Taking a screenshot sounds simple until the button combination opens the power menu, turns the volume down, or does nothing at all. Samsung Galaxy phones actually give you several ways to capture the screen, and some of them are easier than the buttons, especially if you take screenshots often or need to capture a long web page or chat. This guide covers every method, where your screenshots end up, and what to do when screenshots won’t work.
What You’ll Need
- A Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet
- The screen you want to capture open and ready
- An S Pen, if you want to use the S Pen methods (Galaxy Note, Ultra and some Galaxy Tab models)
Method 1: The Button Combination
This works on every recent Galaxy phone. Press the Side key (power button) and the Volume down button at the same time, hold briefly, then let go. The screen flashes and a small toolbar appears at the bottom.
The trick is pressing both buttons together. Press the side key first and you’ll lock the screen or open the power menu; press volume first and you’ll see the volume slider. If you keep getting it wrong, try one of the methods below instead.
Method 2: Palm Swipe
Palm swipe lets you take a screenshot by sweeping the side of your hand across the screen, which is handy when using the buttons is awkward. It needs switching on first:
- Open Settings and tap Advanced features. On some models it’s inside Motions and gestures.
- Turn on Palm swipe to capture.
- To use it, hold your hand vertically like a karate chop, with the edge touching the screen, and swipe from one side to the other.
Keep your hand in contact with the screen the whole way across. If it doesn’t work, try a slower, steadier swipe.
Method 3: Scroll Capture for Long Pages
Need to capture a whole web page, chat or list in one image? Take a normal screenshot with any method, then tap the Scroll capture icon (two downward arrows) on the toolbar that appears. Keep tapping it and the phone scrolls down and stitches the page together. Tap away from the toolbar when you’ve captured enough.
If you don’t see the toolbar, check the screenshot settings in Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings and make sure the toolbar is turned on.
Method 4: Use Your Voice
If Bixby or Google Assistant is set up, you can simply say “Hey Bixby, take a screenshot” or “Hey Google, take a screenshot” while the screen you want is showing. This is useful when your hands are busy or the buttons are hard to press together.
Method 5: The Edge Panel
If you use Edge panels, you can add a screenshot shortcut. Swipe in from the Edge panel handle, open the panel settings, and add the Tasks panel. In that panel, tap Edit and add Take screenshot. From then on, swipe in from the edge and tap it whenever you need a capture.
Method 6: The S Pen
On models with an S Pen, open Air command and tap Screen write. The phone captures the screen and lets you write or draw on it straight away. Tap Save when you’re done. Smart select, also in Air command, lets you capture just part of the screen.
Where to Find Your Screenshots
Open the Gallery app, tap Albums, then open the Screenshots album. You’ll also find them in the My Files app under Images. From either app, select a screenshot and tap Share to send it.
Screenshots add up quickly. If your phone is running low on space, our guide to fixing Samsung Galaxy storage full shows how to clear them out safely.
Common Problems and Fixes
“Can’t take screenshot due to security policy”
Some apps block screenshots on purpose, including many banking apps, streaming apps and private or incognito browser tabs. Work or school phones may also block screenshots through device management. This is expected behaviour and can’t be bypassed safely.
Palm swipe doesn’t work
Check it’s turned on, make sure the edge of your hand stays on the screen for the whole swipe, and remove thick screen protectors or cases that cover the edges if it still won’t register.
The buttons open the power menu instead
You’re pressing the side key slightly before volume down. Press both at exactly the same time, or use palm swipe or voice instead.
Screenshots aren’t in the Gallery
Check the Screenshots album rather than Recents, and look in My Files. If you use a cloud gallery sync, screenshots may take a moment to appear.
Privacy: Be Careful What You Share
- Check before you send. Screenshots can include notifications, email addresses, phone numbers or account details you didn’t notice.
- Crop or draw over private details using the edit tool that appears after capture.
- Don’t screenshot one-time codes, passwords or banking details and leave them in your gallery, where they may sync to the cloud.
- Ask first before sharing screenshots of other people’s messages.
FAQ
How do I take a screenshot on Samsung without the buttons?
Use palm swipe, a voice command through Bixby or Google Assistant, the Tasks Edge panel, or the S Pen if your model has one.
How do I take a full-page screenshot on Samsung?
Take a normal screenshot, then tap the Scroll capture icon (two downward arrows) on the toolbar that appears. Keep tapping until you’ve captured the whole page.
Can I take a screenshot of just part of the screen?
Yes. Take a full screenshot and crop it in the editor, or use Smart select with the S Pen on supported models.
For more detail, see Samsung’s official screenshot guide.
Steps and menu labels may change as apps update. Last updated: November 2026.