How to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy A12: all methods (2026)

Creating a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy A12 is a basic function that is useful for saving important information, exchanging data or fixing errors. Despite the simplicity of the process, users often have questions: what button combinations work, is it possible to take a screenshot without physical keys, and why sometimes the screenshot is not saved. In this article we will analyze all available methods from standard to alternative, and also consider typical problems and their solutions.

The model Galaxy A12 (released in 2020) works on the basis Android 10/11 with proprietary shell One UI, which affects the available methods for creating screenshots. For example, there is no built-in page scrolling function (as in new flagships), but voice commands are supported. If you updated the firmware, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately. palm gestures and voice commands. If you updated the firmware, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.

Important: all the methods described below were tested on Samsung Galaxy A12 (SM-A125F/DS) with the latest stable software version. If your smartphone is modified (custom firmware, root access), some functions may work differently.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and universal method is to use hardware keys. It works on all versions One UI and does not require additional settings. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a message in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press and hold at the same time Power button (right) + Volume down button (left) for 1-2 seconds.
3. You will hear a characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see a saving animation at the bottom of the screen.

The screenshot is automatically saved in the gallery in a folder Screenshots. If the combination does not work the first time, check:

• 🔋 Is the battery discharged (at a charge level < 5%, some functions are disabled).
• 🖐️ Are you blocking the buttons with your fingers (place them closer to the edges of the keys).
• 🔄 Is it turned on mode Do not disturb with sounds turned off (visual animation will still appear).

Advantage of the method: always works, even if the touch screen does not respond (for example, when the interface freezes). Disadvantage: requires two hands or finger dexterity.

2. Screenshot with palm gesture

Samsung offers a unique function "Palm shot"that allows you to take a screenshot by swiping the edge of your hand across the screen. To activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures.
2. Find the item Palm snapshot and turn it on switch.
3. Test the gesture: touch the screen with the edge of your palm (as if you were “swiping” it left or right) and immediately swipe it diagonally.

The function is sensitive to the speed and angle of movement. If the screenshot is not created:

• 🧴 Wipe the screen - greasy stains or moisture interfere with recognition.
• 👋 Try using the other hand or changing the direction of the gesture.
• ⚙️ In the gesture settings, enable the option Show hints for visual feedback.

This method is convenient for one-handed use, but may work accidentally (for example, when you take the phone out of your pocket). If this happens too often, disable the function or reduce the sensitivity in the settings.

3. Voice assistant Bixby or Google Assistant

If you have Bixby (branded assistant Samsung) or Google Assistantenabled, you can take a screenshot with a voice command. This is useful when your hands are full or the buttons are out of order.

For Bixby:

1. Activate the assistant by saying: "Hey, Bixby" or holding the side button.
2. Say: "Take a screenshot" or "Take a photo of the screen".

For Google Assistant:

1. Call the assistant, by saying: "Okay, Google" or holding the button Home.
2. Say: "Take a screenshot".

Please note:

• 🎤 Voice commands only work when connected to the Internet (to process the request).
• 🔒 In some applications (for example, banking), screenshots through assistants may be blocked for security reasons.
• 📱 If You have a muted microphone for assistants, turn it on in your privacy settings.

Important: on Galaxy A12 voice screenshots are saved without animation or sound - only with a notification in the status panel.

4. Screenshot through the notification panel (alternative method)

There is a hidden function for taking screenshots through the quick settings panel. This is useful if the hardware buttons are broken or you prefer not to remember combinations. Here's how to enable it: One UI There is a hidden function for taking screenshots through the quick settings panel. This is useful if the hardware buttons are broken or you prefer not to remember combinations. Here's how to enable it:

1. Expand the notification panel by swiping down with two fingers from the top edge of the screen.
2. Find the icon Screenshot (if it's not there, click ⋮ → Edit → drag the icon to the active area).
3. Touch the icon - the photo will be taken instantly.

If the icon is not in the list of available ones:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (in older builds One UI 2.5 this option may not exist).
• ⚙️ Check the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Quick settings panel.

Why is there no “Screenshot” icon in the panel?

In some regional firmware Samsung removes this icon. An alternative is to use the "Smart Capture" widget from Galaxy Store.

This method is convenient for frequent screenshotsas it does not require memorizing combinations. However, it takes up space in the quick settings panel, which could be used for other functions. (for example Airplane mode or Flashlight).

5. Third-party applications for extended screenshots

If the built-in methods do not suit you (for example, you need to do screenshot of scrolling page or add annotations), use third-party utilities. data-i="147">Application Galaxy A12 will fit:

Application	Functions	Cons	Link
Screenshot Easy	Gestures, timer, editing	Advertising in the free version	Google Play
LongShot	Scrolling screenshots, collages	Requires root for some functions	Google Play
Super Screenshot	Animations, screen recording	Closed source code	APKMirror

Before installing, check:

• 🛡️ Application permissions (should not request access to SMS or contacts).
• 📥 User reviews (especially about compatibility with One UI).
• 🔄 Availability of updates (apps without support may not work on new versions of Android).

Beware of fake utilities in Google Play —some of them contain malicious code. Before installing, check the name of the developer with the official website.

6. Solving problems: the screenshot is not saved or does not work

If screenshots are not created or disappear, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention: On Galaxy A12 s One UI 3.1 and older there is a bug due to which screenshots may not be saved when connected to PC in File transfermode. Disconnect the USB cable before taking a picture.

Common errors and ways to resolve them:

• 📁 Screenshots are not saved in the gallery: Check the folder DCIM/Screenshots via the file manager. Sometimes the gallery does not update the media library - restart the phone.
• 🔇 No sound and animation: Turn on system sounds in Settings → Sound and vibration → System sounds.
• 🚫 It is prohibited to take screenshots: Some applications (for example, Netflix or banking) block this function due to DRM policy.
• 🔄 Crash after update: Clear the application cache Gallery in Settings → Applications.

If the problem persists:

1. Check the free space on your device (you need at least 100 MB in the main memory).
2. Start the phone in Safe mode (hold the power button → Turn off power → Safe Mode) and try to take a screenshot - if possible, a third-party application is to blame.
3. Reset the application settings Gallery to factory settings (Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage → Reset).

⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings Gallery manually created albums may disappear. Photo backup is not affected.

7. Where to find and how to manage screenshots

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder Screenshots, which is located in the main gallery. To make it easier to work with them:

• 📂 Change save location: Use a file manager (for example, Files by Google) to move them. screenshots to the SD card.
• 🖌️ Edit: Open the screenshot in the gallery → click Edit → cut, add text or drawing.
• 📤 Quick sending: After taking a screenshot, a button will appear in the notification panel Share - click it to send the file to the messenger or cloud.
• 🗑️ Auto cleanup: Enable the function Empty Trash in the gallery so that old screenshots are deleted automatically after 30 days.

For ease of sorting:

1. Create a separate album in the gallery: open the screenshot → Add to album → Create new.
2. Use tags: in Google Photo you can add tags (for example, #work, #game).

If screenshots take up too much space, convert them to format WebP (30-50% lighter) using applications like Photo & Picture Resizer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Samsung A12

Is it possible to take a screenshot on the locked screen?

No, for security reasons Samsung blocks this function on the lock screen. The exception is if you use Smart Lock (setting up trusted devices/places), but even in this case, you cannot take a screenshot.

How to take a screenshot in the game?

In most games, standard methods work, but some titles (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) block screenshots. Alternative:

• Use Screen recording (in the quick settings panel) and then take a photo from the video.
• Connect your phone to PC and use Scrcpy to take a screenshot via computer.

Why are the screenshots blurry?

This happens due to:

• Low screen resolution (in the display settings, check HD+ instead FHD+).
• Compression when sending via instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp reduces the quality).
• Enabled power saving mode (turn it off in Settings → Device maintenance → Battery).

To maintain original quality, send files via Google Drive or Telegram (without compression).

Can I turn off the sound of a screenshot?

Yes. data-i="261">and turn off Settings → Sound and vibration → System sounds and turn off Screenshot sound. Alternatively, put your phone in silent mode before taking a picture.

How to take a screenshot using the S Pen?

On Galaxy A12 no support for S Pen — this stylus is only compatible with flagship models (Note, S Ultra, Tab S). Use your fingers or third-party capacitive styluses to draw on screenshots.