you are using.

How do I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?

After taking a full screenshot, use the crop tool in the toolbar that appears at the bottom. Drag the corners to select only the area you want to keep, then tap "Done." You can also use the Markup tool to draw a box around the section you want to highlight.

What if my tablet does not have a Volume Down button?

Older Samsung tablets or models without physical volume buttons may use a different method. Try pressing Power and Home button together, or check your tablet's manual for the correct combination. You can also use the Palm Swipe gesture if you enable it in Settings.

Can I set a custom location for where screenshots save?

Samsung tablets save screenshots to a fixed location in your Gallery app, and you cannot change the default folder. However, you can move screenshots to a different folder after taking them, or create a new folder in your Gallery to organize them.