How to take a screenshot with the Samsung Galaxy S4

By Andrew Martonik
last updated

Whether you want to share what you see on your phone to a friend, or just need to save something for future reference, a simple screenshot is the quickest way to get that done. All it takes is a basic key press combination:

  1. Open the screen you’d like to capture. 
  2. Press and hold the power button on the right side and the home button at the same time. Wait for the border around the screen to flash white. 

The image will then be saved to your device. You can quickly access it by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the image in the notification tray. You can also delete, edit, or share the screenshots thanks to helpful shortcuts there.

Samsung Galaxy S4 screenshot

If you're feeling fancy, you can also use a palm swipe to capture the screen. Just put the outside edge of your hand against the screen and wipe it from one side to the other, like so. You'll have to make sure that Palm motion is enabled under Settings > My Device > Motions and gestures. 

Taking a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S4 with palm wipe

If you're having any problems or extra questions, sing out in the comments!

See also:

Andrew Martonik
Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.

61 Comments
  • Hand swipe gesture is faster, IMO. And less of chance to go home or turn off the screen. Posted via Android Central App
  • It doesn't work everytime for me. . :-(
  • 2 buttons does work. But gesture doesn't work everytime for me. Posted via Android Central App
  • Do you have a case on it? I find with a case it doesn't work as well if the case sits up over the edges of the phone.
  • Touch the screen as you swipe the palm of you hand sideways across the screen like the instructions read to do. I figured this out accidentally 3 minutes ago after almost a year of trying to take screnshots with my new android phone. Ugh! I have it now though!
  • Yep. And the 2 button technique doesn't work on mine.
  • You gotta press at the exact same time. Not kinda the same time. Once you get one to take you'll see what I mean. derp
  • Thank you so much for the year of mystery for why this didn't work. One try using your suggestion and finally success!!!!!
  • That's where the *ahem* better button placement of the HTC One comes in handy. You can either use the standby+home button technique (weird, it should work for you too, maybe you're not pressing them exactly at the same time and you also gotta hold it until it takes the screenshot) or the standby+volume button technique which is very easy to do while driving. And no, I don't text while driving.
  • The two button feature works flawlessly for me. Can't get any easier.
  • I don't know how many times I've accidentally taken screenshots on my GS3 wiping smudges off my screen sideways.
  • Lolsss
  • I like the hand swipe across the screen better!!!!
  • Only 9 months late on this post. No worries
  • 2014 Resolution... More Help and How To Content on Android Central. Lots of catching up to do. So deal!! :)  Will be up much faster as the next "new" devices hit.
  • I figured this was the case. Good resolution AC. Posted via Android Central App
  • Man if only they had a forum for all these helpful tips... Posted via Android Central App
  • Hand swipe is sooo better.
  • Since this is still an android device, shouldn't power and volume down work as well? Posted via Android Central App
  • Not on touchwiz devices. Posted via Android Central App
  • ? Galaxy S2 or Galaxy S4, it's the same. standby and home button, i use it a lot on my S2. Posted via Android Central App
  • I moved from a Galaxy Nexus to an S3 to S4 since August. I have been trying the power button/volume down to no avail. I have never read the manual for the S3 or S4 .... but then again I don't really take screen shots of my phone so It wasn't a big deal!
  • So... no news, huh?
  • What is this, an article for noobs? Posted via Android Central App
  • Yes. Enjoy.
  • Lol Posted via Android Central App
  • You should pay attention then. Posted via Android Central App
  • This was probably posted for those who turn off gesture to save battery and is an alternative way to screenshot. (For those who dont know or first time with android). Tid bit info is always nice, reminds non android users that there is always a different way of doing things with android devices.
  • Exactly.
  • I turned off gestures on day 1......
  • Uhhhhh guys... This phone came out last year.. Interesting how the screenshot method is the same as the iPhone's though instead of the Android standard. Very interesting indeed. Posted via Android Central App
  • It's not really interesting. The home button is easier to hit that volume down. derp
  • This phone came out in May and you are just posting now. I think its the same from the att s2? or at least a close combo.
  • Me likey Posted via Android Central App
  • FYI, this works on the Galaxy Note 3 as well.
  • It works with all TouchWiz devices. :)
  • On the GPE edition you have to use the standard Volume Power combo
  • I LOVE this site, between Phil's old school journalism to Jerry's rants... But, in my opinion, this is not worth a post. Maybe a forum topic... Posted via Android Central App
  • Why, I can do this without the side button, just perter in right pocket and it snaps dozens of interesting pages. Why, it even distracts people in meetings if the speaker is droning on and on.. I'd say it takes em' better this way than when I am doing so with a purpose.
  • It took a couple tries, but it also worked on my Samsung Note 3. Thanks for the info. I've looked for a way to add this function only to now see, the capability was already there. Posted via Android Central App
  • These kind of tips are a good thing. Yes, I already knew this one. However, there's always ones I dont. Posted via Android Central App
  • Agreed this was very helpful. For instance being a new S4 owner I had no idea how to take a screen shot, but could all these be consolidated in one forum or something so you have a default place to get all your questions answered.
  • I can not capture the screen neither by holding down the home button and the power button at the same time, and I tried this many times, or by palm swipe. Actually, when I go to palm motion in the settings, I don't see the " screen capture" option. Please need your help !!
  • I used this screenshot tutorial to capture screenshot on my samsung galaxy s4 and i have also created a guide on it at
    http://howtotakescreenshot.net/samsung-galaxy-s4/
  • Thank you!!! I have been trying for a year now! I didn't know to go into those areas to activate the gestures!
  • Thank you It worked!
  • Thank you It worked!
  • I'm way late on this one,, but the palm swipe option is nonexistent for my mini. What gives?
  • Not one time in 6 months of trying has either the side swipe more the home and lock button method worked. Not one time. Tmo says my phone is fine. Wants to charge me hundreds for a new phone. I gave up.
  • Anybody ever have the problem of the screen disappearing/exiting into the multi-window view of open apps when they try to screen shot using the home and side button option? I'm stuck using hand swipe because mine suddenly started exiting the screen when I try.
  • The swipe works 100% easier and better than the buttons for me....
  • Hi
    I'm having trouble - both the methods above won't work for me. The first - the phone keeps turning off. The palm seep won't work even though i have this switched on.
    I have to do a screen capture to send for a problem with the phone battery and get warrantee action.
    Would really appreciate your help
  • @anndav Try the Hand motion screenshot capture option. It worked for me. I referred this guide http://howtotakescreenshot.net/samsung-galaxy-s4/ and saw the hand motion method.
  • I just read one of the tutorials given by someone above. The palm sweep worked!! What's missing from your explanation is that the side of the palm has to remain in contact with the screen.
    Thanks
  • How do you copy and paste on S4?
  • to all of you horrible people who keep repeating over and over to hold the home and power button, youre not helpful at all...
    To people who actually have had this issue such as myself... turn off your phone. I couldnt even power down using the power button. I had to pull the battery out. After a reboot, the home+power button works
  • I can't make this work in Facebook.
    I have a Samsung Galaxy S4.
  • This is excellent. I love this app.
  • Easy and helpful
  • What is the command for taking a screen shot when TalkBack is turned on? Neither method - Hand swipe or Home + Power button seem to work.
    Thanks.
    By the way.. There is a terribly inaccessible CAPTCHA on this comments form. :-(
  • You must know these tricks on android
    http://www.gogorapid.com/you-must-know-these-tricks-on-android/
    1.How to take a screenshot on my phone.
    2. How to format my phone (2 methods).
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    6. How to Root My Phone.
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