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On a Samsung Galaxy S21, press and release the Side button and Volume Down button at the same time. A screen flash indicates the capture worked. For a longer image, tap the Scroll capture icon after taking the screenshot; find saved captures in Gallery under Albums > Screenshots.

How to take a standard screenshot

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. Press and release the Side button and Volume Down button together. Use a brief press rather than holding the buttons.
  3. Look for the screen flash that confirms the screenshot was taken.

Samsung documents this button combination for the Galaxy S21 series. Samsung Galaxy S21 series user guide; Samsung screenshot support.

How to capture a scrolling page

For content that continues below the visible screen, use Scroll capture to extend the screenshot:

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  1. Take a standard screenshot with Side and Volume Down.
  2. When the screenshot toolbar appears, tap the Scroll capture icon, shown as two downward arrows. Tap again as needed to capture more of the page.
  3. Stop when the capture reaches the content you need; the resulting image is saved with your screenshots.

The scroll control may not appear when there is no additional content to scroll. Samsung documents this Galaxy-specific method on its screenshot support page. Google notes that scrolling screenshots are supported on Android 12 and later for most scrollable screens, but the available controls can depend on the device and software. Google Android screenshot help.

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How to use Palm swipe to capture

If using the buttons is inconvenient, the S21 may offer Palm swipe to capture:

  1. Open Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures.
  2. Turn on Palm swipe to capture.
  3. Place the edge of your hand against the screen and sweep it across while maintaining contact.

If the option is missing or the gesture does not work, check that it is enabled. Samsung notes that settings and feature availability can vary with model, software, and carrier; the option may not be present on every variant. See the Samsung support instructions.

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Where screenshots are saved

To locate a capture, open Gallery > Albums > Screenshots. Samsung also documents finding screenshot files in My Files > Images. The S21 user guide describes a Screenshots album in Gallery. Galaxy S21 series user guide; Samsung screenshot support.

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Edit or share a screenshot

Use the screenshot toolbar immediately after capture or open the image in Gallery. Samsung’s documented tools let you crop or draw on a capture before saving or sharing it. Review the image before sending it if it contains personal or sensitive information.

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Other capture options and screenshot settings

Samsung lists voice commands through Bixby or Google Assistant and a Take screenshot shortcut in the Tasks Edge panel as additional options. The S21 guide also documents S Pen Screen write on compatible devices. These options may not be available on every S21 variant or software build, so the button combination is the most consistent starting point.

On the S21 series, screenshot-related settings are under Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings. The guide lists options including showing the toolbar, deleting screenshots after sharing, hiding status and navigation bars, saving originals, choosing JPG or PNG, and selecting a save location. Exact settings may vary by software version. Galaxy S21 series user guide.

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When a screenshot will not work

  • Nothing happens: Press and release Side and Volume Down together, briefly and at the same time.
  • Palm swipe fails: Check Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures and make sure Palm swipe to capture is enabled. If the setting is absent, it may not be supported on that model or software.
  • Scroll capture is missing: The screen may have no further content to scroll, or the app may not expose a scrollable area for capture.
  • A protected screen blocks capture: Some apps or screens prevent screenshots for security or privacy. Samsung cautions that capture availability can vary by app, device, carrier, and software.

For model- and software-specific differences, consult Samsung’s current US support page.

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