how to take a screenshot with the samsung s20

Taking screenshots on your Samsung S20 is a handy way to save important information, share content, or troubleshoot issues. The device offers several simple methods to capture your screen, so you can choose the one that best fits your situation. Whether you prefer using buttons, gestures, or your voice, these techniques make capturing screens quick and easy.

Using the Power and Volume Down Buttons

This is the most common way to take a screenshot on the Samsung S20. It works in nearly all situations. Follow these steps:

Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
Hold both buttons for about a second until you see a screen flash or hear a shutter sound. A screenshot preview will briefly appear.
The screenshot is automatically saved in your Gallery app, in the Screenshots folder.

Using Palm Swipe Gesture

If you find pressing buttons tricky, your Galaxy S20 can take screenshots with a simple gesture. Here’s how to enable and use it:

Go to Settings, then tap Advanced Features.
Select Shooting methods.
Toggle on Palm swipe to capture.

Once enabled, you can take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen from one side to the other, like flipping a page in a book. Ensure your hand makes contact with the screen and move it smoothly.

Using Bixby Voice or Google Assistant

If you prefer hands-free options, voice commands are very convenient:

Say “Hi Bixby, take a screenshot” or “Hey Google, take a screenshot” if you’ve set up voice assistants.
The device will automatically capture what’s on your screen and save it.

This method is perfect when your hands are busy or when you want to quickly capture what’s happening without pressing any buttons.

Using Scroll Capture for Longer Screens

Sometimes, a regular screenshot isn’t enough, especially for long webpages or chat histories. Samsung S20 offers a scroll capture feature:

Take a regular screenshot using the button method or gestures.
After the screenshot appears, tap on the Scroll Capture button at the bottom of the screen.
The screen will automatically scroll down, capturing more of the page. Tap again to stop when enough content is captured.

All these methods are quick, easy, and flexible, making screenshot capturing on your Samsung S20 straightforward. Whether you prefer pressing buttons, using gestures, or voice commands, mastering these techniques will enhance your productivity and sharing skills.

Using Hardware Buttons for Quick Screenshots

If you want to quickly capture what’s on your Samsung S20 screen, using the hardware buttons is one of the fastest methods. This approach is especially useful when you need to take a screenshot instantly, without unlocking your phone or navigating through menus. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you master this handy trick.

Locate the physical buttons on your Samsung S20. You will need the Power button (usually on the right side) and the Volume Down button (on the left side).
Position your hand comfortably so you can press both buttons at the same time. It helps to practice a few times to get the hang of it.
Press and hold both the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously. Do this quickly and firmly.
Hold the buttons for about 1-2 seconds until you see a visual cue, such as a screen flash or a shutter sound, indicating the screenshot has been taken.
Release the buttons immediately after hearing the sound or seeing the flash. Your screenshot is now saved to the Gallery or your Photos app.

This method works for most Android devices, but on the Samsung S20, it’s the quickest way to capture a screenshot without any additional apps or gestures. If you find it tricky at first, try practice runs or slightly adjust your timing by pressing the buttons more smoothly.

If the shortcut doesn’t work, ensure that your phone buttons are responsive and that there’s no software glitch. Restart your device to clear temporary issues or check for software updates that might improve hardware functionality.

Using hardware buttons for screenshots is particularly useful when browsing quickly or capturing a moment in real time. It’s also helpful when screen gestures or menus aren’t responsive. With a little practice, it becomes second nature and saves you time.

Capture Long Screenshots with Scroll Capture

Many times, you need to save a complete view of a webpage or a long chat conversation. Standard screenshots only show what’s visible on your screen, but scroll capture allows you to take extended screenshots that include the entire content. This is helpful for saving articles, receipts, or online forms without taking multiple images.

Most modern devices and browsers support built-in tools or easy extensions to facilitate scroll capture. Here’s how to do it step-by-step, ensuring you capture every part of your scrolling content seamlessly.

For Web Browsers Using Built-in Tools

Some browsers like Chrome and Firefox now include options for full page or scroll capture. First, open the webpage you want to screenshot.

Right-click on the page and select Inspect or press F12 to open developer tools.
In Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right of the developer tools, then choose Run command.
Type Capture full size screenshot and select the option. The browser will automatically gather all content and save an image of the entire webpage.

Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on browser versions. Always update your browser for the best features.

Using Built-in Smartphone Features

Many phones now support scroll screenshots directly. For example, on Android devices:

Press the volume down and power button simultaneously to take a regular screenshot.
A preview appears with a Scroll option. Tap it to automatically extend the screenshot downward until the content ends.

On iPhones, the built-in screenshot feature doesn’t support scrolling, but you can use Safari’s Full Page option in the screenshot preview.

Using Browser Extensions or Apps

If built-in tools aren’t enough, you can install extensions or apps made for scroll capture. Examples include:

After installing, open the extension, then click its icon and choose the option to capture the entire webpage. The extension will generate a long screenshot for download or editing.

Tips for Best Results

Scroll slowly when taking manual captures to avoid missing parts.
Crop or edit the saved image if it includes unwanted margins or noise.
Check your device’s storage space before saving large, high-resolution screenshots.

Using these methods, capturing entire webpages or lengthy chats becomes quick and simple. Whether through browser tools, smartphone features, or extensions, you can document all your content effectively. Remember to explore the options that best suit your device and needs for effortless scroll capture every time.

Using Palm Swipe Gesture to Take Screenshots

If you want to capture your screen quickly and easily on your Samsung S20, the palm swipe gesture is a handy feature to enable. It allows you to take a screenshot with a simple swipe of your palm across the screen, eliminating the need to press multiple buttons. Here’s how to enable and use this feature to make capturing screenshots effortless.

Check if the feature is already enabled. Before turning it on, see if the palm swipe to capture is active. To do this, go to Settings, then tap on Advanced features. Look for Motions and gestures. If you see Palm swipe to capture toggled on, you’re all set to use it.
If it is not enabled, turn it on. In the Motion and gestures menu, find Palm swipe to capture and toggle the switch to the right. You’ll get a quick confirmation message.
Using the palm swipe gesture to take a screenshot. Place the side of your hand vertically along either the left or right edge of the screen. Keep your hand straight and swipe horizontally across from one side to the other. Make sure your hand remains in contact with the screen during the swipe.
Confirm the screenshot was taken. When successful, you’ll see a brief flash on the screen, and a shutter sound may play, depending on your volume settings. A thumbnail of the screenshot will appear in the bottom corner, giving you options to edit or share it immediately.

Some tips to ensure smooth use of the palm swipe gesture include keeping your hand steady and ensuring your screen is clean, as dirt or smudges may interfere with gesture recognition. If the feature doesn’t work, verify that the toggle is turned on and try restarting your device. Practicing the swipe motion a few times will help you become more comfortable with it.

Remember, this feature is especially handy when you need a quick screenshot without pressing any buttons. It’s perfect for capturing interesting notifications or quick moments on your screen without interrupting your workflow. If you experience issues, check for software updates, as Samsung periodically improves feature stability and performance. With these steps, capturing screenshots on your Samsung S20 becomes faster and more natural using just your palm swipe.

Edit and Share Your Screenshots Effectively

Taking screenshots is a great way to save information quickly. But to make your screenshots more useful and professional, editing and sharing are important steps. Most devices and computers now come with built-in tools that let you enhance, annotate, and share your screenshots easily. This section will guide you through the simple process of editing and sharing your screenshots so they look good and reach the right audience.

Access Your Screenshot Editor
Once you’ve taken a screenshot, it might appear as a preview on your screen or be saved directly to your device. On many phones and computers, clicking or tapping on this preview opens the editing options automatically. If not, locate the screenshot in your gallery or files and open it with the built-in photo editor.
Use Built-in Editing Tools
Most editing interfaces offer basic features such as cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness or contrast. You can also add arrows, text labels, or highlights to emphasize important details. For example, if you’re showing someone how to fix a setting, place an arrow pointing to that option and add a note.
Save Your Edits
After editing, save the screenshot with a new file name if needed. This way, your original remains untouched. Confirm that the edits look good and all annotations are clear and legible.
Share Your Screenshots via Apps
To share, click the share icon or use the ‘Share’ menu. You can send your screenshot through messaging apps like WhatsApp, email, or upload it to cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access. If you’re working on a presentation or report, inserting the screenshot directly into your document keeps everything organized.
Tips for Effective Sharing
- Crop tightly around key information to avoid unnecessary clutter.
- Use descriptive file names so recipients understand the content at a glance.
- Always check the resolution—save at the highest quality to prevent pixelation.
- Resize or compress images before sharing on social media to reduce upload time.

By editing your screenshots with built-in tools and sharing them across various platforms, you ensure your visuals are clear and impactful. Whether for work, school, or personal projects, these simple steps help your screenshots serve their purpose better. Always review your edits before sharing to ensure clarity and choosing the best platform to reach your audience effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Sometimes, taking screenshots on your Samsung S20 can present unexpected problems. Whether the screenshots aren’t saving, aren’t capturing the correct screen, or the feature isn’t working at all, this section will help you troubleshoot these common issues. Many problems with screenshots are easy to fix with simple checks.

Check if the screenshot feature is enabled. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures. Make sure Palm swipe to capture is toggled on. This feature enables you to take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen.
Ensure sufficient storage space. If your phone’s storage is full, new screenshots may not save. Check Storage in Settings and free up space if needed by deleting apps or media.
Use the correct method to capture a screenshot. The standard way is pressing Volume Down and Power simultaneously. Hold both buttons for about a second until you see an animation or hear a shutter sound. If not, try using the palm swipe gesture if enabled.
Check if screenshots are saved in the gallery. They might be in the ‘Screenshots’ album in Gallery or under My Files in internal storage > DCIM > Screenshots.
Restart your device. Rebooting can resolve temporary glitches. Hold the Power button and select Restart. After restarting, try again.
Update your device software. Outdated software can cause issues. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Test in safe mode. Boot into safe mode by holding the Power button, then tapping and holding Power Off until the Safe Mode prompt appears. Confirm and try taking a screenshot. If it works, a third-party app might be causing the problem.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consider resetting app preferences or contacting Samsung support. Most common screenshot problems are fixable with these tips, so don’t get discouraged. A few simple checks often restore full functionality.

Tips to Master Screenshot Skills on Samsung S20

Taking screenshots on your Samsung S20 is a useful skill for saving information, sharing moments, or capturing important details. Mastering various methods makes the process quick and effortless. This guide shares expert tips and tricks to improve your screenshotting skills and use them effectively in different scenarios.

Use the Hardware Buttons

The most straightforward way is pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. Quickly tap both and release to see an animation or hear a shutter. This method works on nearly all screens and apps.

Try the Palm Swipe Gesture

Enable it in Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures > Palm swipe to capture. To use, place the side of your hand vertically along one edge of the screen and swipe horizontally across. A screenshot notification confirms success. This method is especially useful when you want to avoid pressing buttons or need quick captures with one hand.

Utilize the Assistant Menu

Enable in Settings > Accessibility > Interaction > Assistant menu. When active, a floating icon appears on your screen. Tap it, then select Screenshots. This provides quick, easy access for capturing screenshots, especially for users who find hardware buttons inconvenient.

Capture Scrolling Screenshots

Take a normal screenshot, then tap Scroll capture at the bottom of the preview. Repeat as needed to extend the capture down the page or chat. It’s perfect for saving more content in a single image.

Edit and Share Your Screenshots

After capturing, the preview allows you to crop, annotate, or add text. Use the share icon to send directly through apps or save for later. Effective editing ensures your screenshots are clear, focused, and impactful.

Practice these techniques to become proficient with your device. Combining methods allows you to capture complex content, long pages, or quick moments more efficiently. With time, screenshotting on your Samsung S20 becomes second nature, making it a powerful tool for everyday life.