Quick answer
Press the power button (Samsung calls it the Side key) and Volume down at the same time, then let go. The screen flashes and a toolbar appears at the bottom.
All 6 methods at a glance
| Method | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Power + Volume down | Works on every current Galaxy phone and tablet. | Galaxy S, A, Z Fold, Z Flip and Tab |
| Palm swipe | Swipe the side of your hand across the screen. | No buttons needed |
| Scroll capture (long screenshots) | Capture an entire page or chat as one tall image. | Web pages, conversations, receipts |
| S Pen (Screen write and Smart select) | Capture and write on the screen with the pen. | Annotating screenshots |
| Voice (Bixby or Google) | Say "Take a screenshot". | Hands-free |
| Assistant menu (accessibility) | A floating on-screen button with a Screenshot option. | Broken buttons or limited dexterity |
Palm swipe
- Go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures and turn on Palm swipe to capture.
- Hold your hand upright, like a karate chop, with its edge touching the screen.
- Swipe it across the screen from one side to the other.
Scroll capture (long screenshots)
- Take a screenshot with any method.
- Tap the Scroll capture button (two downward arrows) in the toolbar at the bottom.
- Keep tapping it to add more of the page, then tap elsewhere or the preview to finish.
If the toolbar doesn't appear, turn it on in Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings > Show toolbar after capturing.
S Pen (Screen write and Smart select)
Galaxy S Ultra, Z Fold (S Pen edition) and Tab S
- Take out the S Pen, or tap the floating Air command icon.
- Tap Screen write to capture the screen and draw on it, or Smart select to capture just part of it.
- Tap the Save icon.
Voice (Bixby or Google)
- Say "Hi Bixby, take a screenshot" or "Hey Google, take a screenshot".
Where are screenshots saved?
Open the Gallery app and tap Albums > Screenshots. In the My Files app they're under Images, in the DCIM/Screenshots folder. You can change the file format (JPG or PNG) in Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings.
Record your Galaxy screen
- Swipe down with two fingers from the top to open the Quick panel.
- Tap Screen recorder, choose your sound settings, and tap Start recording.
- Tap the stop button in the corner when you're done. The video saves to Gallery.
Screenshot not working?
Palm swipe doesn't work
Make sure it's turned on in Advanced features > Motions and gestures, and keep the edge of your hand in contact with the screen the whole way across. It doesn't work while the keyboard is open.
There's no Scroll capture button
The screen doesn't scroll, or the toolbar is turned off. Turn on Show toolbar after capturing in Screenshots settings.
"Couldn't take screenshot. Security policy"
The app (often banking or Secure Folder) blocks screenshots. This is intentional.
I have an older Galaxy with a Home button
On Galaxy S7, S6 and older, press Power and Home together instead.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S25 or S26?
- Press the power button and Volume down at the same time, then let go. Palm swipe also works once it's turned on.
- How do I take a long screenshot on Samsung?
- Take a screenshot, then tap the Scroll capture button (two downward arrows) in the toolbar. Tap it repeatedly to keep extending the image.
- Where are screenshots on a Samsung phone?
- In the Gallery app under Albums > Screenshots, or in My Files > Images > DCIM/Screenshots.