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The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ make screenshots easy, but there are multiple ways to capture—some depend on settings, some depend on gestures, and some depend on accessibility options. Knowing all of them helps you take a screenshot even when one method stops working.
This guide covers the fastest button combo, the Palm swipe method, how to do scrolling screenshots (Capture more), where the files are saved, and what to try when your S9/S9+ won’t take a screenshot.
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Why screenshots on the Galaxy S9/S9+ matter
A screenshot is the quickest way to preserve what’s on your screen—messages, error screens, receipts, map directions, or app settings. On the Galaxy S9/S9+, you also have editing tools and a built-in scrolling capture feature for longer pages.
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If you want the most reliable method, use the hardware buttons. It works across apps, lock screens (when permitted), and almost every screen state.
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How to take the screenshot
- Go to the screen you want to capture.
- Press and hold Power + Volume down at the same time.
- Keep holding for about 1 second, then release.
- You’ll see a brief animation and hear a capture sound (if your device audio is on).
If it doesn’t capture
Try pressing the buttons at the same time (not one after the other). Also avoid holding for too long—brief, simultaneous presses usually work best.
Swipe method: Palm swipe to capture
If you prefer gestures, you can screenshot by swiping your hand across the screen.
Enable Palm swipe to capture
- Open Settings.
- Tap Advanced features (may appear as Advanced on some builds).
- Tap Motions and gestures.
- Find Palm swipe to capture and turn it On.
Use Palm swipe to capture
- Open the screen you want.
- Rest the side of your hand on the edge of the display.
- Swipe your hand horizontally across the screen.
- Release—when it works, you’ll see the capture animation.
Gesture settings that affect success
Make sure your hand isn’t too high or too low on the screen. A swipe that’s too slow, too short, or too vertical often fails.
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Scrolling screenshots on the Galaxy S9/S9+
For long pages (websites, chat threads, settings screens), use scrolling capture so you don’t need multiple separate screenshots.
How to capture more after a screenshot
- Take a normal screenshot using Power + Volume down or Palm swipe.
- When the preview toolbar appears, look for Capture more (or a similar option).
- Tap it, and the screen will scroll automatically.
- Tap Stop (or the confirm button) when you’ve captured enough.
Where it’s supported
Scrolling capture works best in apps with scrollable content that supports page-length capture. If the option isn’t shown, the current screen may not support it.
Accessibility option: Assistive Menu screenshot
If button presses are difficult or gestures don’t work well, Assistive Menu can give you an on-screen control that includes screenshot capture.
Enable Assistive Menu
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility.
- Tap Interaction and dexterity (or a similar accessibility category).
- Tap Assistant menu and turn it On.
Take a screenshot with Assistive Menu
- Tap the floating Assistive Menu icon.
- Look for the Screenshot option in the menu.
- Tap it to capture the screen.
If you don’t see the screenshot action, customize the menu options inside the Assistive Menu settings.
Where screenshots go (and how to open them)
After you capture, your screenshot is saved to internal storage and also appears in the preview area immediately.
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Default storage location
Most Galaxy S9/S9+ screenshots are saved to:
Internal storage > Pictures > Screenshots
Quick ways to view them
- Swipe down to open the Notification panel.
- Tap the screenshot preview thumbnail (if present).
- Or open the Gallery app and check Albums or Pictures for Screenshots.
Editing, cropping, and sharing right after capture
Right after capturing, you’ll typically see a preview toolbar at the bottom of the screen. It lets you do quick edits without opening an app.
Common actions in the preview toolbar
- Crop (trim the edges to focus on the content)
- Draw / Mark up (add lines, highlights, or text)
- Share (send to messages, email, social apps, or nearby devices)
- Delete (remove immediately)
Editing later
If you dismiss the preview, you can edit the screenshot from the Gallery app. Open the screenshot, tap Edit, then choose crop/markup tools.
Troubleshooting: what to do when screenshots won’t work
When screenshots fail on the Galaxy S9/S9+, it’s usually a settings issue, a hardware button issue, or an app that blocks capture. Work through these checks.
1) Confirm the button method works
- Try Power + Volume down on the Home screen.
- If that fails, test the buttons in other ways (restart, volume changes).
2) Check Palm swipe settings
- Go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures.
- Make sure Palm swipe to capture is turned On.
- Try a different gesture speed and swipe across the middle area of the screen.
3) Look for screen-protection or capture restrictions
Some apps (especially banking and certain streaming or private chat views) may restrict screenshots. If the screenshot works elsewhere but not inside one app, that app may block capture.
4) Restart the device
A quick reboot can reset misbehaving gesture systems and temporary UI problems. Hold Power, then tap Restart.
5) Safe Mode test (to rule out third-party apps)
If screenshots started failing after installing a new app or tweaking accessibility options, Safe Mode can help identify the cause.
In Safe Mode, only system apps run. If screenshots work in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely interfering.
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7) Accessibility menu as a fallback
If hardware buttons feel unreliable, try Assistant menu (Assistive Menu) and capture via the on-screen controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common mistakes to avoid
- Timing mismatch: pressing Power after Volume down instead of simultaneously.
- Gesture drift: swiping with your hand too close to the top/bottom edge or not fully across the display.
- Preview dismissed too early: scrolling screenshots require you to tap the capture toolbar option quickly.
- Expecting scrolling capture everywhere: some apps don’t expose scroll capture controls.
- Wrong storage location: screenshots may be hard to find if Gallery is set to show only certain folders.
FAQ
How do I screenshot on a locked screen?
On the Galaxy S9/S9+, the button method (Power + Volume down) often captures content shown on the lock screen. However, screenshot capability can be limited depending on security settings and the lock-screen content.
Why do my screenshots look cropped or cut off?
If you’re using Palm swipe, imperfect gesture timing can end capture early. If you used a scrolling capture, stop only after the content you want is fully visible.
Can I turn off screenshot sound?
Yes. Screenshot sounds are tied to your device’s sound settings. Use Settings > Sounds and vibration and adjust the relevant volume and notification/sound options.
Why is the Capture more option missing?
Scrolling capture depends on the app and whether it exposes scrollable content in a compatible way. Try a normal screenshot of a different screen, or use multiple screenshots if Capture more isn’t offered.
Where can I find screenshots if I changed the default app?
The files are still stored in Internal storage > Pictures > Screenshots. You can browse them using the device’s file manager, regardless of which Gallery app you use.
Bottom Line
For the Galaxy S9 and S9+, the most dependable screenshot method is Power + Volume down. If you want speed without buttons, enable Palm swipe to capture, and for long pages, use Capture more after the first screenshot.
If something breaks—whether it’s gestures, buttons, or a specific app—use the troubleshooting steps above and keep Assistive Menu as a reliable fallback.
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