If you want to capture what’s on your Samsung Galaxy S20 screen, the most straightforward method is using the hardware buttons. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Using the Side and Volume Buttons
- Open the content or screen you want to capture.
- Press and hold the Power button (on the right side of your device) and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
- Hold both buttons for about a second or two until you see a quick animation and hear a shutter sound. That indicates your screenshot has been successfully taken.
- The captured image will briefly appear on the screen, and a notification will confirm it was saved to your Gallery.
This is the most basic and commonly used way to take a screenshot on the Galaxy S20:
Other Methods to Capture Screenshots on Galaxy S20
Using the Palm Swipe Gesture
If you prefer a touch-based approach, you can use the palm swipe gesture to take a screenshot:
- First, ensure this feature is enabled: go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures.
- Find the option called Palm swipe to capture and toggle it on.
- Open the screen you want to screenshot.
- Place the edge of your hand vertically on one side of the screen and swipe it horizontally across. Ensure your hand is in contact with the screen.
- You will see an animation or hear a shutter sound, indicating the screenshot was taken.
Using Bixby or Voice Commands
If your device supports voice commands, you can take a screenshot simply by speaking:
- Activate Bixby by pressing the Bixby button or saying “Hi Bixby” if voice wake-up is enabled.
- Say, “Take a screenshot”.
- Your Galaxy S20 will automatically capture the current screen and save the image.
Using the Smart Capture Tool for Scrolling Screenshots
This feature is useful for capturing long pages or chats:
- Take a screenshot using any method above.
- A toolbar will appear at the bottom with options like Edit, Share, and Capture More.
- Tap Capture More to start a scrolling screenshot if needed, then follow the prompts to scroll down and include extended content.
- The extended screenshot will be saved to your Gallery.
Tips and Tricks for Better Screenshots
Once you get comfortable with capturing screenshots, you can enhance their quality and usefulness using these tips:
- Use the Power and Volume Down Buttons — the most reliable method, especially for quick captures.
- Enable Smart Capture and Edge Panel — to quickly edit or capture long screenshots and access additional tools.
- Capture Scrollable Screenshots — for long content, after taking a standard screenshot, tap on Scroll capture or Capture More.
- Use Palm Swipe Gesture — a handy touch-based method for quick captures, provided it’s enabled.
- Edit and Annotate Quickly — use the editing toolbar that appears immediately after screenshot capture to crop, draw, or add notes.
- Save and Share Efficiently — screenshots are stored automatically in the Gallery, ready for quick sharing via apps or contacts.
- Avoid Common Mistakes — like pressing buttons too quickly or having a dirty screen, which can affect clarity.
- Troubleshoot Issues — such as screenshots not saving, capturing the wrong screen, or incomplete captures, by checking settings, storage, and permissions.
Common Screenshot Issues and How to Fix Them
If capturing screenshots isn’t working properly, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Screenshots not saving: Check your device’s storage space in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Storage. Free up space if necessary. Also, verify that the Gallery or Files app has permission to access storage via Settings > Apps > Gallery or Files > Permissions.
- Screenshot button not working: Use the alternative methods like Palm swipe or voice commands. Enable Palm swipe to capture in Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures.
- Wrong screen being captured: Make sure you’re on the correct app or screen before taking a screenshot. Disable accidental gestures if needed.
- Blurry or incomplete screenshots: Adjust screen resolution in Settings > Display > Screen resolution. Avoid capturing during app load or transitions for clarity.
- Screenshot issues after software update: Restart the device, clear cache, or check for subsequent updates if problems arise post-update.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshots not saving | Full storage or permission restrictions | Free up space, check permissions |
| Hardware button not working | Gesture conflicts or hardware issue | Use palm swipe, voice commands, or restart device |
| Partial or blurry captures | Screen resolution or interference | Adjust resolution, clean screen, avoid transitions |
Enhancing and Customizing Your Screenshots with Samsung Features
Take your screenshots further by utilizing Samsung’s built-in tools and third-party apps:
- Using Samsung’s Native Screenshot and Edit Tools: After capturing, use the toolbar at the bottom of the screen for quick cropping, drawing, or adding text. You can also edit images through the Gallery app by selecting the screenshot and tapping the edit icon.
- Samsung Notes and Samsung Health: Insert screenshots into Notes for annotations or save health data screens for further review and markup.
- Third-party Apps: For more advanced edits, consider apps like Adobe Photoshop Express or Snapseed. Download from Google Play for enhanced filters, overlays, or creative edits.
- Organizing and Sharing: Manage your screenshots in the Gallery app, organize into albums, or share directly through messaging, email, or social media for professional presentation or quick sharing.
FAQs and Troubleshooting for S20 Screenshots
Q1: Why aren’t my Galaxy S20 screenshots saving?
Check your storage space in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Storage. Make sure you have enough free space. Also, verify app permissions in Settings > Apps > Gallery or Files > Permissions.
Q2: Why are my screenshots blurry or partial?
This could be caused by improper button pressing, screen protector interference, or device settings. Confirm you press the correct buttons, disable any screen protectors causing touch issues, and ensure good lighting and brightness.
Q3: How can I access my screenshots?
Find them in the Gallery app, inside the Screenshots album, or check My Files in Internal Storage > DCIM > Screenshots.
Q4: How do I recover a deleted screenshot?
If you delete a screenshot, check your Recycle Bin in Gallery, if available. You can also use data recovery apps or backups to restore deleted files.
Q5: Can I take long scrolling screenshots?
Yes, after taking a standard screenshot, tap on Scroll capture to continue capturing extended content. Repeat until you’ve included all desired sections.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your device software up to date for best functionality.
- Avoid covering proximity sensors or cameras when capturing.
- Ensure proper permissions for media and storage are enabled.
