Creating a screenshot is one of the most popular functions in a modern smartphone. Users Samsung Galaxy A31 often look for a quick way to save information from the display, be it a correspondence in the messenger, an interesting recipe, or a confirmation of a bank transfer. Despite its apparent simplicity, in the shell One UI from the Korean giant there are several methods for performing this task, which many device owners are not even aware of.
In this article we will analyze in detail each available option, from classic key combinations to advanced gestures. You will learn how to activate hidden settings and what to do if the standard buttons do not respond. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively manage content on your gadget.
The classic method using physical buttons
The most common and reliable way to create screenshot on any device running Android is to use hardware keys. In the model Galaxy A31 this combination has remained unchanged compared to previous generations of the A series. You need to simultaneously press the lock button and the volume down button.
It is important to follow the correct order of actions: the press should be brief and synchronous. If you hold down the keys for too long, a shutdown or reboot menu will appear instead of a screenshot. The screen should blink and a toolbar for editing will appear at the bottom of the display.
⚠️ Attention: Do not hold the buttons for more than one second so that the system does not perceive this as a command to open the power menu.
☑️ Taking a photo correctly
After successfully creating an image, it is automatically saved in the gallery. You can immediately open the thumbnail that appears in the corner to trim away excess or add text. This method works even when the touch screen temporarily does not respond to touches.
Palm screenshot: a Samsung proprietary feature
A unique feature of smartphones Samsung is the ability to take screenshots using a gesture. The feature is called “Palm Screenshot” and allows you to take an image by simply swiping the edge of your palm across the display from left to right or vice versa. This is especially useful when it is difficult to press a key combination with one hand.
By default, this option may be disabled on new devices. To activate it, you need to go to the system settings. Find the section Additional functions and select item Movements and gestures. There you will see a switch opposite the inscription “Palm screenshot”, which needs to be moved to the active position.
For the gesture to work correctly, hold your palm vertically, like a knife, and move it tightly to the screen, but do not press hard so as not to damage matrix.
After turning on the function, try to move the edge of your hand through the center of the screen. If everything is configured correctly, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see a saving animation. This method requires a little training, since the sensor must recognize exactly the edge of the palm, and not an accidental touch with your fingers.
Using the quick settings panel
If the physical buttons are faulty for some reason or you are inconvenient to use them, the interface One UI offers a software solution. You can take a screenshot through the notification panel without pressing any keys on your smartphone. This method is ideal for situations when the phone is lying on the table.
To access the desired function, swipe down from the very top of the screen to open the notification shade. You may need to swipe twice to see the full set of icons. Among the quick access buttons, find the icon with the image of scissors - this is the tool for taking a picture.
| Activation method | Access speed | Convenience | Dependency on buttons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power and volume buttons | Instant | High | Full |
| Palm gesture | Fast | Medium | No |
| Notification panel | Medium | High | No |
| Voice assistant | Slow | Low | No |
If you did not find the scissors icon on the first screen of the panel, click on the three dots in the upper right corner or the edit button (pencil). In the menu that opens, drag the “Screenshot” icon to the active buttons area. Now it will always be at hand at the top of the curtain.
Voice control via Bixby and Google Assistant
For those who prefer completely contactless control, voice assistant capabilities are provided. On smartphones Samsung A31 a proprietary assistant is preinstalled Bixbyand is also available Google Assistant. Both of them can take screenshots by voice command.
To use this feature, simply say “Hey Bixby” or “Okay Google” and then say “Take a screenshot” or “Take a photo of the screen.” The assistant will execute the command instantly. This can be useful when your hands are busy or dirty.
⚠️ Attention: For voice control to work, you need a stable Internet connection and a pre-configured voice recognition profile in the assistant settings.
The disadvantage of this method is the need to say the command out loud, which is not always appropriate in public places. Additionally, the request may take a fraction of a second longer to process than using physical keys. However, it is a great alternative for people with disabilities.
Advanced tools: smart selection and scrolling
Immediately after taking a screenshot, a toolbar appears on Samsung Galaxy A31 offering additional editing options. One of the most useful features is Smart Select. It allows you to automatically select an object in an image, for example, a product in an online store or a contact, and immediately copy it or share it.
Another important option is Scrolling. If you need to take a photo of a long conversation or article that doesn't fit on one screen, click on the double down arrow icon in the editing panel. The screen will automatically scroll down, adding new areas to the image until you stop the process.
Scrolling feature limitations
The long screenshot feature does not work in all applications. It may not be available in some banking applications for security reasons or in games with non-standard interface rendering.
Drawing tools are also available in this panel. You can outline important information with a marker, add a text comment, or blur sensitive data before sending the file. All changes are saved in a new copy of the image, the original remains untouched in the gallery.
Solving problems and common errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not created. Most often this is due to software limitations of specific applications. For example, banking apps and services with protected content (Netflix, banking applications) block the ability to capture the screen for security purposes. security data.
In such cases, when you try to take a photo, you will see a black screen or a notification that the action is prohibited. This is not a malfunction of your Samsung A31. The only way to save information from such applications is to take a screenshot on another device.
If the screenshot is not taken in any application, check the amount of free memory. If the storage is full, the system may block saving new files. Also make sure that Do Not Disturb mode is not enabled in specific settings, which may block system sounds and notifications, although the snapshot itself is usually taken.
⚠️ Attention: If the volume or power button is physically broken, use on-screen methods or connect an external keyboard/mouse via an OTG adapter to emulate clicks.
Blocking screenshots in banking applications is standard data protection, not a phone bug. It is impossible to bypass it using standard means.
Why is the screenshot saved in black?
This happens when you try to capture the screen in applications with protected content (DRM), such as video services, or in banking applications. The system intentionally hides the contents of the screen at the GPU level.
Where are the taken screenshots stored?
All screenshots are automatically saved in the Gallery application. A separate album is created there with the name “Screenshots” or “Screenshots”, where they are sorted by the date of creation.
Is it possible to change the format for saving a screenshot?
In standard settings Samsung A31 the saving format is fixed (usually JPG or PNG depending on the software version) and cannot be changed by the user without using third-party software.
How to take a screenshot if the screen is broken?
If the sensor does not work, but there is an image, you can try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG adapter and use the cursor to open the notification panel. A voice assistant will also help.