Recommended Free Tools
Samsung Capture is Galaxy’s built-in set of screenshot and screen-recording tools. To take a screenshot, press the Side key and Volume Down together; to record video, open the Quick Panel and tap Screen Recorder on a supported device. You can find capture settings under Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings, though labels and availability vary by model and software version.
Choose the right capture method
| What you need | Use | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| A still image of what is currently visible | Screenshot | Press Side key and Volume Down together, or use a supported gesture, Smart Select, or S Pen method. Samsung’s U.S. guide describes these options. |
| A long page or content extending beyond the screen | Scroll capture | Take a screenshot, then tap the scroll-capture control in the toolbar if it appears. Availability depends on the screen, device, and software. Samsung Singapore’s guide covers scrollable captures. |
| A video of on-screen activity | Screen Recorder | Open the Quick Panel and tap Screen Recorder on a supported device. |
Take and edit a screenshot
Use the hardware keys
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Side key and Volume Down key at the same time, then release them.
- Use the toolbar that appears, if available, to scroll-capture, draw, crop, tag, or share the image.
Samsung also lists gestures, Smart Select, and S Pen input as alternatives on compatible devices. A physical S Pen is optional; check that your particular Galaxy model supports it before relying on that method. The toolbar and its options vary by model and software.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Find the screenshot
Open Gallery to view the captured image. Some apps block screenshots because of copyright restrictions, so a capture may not work even when the button combination is correct.
Record your screen
Start from the Quick Panel
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Panel. Depending on the device, you may need to swipe down again to see all controls.
- Tap Screen Recorder.
- Choose one of the sound options offered on your device, then start recording.
- Use the on-screen controls to manage the recording. Where supported, you can annotate the screen or add a selfie-video overlay.
- Stop the recording from its controls. Open Gallery to watch the saved video.
If Screen Recorder is missing, open the Quick Panel’s edit controls—Samsung describes these as Edit buttons or an available-buttons list—and add Screen Recorder if it is offered. If it is not listed, the device or software version may not support the built-in recorder.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Adjust recording preferences and locate files
Go to Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings. Depending on the model and software, options can include sound, video quality, video or selfie-video size, showing taps or touches, and the save location. Samsung Ireland documents the default folder as Internal storage > DCIM > Screen recordings; the location can be changed in settings on supported versions. Settings and labels may differ across Galaxy devices. See Samsung Ireland’s screen-recording instructions.
Check support and understand capture limits
Screen Recorder is not available on every Galaxy device. Samsung’s supported-model information covers selected Galaxy S, Note, Z, tablet, and A-series devices, and support can depend on software version. Check the current Samsung Ireland compatibility guidance for your model rather than assuming that all Galaxy phones offer the same controls.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
- Protected content: Apps may block screenshots or recordings because of copyright restrictions.
- Calls: Samsung’s U.S. guide says Screen Recorder does not record phone calls, VoIP calls, or video calls. Do not expect it to capture those communications.
- Older recording limits: Samsung Ireland states that on Android 10 with One UI 2.5, screen recording is limited to up to 1 hour or 4 GB. The same article says Android 11 with One UI 3.0 or later has no file-size or recording-time limit. These are version-specific statements, not a universal limit for every Galaxy device; consult the guidance for your installed software.
For screenshots or recordings that fail, first confirm the feature is supported and visible on your device, then check whether the app permits capture. Samsung’s U.S. instructions also identify device buttons, gestures, S Pen, Smart Select, and recording settings: Record and capture your Galaxy phone or tablet’s screen.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUpdate Samsung Capture
If capture features are missing or not working as expected, Samsung documents checking for an update in either of these places:
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Open Galaxy Store and check its updates list.
- Go to Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recordings > About Samsung capture, then select Update if the option is offered.
These paths are documented in Samsung Canada’s update instructions; the precise menu path can vary by device and software.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




