To take a screenshot on a Galaxy S21, press and release the Power/Side button and the Volume Down button at the same time. This standard button combination works on the Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, and S21 FE, and it is the primary method Samsung documents for these devices.
How to take a screenshot on a Galaxy S21: The standard button method
- Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
- Release both buttons after a brief moment when you see a flash or animation.
The screenshot is captured instantly. You do not need to hold the buttons down for an extended period.
Where to find your screenshot on a Galaxy S21
After capturing a screenshot, open the Gallery app. Tap the Albums tab, then select the Screenshots album. All screenshots taken on your Galaxy S21 are saved there automatically.
How to take a screenshot on other Android phones
For most Android phones, the general method is to press Power + Volume Down at the same time. If that combination does not work, press and hold the Power button for a few seconds, then tap Screenshot from the menu that appears. This fallback method is documented by Google for cases where the standard button combination fails.
On iPhone, Apple says to press and release the side button + volume up button at the same time; on iPhones with a Home button, press and release the Home button + side button instead. Apple's current guide applies to iPhones with Face ID and iPhones with a Home button; an older Apple guide also labels the method as for iPhone X and later versus other models.
If you need to take a screenshot on my Android device and the button methods are not working, check your phone manufacturer’s support site, as the exact procedure can vary by model and Android skin.
For those wondering how to take a screenshot on Google phone, the Pixel and other Google devices follow the standard Power + Volume Down method. If you need to take a screenshot on Android Motorola, the same Power + Volume Down combination works on most Motorola models, with the Power button fallback as an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my screenshots on a Galaxy S21?
Yes. After taking a screenshot, a toolbar appears briefly. You can tap it to crop, draw, or add text before saving. Edited screenshots are still saved to the Screenshots album in the Gallery app.
How do I take a scrolling screenshot on a Galaxy S21?
After taking a standard screenshot, look for a “Scroll” or “Capture more” option in the preview. Tapping it lets the phone automatically scroll and capture additional content, stitching it into one long screenshot.
What should I do if the button method stops working?
First, try the Power button fallback: press and hold the Power button, then tap Screenshot. If that also fails, restart your phone.
Why doesn’t the palm swipe gesture work on my Galaxy S21?
If you have enabled it in Settings under Advanced features, it may work, but it is not a guaranteed or supported method for this device.
Can I use third-party apps to take screenshots?
If you choose to use one, be aware that it may include ads or require permissions, and it is not covered by the manufacturer’s built-in screenshot instructions.
Apple says the screenshot thumbnail appears in the lower-left corner; tapping it lets you edit, and on supported full-page captures you can tap Full Page. Apple says you can save the screenshot to Photos or Files, or delete it. Apple says screenshots are in the Photos app under Collections > Media Types > Screenshots.
