Creating a screenshot on the device Samsung Galaxy M31 is one of the most popular functions for everyday use. Users often need to record a conversation, save a recipe from the Internet, or share an error in an application with technical support. Despite the apparent simplicity, many smartphone owners are not aware of all the available image capture methods, limiting themselves to a standard combination of buttons.
In this article we will analyze in detail each method of creating screenshot on Samsung M31, from classic mechanical actions to advanced shell functions. One UI. You'll learn how to take long snapshots of web pages, use the sidebar for quick access, and customize gestures for the ultimate experience. The information is relevant for current firmware versions, but the interface may differ slightly depending on the updates.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and location of items may change after major Android or One UI updates. If you do not find the described setting, check the “Useful actions” section at the very bottom of the list of parameters.
The classic method using physical buttons
The most reliable and universal way to take a screenshot on Samsung M31 does not require preliminary configuration. It works even if the touch screen is temporarily unresponsive or frozen. To implement this method, you must simultaneously press two hardware keys.
Locate the power button located on the right side of the case and the volume down button, which is located directly below it. Press them simultaneously and hold briefly. There is no need to press too hard or for a long time - a pulsed press lasting less than a second is enough. If you hold the buttons for too long, the smartphone may perceive this as a command to call up the emergency call menu.
After the action is successfully completed, the screen will blink and you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is not turned off). A toolbar will appear in the bottom corner, allowing you to immediately edit or share the image. This method guarantees the creation a full screenshot in any application, including games and protected services, where other methods may be blocked.
☑️ Checking the success of the snapshot
Using a palm gesture to capture the screen
Shell One UI from the company Samsung offers a unique feature that allows you to take screenshots without using physical buttons. The method involves running the edge of your palm across the display from left to right or right to left. This is especially convenient when the phone is lying on the table or when it is difficult to press a key combination with one hand.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the device settings. Go to section Settings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures. Find the “Palm Screenshot” item and turn the switch to the active position. Once enabled, the function is ready to use.
To take a photo, simply place the edge of your palm on the edge of the screen and slide it across the entire surface of the display, as if you were wiping something off glass. It is important to keep your palm straight and not lift it from the screen while moving. If it doesn't work the first time, try changing the angle of your hand or the speed of the swipe.
For better operation of the gesture, remove the thick protective cover, which may interfere with the palm's tight fit to the edges of the display, or use a wider movement.
This method often causes difficulties for new users due to the sensitivity of the sensor. If the gesture doesn't work, make sure there are no greasy marks or moisture on the screen that could distort your touch. Also check if the screen sensitivity mode is enabled in the display settings, as this may conflict with gesture recognition algorithms.
Smart Select function for creating custom screenshots
One of the most useful features in the arsenal Samsung Galaxy M31 is the Smart Select tool. It allows you to select an arbitrary area of the screen that you want to save, cropping everything unnecessary automatically at the time the photo is taken. This saves time editing later in the gallery.
To access this feature, pull down the notification shade twice to reveal the full Quick Settings panel. Find the icon called “Smart Select” (the icon that looks like a dotted square with scissors). If you don't see it on the first page, scroll left in the panel. After pressing, the screen will darken and the cursor will change to a crosshair.
Now you can use your finger or stylus to select the desired area. Various selection shapes are available: rectangle, oval, as well as the “Drawing” mode, which allows you to outline an object of any shape. Once you release your finger, the selected area will be automatically saved to the clipboard or suggested for saving to the gallery.
⚠️ Attention: Smart Select may not work in some secure applications, such as banking clients or services with DRM content (Netflix), for security reasons.
Creating long scrolling screenshots
Often there is a need to save not just one screen, but an entire article, correspondence in a messenger or a long list of products. On Samsung M31 this task is solved using the “Scrolling” function. It allows you to “stitch” several consecutive screenshots into one long image.
First, take a regular screenshot in any convenient way (using buttons or a gesture). Immediately after the toolbar appears, at the bottom of the screen, look for an icon with two downward arrows. Click on it and the screen will automatically scroll a little lower, adding a new area to the current photo.
You can click on this button repeatedly until you capture all the necessary content. The process will stop automatically when it reaches the end of the page or an element that cannot be scrolled. The resulting image will have a non-standard aspect ratio, but is perfect for reading from a computer or sending to a chat.
Limitations of long screenshots
The maximum length of such an image is limited by software. This is usually about 5-10 screens high. If the content is too long, the system will prompt you to save the current part and start a new file.
If new elements are loaded during the scrolling process (for example, advertising or new chat messages), the final image may end up with artifacts or breaks. It is best to use this function for already loaded pages.
Edge panel and additional tools
For those who like to customize their smartphone for themselves, Samsung offers the Edge panel. This is a side curtain, called by swiping from the edge of the screen, into which you can add a shortcut for taking screenshots. This is especially convenient on large screens when it is difficult to reach the volume buttons.
Activate the panel in the menu Settings → Display → Edge panel. Once enabled, go to Edge Panels and select a set of tools, such as Tools or Smart Select. Now, by swiping from the edge, you will have access to the desired function in one click. This turns the creation screenshots on the Samsung M31 into the fastest possible process.
In addition, tools for recording video from the screen are available in this section. If you need to capture not a static image, but a process (for example, completing a level in a game or a bug in an application), use the “Screen Record” function. It is also added to the Edge panel or notification shade.
| Method | Access speed | Selection accuracy | Working in games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | High | Full screen | Yes |
| Palm gesture | Medium | Full screen | Yes |
| Smart selection | Low | Custom | No (often) |
| Edge panel | High | Depends on the tool | Yes |
Where to find and how to edit saved images
All created images are automatically saved in the standard “Gallery” application. They fall into a separate album called “Screenshots” or “Screenshots”. This makes it easy to distinguish them from photos taken on camera and quickly find the information you need.
Built-in gallery editor Samsung offers powerful processing functionality. You can crop an image, overlay text, add arrows, or blur sensitive data (such as card numbers or addresses). To access the editor, simply open the photo and click on the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen.
If you want to change the save format or folder path, this cannot be done using standard system tools. However, you can use third-party file managers to move files. By default, the path to the files looks like Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots depending on the version of Android.
The album with screenshots in the Gallery is sorted by creation date, so the most recent pictures are always at the beginning of the feed.
Problem solving and common errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not created. Most often this is due to the security policy of a specific application. Banking apps, incognito browser modes, and streaming services block screen capture to prevent data leakage. In such cases, the screen may simply blink, but the file will not be saved, or you will see a black screen instead of an image.
Another reason may be a lack of free space in the device memory. If the internal storage Samsung M31 is full to capacity, the system will not be able to write a new file. Check the available space in the memory settings and, if necessary, delete unnecessary files or application cache.
It is also worth checking the access rights settings. In rare cases, after resetting settings or updating software, permissions for system applications may be lost. Make sure the Gallery app and system interface have write permissions to the storage. If the problem persists, try restarting the device in safe mode to eliminate conflicts with third-party software.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is content copy protection (DRM). Applications like Netflix, banking clients or instant messengers with secret chats prohibit taking screenshots at the Android system level. It is impossible to get around this using standard means.
Is it possible to change the screenshot saving format to PNG or JPG?
By default, the system saves images in PNG format for maximum quality. This cannot be changed in the settings, but you can convert the files later through any photo editor or online service.
Where are long screenshots stored?
Long screenshots are saved in the same “Screenshots” folder in the Gallery as regular ones. They are no different from other files, except for their elongated format.
How to turn off the shutter sound when taking a screenshot?
The sound of a screenshot is tied to the general volume level of the media or system. To take a photo silently, set your phone to silent or vibrate mode before capturing the screen.
What to do if the palm gesture stops working?
Try switching the gesture setting: turn it off, restart your phone, and turn it on again. Also make sure that you move your palm firmly, touching the screen with the edge and not your fingers.