Creating screenshots on smartphones Samsung s Android 11 seems like a simple task - until you come across unexpected nuances. Official documentation is often silent about alternative methods, and the standard method of pressing buttons does not always work. For example, on models Galaxy S21 Ultra or Note 20 with sensitive sensors, an accidental touch with the palm can interrupt the process, and on budget devices like Galaxy A12 a key combination may conflict with the settings Easy Mode.

In this article we will analyze not only the classic method, but also little-known ones functions: palm gestures, voice commands via Bixby, as well as solutions for cases when the screen does not respond to touch. We will pay special attention to problems that arise after updating to One UI 3.1 —for example, the disappearance of the "Screenshot" item in the power button menu or a conflict with the shell Good Lock. If you tried to take a screenshot, but received a notification "Could not save screenshot" —here you will find the reasons and ways to eliminate them.

1. Standard method: combination of buttons

The most reliable method that works on all devices Samsung s Android 11 is simultaneously pressing physical buttons. However, even here there are pitfalls: on some models (for example, Galaxy Z Fold 3), the location of the keys can be confusing, and on tablets like Galaxy Tab S7 you need to precisely hit the time interval.

Instructions:

  • 🔘 Press and hold at the same time button power (right) and button volume down (left).
  • 🕒 Hold them exactly 1–1.5 seconds - if you hold it longer, turning off the screen or rebooting will work.
  • 📸 You will hear a characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is not turned off) and see a saving animation at the bottom of the screen.
  • 📂 The screenshot is automatically saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots.
⚠️ Attention: On models with ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (for example, Galaxy S21+), pressing the power button too hard may activate biometrics instead of a screenshot. Try pressing easier or use alternative methods.

If the combination does not work:

  • 🔧 Check if the mode is turned on Easy Mode (Settings → Easy mode). It blocks some functions.
  • 🛠️ Update the firmware: in earlier versions One UI 3.0 there was a bug with a conflict of buttons.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes it helps to reset temporary input errors.
📊 Which screenshot method do you use more often?
Power and volume buttons
Palm gesture
Voice command
Application side

2. Palm Swipe

Function Palm Swipe to Capture is a proprietary feature Samsungthat allows you to take screenshots by swiping the edge of your palm across the screen. In Android 11 its setting is hidden deeper than in previous versions, and on some models (for example, Galaxy M31sit is disabled by default due to false positives.

How to enable:

  1. Open Settings → Additional functions.
  2. Select Movements and gestures → Screenshot with palm.
  3. Activate the switch and read the hint about the correct movement.

How to take a screenshot:

  • 👋 Place your hand vertically so that the edge of your palm touches the screen.
  • ➡️ Swipe from one edge of the screen to the other (left to right or right to left).
  • 🎯 The movement should be smooth - jerking or moving too slowly will not work.
Samsung model Palm Swipe support Features
Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra ✅ Yes Works only with vertical screen orientation
Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra ✅ Yes Sensitivity is adjustable in Settings → Advanced
Galaxy A52/A72 ✅ Yes May conflict with the "Swipe to Capture" gesture in Good Lock
Galaxy Z Flip 3 ❌ No The function is disabled due to the flexible screen
Galaxy Tab S7/S7+ ✅ Yes You need to swipe closer to the bottom edge of the screen
⚠️ Attention: On devices with a protective glass or case, the gesture may not work. Try swiping closer to the center of the screen or calibrate the sensor in Settings → Device maintenance → Sensor calibration.

Make sure the function is enabled in the settings|

Try swiping with different sides of the screen|

Check if the case or protective film is in the way|

Reboot the device if the gesture does not work-->

3. Voice command via Bixby

If you have your voice assistant activated Bixby, you can take screenshots without touching the screen. This method is especially useful when your hands are full or the touch screen is faulty. However, there are nuances: the command only works in English or Korean (in Russian localization Android 11 support is limited), and on some models (for example, Galaxy A32) Bixby is disabled by default.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Bixbyby saying "Hi, Bixby" or holding down the button Bixby (if it is on your model).
  2. Say one of the commands:
    • "Take a screenshot" (English)
    • "Capture the screen" (English)
    • "" (Korean)
  • Confirm the action if Bixby requests permission.

    • If Bixby does not recognize the command:

    • 🌐 Check the system language - it should be English (Settings → General Management → Language).
    • 🔊 Retrain the voice profile in Bixby Settings → Voice Control → Voice Training.
    • 📥 Update the application Bixby via Galaxy Store.
    💡

    If Bixby does not understand the command in Russian, create your own phrase in Bixby Settings → Shortcuts. For example, associate the phrase “Take a screenshot” with the “Screenshot” action.

    4. notifications

    In One UI 3.1 (shell Android 11 for Samsung) a button for quick access to screenshots has appeared in the notification panel. However, you must first add it manually - by default it is hidden. This method is convenient if physical buttons do not work or you often take pictures. screen.

    How to set up:

    1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
    2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Button order.
    3. Find it in the list Screenshot and drag it to the active area (top of the screen).
    4. Click Done.

    How to do screenshot:

    • 📱 Open the desired screen (for example, a chat in WhatsApp or a page in Chrome).
    • 🔽 Swipe down to open the notification panel.
    • 🖱️ Press the button Screenshot (icon with scissors).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Galaxy XCover 5), the button may disappear after the update. In this case, reset the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Advanced → Reset button order.

    5. Screenshot with scrolling (long screenshot)

    Function Scroll Capture allows you to capture not only the visible part of the screen, but also the one that is hidden behind the scroll - for example, a long chat or a web page. It is unstable: it can cut off the bottom part, and sometimes it freezes when saving. However, this is the only way to take a picture of the full page without third-party applications. data-i="174">How to use: Android 11 it works unstable: on Galaxy S20 can cut off the lower part, and on Galaxy A71 Sometimes it freezes when saving. However, this is the only way to take a full page snapshot without third-party apps.

    How to use:

    1. Take a regular screenshot using any of the methods described above.
    2. After the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on the button Scroll (two down arrows).
    3. 📜 Wait until the screen automatically scrolls down. Repeat clicking on Scrolluntil you capture the desired fragment.
    4. 💾 Click Doneto save the result.

    Limitations:

    • 🚫 Does not work in applications with screenshot protection (for example, SberBank Online or Netflix).
    • 🔄 May not handle dynamic content correctly (for example, feed Instagram).
    • 📏 Maximum screenshot length - about 10 screens (depending on the model).
    Why doesn't scrolling work?

    If the "Scroll" button does not appear, check:

    1. Is an application that supports the function open (not all apps allow long screenshots).

    2. Is the power saving mode turned on - it can block background processes.

    3. Are there any updates for One UI (in some versions, the scrolling bug was fixed with patches).

    6. Third-party applications for screenshots

    If the built-in methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or after an unsuccessful update), you can use third-party utilities. They offer advanced functions: editing screenshots, cloud saving or capturing video from the screen. However, be careful - some applications require permission Display over other apps. may pose a security risk.

    Top 3 applications for Android 11:

    Application Features Cons
    Screenshot Easy Gestures, timer, editor Advertising in the free version
    Super Screenshot Scrolling, screen recording Requires root for some functions
    Screen Master Cloud saving, GIF animations Closed project (last updated in 2020)

    How to set up Screenshot Easy:

    1. Install the application from Google Play.
    2. Open it and provide all requested permissions (especially Display over other apps).
    3. In the settings, select the activation method:
      • 🔘 Button in the panel notifications
      • 🖱️ Floating button
      • 🤏 Gesture (for example, shake the device)
    ⚠️ Attention: Screenshot applications may conflict with Knox (security system Samsung).If a notification appears after installation "Knox detected unauthorized action", uninstall the app and use the built-in methods.
    💡

    The applications are convenient, but risky. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions they request. For most tasks, Samsung's built-in functions are sufficient.

    7. Solving problems with screenshots

    If none of the methods works, the problem may lie in system settings or hardware faults. Below is a checklist for diagnosing and solving typical errors on Samsung With Android 11.

    Common errors and methods for them. solutions:

    • 🚫 Buttons do not respond:
      • Check if the volume button is stuck (clean it from dust).
      • Disable Settings → Accessibility → Universal Switch.
    • 📵 Screenshots are not saved:
      • Check free memory space (Settings → Device maintenance → Memory).
      • Reset permissions for the application Media Storage.
    • 🔒 Locked screenshot in applications:
      • This is a security limitation (for example, in banking applications). Use another phone or enable Developer mode and disable Disable screenshots (if available).

    If the problem persists:

    1. 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold down the power button → Turn off → Safe Mode) and check if screenshots work. If yes, the third-party application is to blame.
    2. 🛠️ Reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset → Reset settings), having previously saved the data.
    3. 📞 Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, the volume button does not work).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions

    Can this be done screenshot on a Samsung locked screen?

    No, for security reasons Android 11 blocks this function. However, on some models (for example, Galaxy S21you can activate Bixby Shortcuts and say "Take a screenshot" without unlocking (required preliminary setup in Bixby Settings → Shortcuts).

    Where are screenshots stored on Samsung?

    By default, they are saved in a folder Pictures/Screenshots or DCIM/Screenshots. If the folder is empty, check:

    • 📁 Subfolder Screenshots/ScrollCapture (for long screenshots).
    • 🔍 Search the gallery by keyword "Screenshot".
    • ☁️ Cloud services (for example, Google Photos or Samsung Cloudif synchronization is enabled).

    How to take a screenshot if the sensor does not work?

    Use one of the alternative methods:

    • 🎙️ Voice command via Bixby (if the microphone is working).
    • 🔌 Connect the device to the PC and use adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png (required USB debugging).
    • 🖱️ Connect the mouse via an OTG adapter and use the notification panel.

    Why are screenshots saved in low quality?

    This may be due to:

    • 📱 Power saving mode (turn it off in Settings → Device maintenance → Power saving mode).
    • 🔧 Camera settings (check Settings → Additional functions → Quality screenshots).
    • 📏 Screen resolution (if it is reduced in Settings → Display → Screen resolution).

    By default, screenshots are saved in screen resolution (for example, 2400×1080 for Galaxy S21).

    Is it possible to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?

    Yes, in One UI 3.1 after creating a screenshot, a toolbar with options appears at the bottom of the screen:

    • ✏️ Edit — cropping, drawing, adding text.
    • 📤 Share —quick sending to instant messengers.
    • 🗑️ Delete —if the screenshot is not needed.

    If the panel does not appear, check the settings in Settings → Additional functions → Screenshot → Toolbar.