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How to Screenshot on a Samsung S20

And all the ways you can capture what's on your phone's screen

By Briley S. Kenney Briley S. Kenney Writer Hillsborough Community College Briley Kenney has 10+ years' experience writing about technology. His work is featured at Ideaing, Smartwatches.org, Tech Cocktail, CMSCritic, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 18, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Samsung Samsung Quick Tips

What to Know

Press and hold Volume Down and Power at any time.Place the side of your palm in the center of the screen and swipe.Use the Smart Select tool in the Edge Panel. This article will explain step-by-step how to capture a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone.

How Can I Take a Screenshot on My Samsung S20

At some point, you’ll want to take a screenshot on your Samsung Galaxy S20, whether you want to record what you’re doing in an app, a game, or on your home screen. There are several ways to do this, and understanding the differences can be helpful. Smart capture, for example, allows you to capture a single page or display by scrolling down as you capture the image, as opposed to what’s just shown on the screen.

Ways to Take a Screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S20 Smartphone

There are several ways to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone. We’ll break each step down in more detail below, but here are the methods: Using the physical hardware buttons.With a palm swipe gesture.Using the Smart Capture tool for scrolling shots.By talking with Bixby, Samsung’s smart voice assistant.By talking to Google Assistant.With Smart Select in the Edge Panel.

How to Take a Screenshot on S20 With the Hardware Buttons

The most common and easiest way to take a screenshot is to press the physical buttons in a certain combination. Here’s how to do that: Position what you want to capture on the screen. What you see is what will show in the screenshot. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. If you did it correctly you should see a snapshot of your screen. It will show for a brief moment and then go away. You can access your screenshots in the Samsung gallery.

How to Take a Screenshot on S20 With a Palm Swipe

Taking a screenshot with the palm swipe gesture will take some practice, but once you get used to it, it’s also a fairly easy way to capture what’s on the screen. Before you can use the gesture, however, you’ll need to double-check it’s enabled in the Samsung settings.

How to Enable the Palm Swipe Mode

To enable the palm gesture function: Navigate to Settings > Advanced Features.
Tap Motion and Gestures.
In Motion and Gestures, you’ll find an option called Palm Swipe to Capture. Make sure it’s enabled by interacting with the toggle. It will turn blue when it’s enabled, or white and grey when it’s disabled.

How to Take a Screenshot With a Palm Swipe

Once you’re sure the function is enabled in settings, situate whatever you want to capture on the screen. You may need to practice the action before getting the hang of it. With your palm facing sideways, place the side of your hand in the center of the screen and swipe it across the display. If it worked you will see a snapshot animation on your screen, which will show for a second or two and then go away.

How to Take a Screenshot on S20 With Smart Capture

Smart Capture can be used to capture a huge wall of text or content, usually on a website. As the image is captured you can scroll down, creating a panoramic-style shot. You can also activate the mode using any one of the screenshot methods. For example, you can start Smart Capture by pressing the hardware buttons or with a palm swipe. It’s your choice. Before you can use Smart Capture, you’ll need to make sure the function is enabled.

How to Enable Smart Capture

To enable Smart Capture: Navigate to Settings > Advanced Features
Tap Screenshots and screen recorder.
Then, make sure the Screenshot Toolbar is enabled by interacting with the toggle. It will be blue if the function is enabled, or white and grey if it’s disabled.

How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot With Smart Capture

Here’s how to take a scrolling Smart Capture of a website or application: Situate the content you want to capture on the screen by opening the page in your browser or the application. Activate the screenshot using your method of choice, whether via the hardware buttons or palm swipe gesture. The screenshot toolbar will show at the bottom of the screen. Tap the first icon from the left, called Scroll Capture. Continue tapping that button if you want to capture more of the page. When you’re done, tap somewhere on the screen to exit the mode and save the screenshot.

How to Use Bixby to Capture a Screenshot on the S20

Bixby is Samsung’s voice assistant, similar to Siri or Alexa. You can use the tool to take a screenshot with a simple voice command, but first, you’ll need to make sure the function is enabled.

How to Enable Voice Commands With Bixby

Let's get the voice commands enabled.
Navigate to Bixby Home. You can open Bixby Home by pressing the dedicated button and tapping the home icon.
Then tap the Settings gear icon. Then, make sure the Voice Wake-Up setting is enabled. This will allow Bixby to respond to your voice commands. The toggle will be blue if it’s activated or grey and white if it’s disabled.

How to Take a Screenshot With Bixby on Galaxy S20

To call upon Bixby for screenshots:
Situate what you want to capture on the screen.
Either press and hold the Bixby button to talk, or just say “Hi Bixby.”
When Bixby activates, say “Take a screenshot.” The tool will capture the screen as if you took the screenshot yourself.
You may need to update the basic Bixby commands before this function will work. If so, the Bixby app will notify you before it does anything.

How to Use Google Assistant to Capture a Screenshot on S20

Besides Bixby, the Galaxy S20 also has Google’s voice assistant on the device. You use this tool to issue voice commands and capture a screenshot, just like you can with Bixby. Here’s how to use Google Assistant to take a screenshot: Make sure the content you want to capture is on the screen. Say, “Okay Google.” Wait for the assistant to activate. The phone will vibrate when it does. When the prompt appears, simply say “take a screenshot.” Google Assistant will capture what’s on the screen.

How to Take a Screenshot Using Smart Select on S20

The Samsung Smart Select feature lets you capture a screenshot and choose what will be included. This is a great way to capture a small portion of the screen, select elements, or censor content you don’t want to be included. First, you’ll need to make sure the function is enabled.

How to Enable Smart Select on Galaxy S20

Here’s how to turn on the Samsung Smart Select function: Navigate to Settings > Display > Edge Screen > Edge Panels. Make sure the Edge Panels are enabled. The toggle will be blue if active. Swipe from the side of the screen to open the Edge Panel. Tap the Settings icon at the bottom. Make sure the Smart Select Edge Panel is enabled. The toggle at the top will be blue.

How to Use Smart Select to Take a Screenshot on Galaxy S20

Here’s how to take a more personalized screenshot using the Smart Select tool: Open the Edge Panel by swiping in from the edge of the screen. Swipe again to open the Smart Select panel. Select either the shape or type of image you want to capture. Rectangle and oval are self-explanatory. Animation will allow you to capture an animated shot. Pin to Screen will show a customizable tool on the screen so you can select what to capture. Resize or highlight the area you want to capture and then tap Done. FAQ How do I take a screenshot on a Samsung tablet? On most newer Samsung tablet models, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time, and your tablet will capture your screen's contents. On some older models, you'll press and hold the Home and Power buttons. How do I take a screenshot on a Samsung S21? To take a screenshot on a Samsung S21, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons. Alternatively, swipe your palm over the screen, or ask Bixby or Google Assistant to take a screenshot for you. How do I take a screenshot on a Samsung S10? To capture a screenshot on a Samsung S10, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons. After the screenshot is taken, you'll be given options to capture parts of the screen that are hidden, edit the screenshot, and share the screenshot. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Take a Screenshot on Android How to Screenshot on Samsung A51 How to Use the Galaxy Note 8 App Pair How to Take a Screenshot on LG Smartphones How to Take a Screenshot on Samsung How to Take a Screenshot on PS5 How to Restart a Samsung S20 How to Screenshot on Samsung S21 3 Ways to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on iPhone Bixby vs. Siri: Which Is Best? How to Turn Off a Samsung S20 How to Use Lockdown Mode on Any Android Phone The 18 Best Hidden Features in the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 How to Make a Screenshot in Windows and Mail It How to Take a Screenshot on a PC How to Use Samsung Smart Alert and Direct Call Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies