Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
On a current Samsung Galaxy, the Side button handles the screen, assistant or power controls, and configurable shortcuts; the Volume buttons primarily change sound level. A brief Side/Power + Volume down press usually captures a screenshot, while Side + Volume down held together commonly opens the power menu. Exact behavior depends on your Galaxy model, One UI/software version, and Side button settings.
Samsung summarizes the distinction this way: “The Volume button adjusts sound levels as expected, while the Side button (or Power/Bixby button) can be pressed in various manners (short, long, or double press) to execute different commands.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Galaxy button shortcuts at a glance
The same physical key can do different things depending on whether you tap, hold, double-press, or combine it with another key. Use this table as a starting point, then check the settings on your particular phone.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
| Gesture or control | Common result | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Side button, short press | Wakes the display or turns it off and locks the phone | Behavior depends on the device state and model. |
| Side button, press and hold | Opens Bixby or another digital assistant, or displays the power menu | On supported models, you can change this in Settings > Advanced features > Side button. |
| Side button, double press | Launches Camera or another selected app or shortcut | Available choices vary by device and software. |
| Volume up or down | Raises or lowers sound level | Accessibility settings can give the Side and Volume keys additional shortcut functions. |
| Side/Power + Volume down, brief simultaneous press | Captures a screenshot on many newer Galaxy phones | Release promptly; holding the keys can open the power menu instead. |
| Side + Volume down, held together while the phone is on | Opens the power menu on many newer models | If this does not work, use the configured long-press action or the Quick settings power icon. |
The useful comparison is not simply “Side versus Volume.” Consider four things: the gesture (single, hold, double, or combination), the result you want, the physical layout of your Galaxy, and whether you have changed a shortcut or enabled an accessibility assignment. That explains why two phones that look similar can respond differently.
#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
What the Side button does
Short press: wake, lock, or turn off the screen
A quick press of the Side button normally wakes the display when the phone is asleep. Pressing it again turns the display off and locks the phone. This is the everyday function that is least dependent on customization, although the exact result can change with the phone’s current state, lock-screen behavior, or model.
A short press is a momentary action, not a command to open a menu. If you are trying to shut down the phone, do not release after only one tap; use the power-menu combination or the long-press setting described below. If the screen does not react, check that you are pressing the correct key on your particular generation rather than a separate Bixby key.
Press and hold: assistant or power controls
Holding the Side button may start Bixby, open another configured digital assistant, or show the power menu. Samsung lets supported Galaxy devices remap this gesture. The setting is not universal: some phones expose a choice between an assistant and the power menu, while menu names and available options can change with the One UI version.
If you want a conventional power-button experience, set the hold action to the power menu. If you prefer voice control, leave the assistant assigned. A long press is different from a quick press, so keep holding until the selected action appears. If Bixby opens unexpectedly when you meant to turn off the phone, you have not necessarily found a fault; the hold action is probably still assigned to Bixby.
Double press: launch an app or shortcut
A rapid double press can launch Camera or another selected shortcut without first unlocking the phone. Samsung’s documented choices can include Camera, Flashlight, Magnifier, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes, Samsung Capture, Modes and Routines, and installed apps. Your list may be shorter or arranged differently, and some choices are limited to particular Galaxy models or software versions.
Because the double press is configurable, two Galaxy phones can react differently to the same gesture. If a double press does nothing, the shortcut may be disabled, the timing may not have been recognized, or that model may not offer the feature. If the wrong app opens, inspect the selected action instead of changing the Volume settings; the two controls are independent.
What the Volume buttons do
Normal use: adjust sound
Volume up and Volume down primarily control audio. Depending on what is active, the on-screen slider can represent media, ringtone, notification, alarm, or call volume. Pressing a volume key does not normally launch an app or open the power menu.
Recommended Free Tools
To change which audio stream is being adjusted, press a volume key and use the on-screen controls to expand the volume panel when your software provides that option. The labels and panel layout vary by One UI version, so do not assume the same controls appear on every Galaxy. A volume press may therefore seem to have a different effect from one moment to the next because the active audio stream has changed, not because the key has been remapped.
Accessibility shortcuts are separate from ordinary volume control
Samsung also supports accessibility shortcuts that use the Side and Volume keys. These assignments do not change the basic purpose of the volume rocker for everyday sound adjustment; they provide an additional key combination or shortcut for accessibility features. If a key combination suddenly opens an accessibility function, review your accessibility shortcut settings rather than treating it as a hardware fault.
This distinction matters when troubleshooting. A single Volume up or down press should still be treated as a sound command. An unexpected result from pressing Side and Volume together may instead be an assigned accessibility shortcut, a screenshot, or a power-menu gesture. Check the exact combination and timing before changing settings.
Rank #2
- 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.
How to take a screenshot on a Galaxy
On many newer Galaxy layouts, use the Side/Power and Volume down buttons together:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Place one finger on the Side or Power button and another on Volume down.
- Press both buttons at the same time and release almost immediately when the screen reacts.
- Use the screenshot preview or notification to edit, share, scroll-capture, or delete the image, if those controls are offered on your model.
Samsung’s UK screenshot guidance, updated 5 June 2026, specifically says this should be a brief push rather than a hold because a long hold can open the power menu. If the power menu appears, dismiss it and repeat with a shorter simultaneous press. A case that makes one button harder to press can also prevent the two keys from registering together.
The two buttons must be pressed together, not one after the other. Start with both fingers positioned, make one short press, and release as soon as the screen reacts. Holding Side while you search for Volume down is the common reason the power menu appears instead of a screenshot.
Screenshot gestures and on-screen options can vary by device and settings. If your Galaxy uses a different physical layout, consult its model-specific instructions rather than forcing the newer Side-plus-Volume-down method. If the buttons are difficult to press, Samsung’s Assistant menu provides an on-screen screenshot control on supported software.
How to turn off or restart a Galaxy phone
Use Side and Volume down on many newer models
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume down together.
- Wait for the power menu to appear.
- Tap Power off, then confirm when prompted. Choose Restart instead if you want to reboot.
This combination is intentionally different from the brief screenshot press: timing matters. Holding both keys brings up power controls; releasing immediately is the screenshot gesture. If the menu does not appear, your model may use a different layout, an accessibility assignment may be intercepting the combination, or the keys may not be registering fully.
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 minuteUse the Side button alone when it is configured for power
If the long-press action is set to the power menu, press and hold the Side button until the menu appears, then choose Power off or Restart. The setting path is Settings > Advanced features > Side button on supported devices.
This is often the simplest arrangement for someone who wants the Side key to behave like a traditional power button. It does mean that a long press will no longer launch Bixby or another assistant. You can still assign an assistant to a different available shortcut if your model and software provide one.
Use Quick settings without hardware keys
Swipe down to open Quick settings, then select the power icon when it is present. Tap Power off or Restart and confirm. The icon’s location and whether it is immediately visible depend on the software version and Quick settings arrangement.
Quick settings is useful when a case obstructs the keys, when a button is difficult to press, or when you simply do not remember which long-press behavior is configured. It is a separate route and does not require changing the Side button assignment.
Can you change what happens when you hold or double-press the Side button?
On supported Galaxy phones, yes. Samsung’s documented path is:
Rank #3
- 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
- Open Settings.
- Tap Advanced features.
- Tap Side button.
- Choose the action for Double press.
- Choose the action for Press and hold.
- Leave Settings; the new behavior applies immediately.
Double-press choices can include Camera, Flashlight, Magnifier, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes, Samsung Capture, Modes and Routines, or an app. Press-and-hold choices commonly include Bixby or the power menu. Samsung cautions that the menu and choices differ by model and operating-system version, so an option listed in one Galaxy guide may not appear on yours.
If you cannot find Side button under Advanced features, search Settings for “Side button” or check whether your phone identifies the key as a Power/Bixby button. A missing option can reflect the phone’s generation or software rather than a disabled hardware control.
Some older devices call the control the Power/Bixby button rather than the Side button. Do not infer that every Galaxy has the same remapping screen: check the label shown in your own Settings app.
Newer Side-button layouts versus older Galaxy controls
Samsung has used more than one physical-button arrangement. Many current phones combine the former power and Bixby functions into a Side button. Older models can have separate Power, Bixby, and Volume keys.
What the legacy arrangement looked like
The official Galaxy S9+ user manual describes separate Power, Bixby, and Volume keys. In that layout, Power turns the screen on or off and locks the device, while holding Bixby launches Bixby Voice. Those instructions are valid for that legacy hardware, not a universal description of every Galaxy generation.
On such a phone, do not press the Volume key expecting it to substitute for the separate Power key, and do not assume that a modern Side-button settings page exists. The physical location and label of each key are the first clues to which instructions apply.
How to identify your layout
- If one key on the phone’s side is labeled or described in Settings as Side, it is likely the combined modern control.
- If your manual or chassis shows separate Power and Bixby keys, follow the older instructions for those keys.
- If a shortcut described here is missing, check the exact model number and One UI version before assuming the button is defective.
- When a guide says “Power,” read it as the key your model uses for power functions; on newer devices that is commonly the Side button.
Accessibility options when hardware keys are difficult to use
Samsung’s Assistant menu can place a floating on-screen control over other apps. It is intended for people who have difficulty pressing physical buttons, but it is also useful when a case, injury, or unreliable key makes hardware shortcuts impractical.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Depending on your device and settings, Assistant menu controls can provide:
- Volume up and volume down
- Screenshot capture
- Power menu access
- Bixby access
This gives you an alternative to both the Side and Volume keys. It can also help you determine whether a problem is physical: if the on-screen volume or power control works while a key does not, inspect the case, key travel, or model-specific settings.
Because Samsung changes menu organization between software versions, open Settings and search for Assistant menu if you do not see it immediately under Accessibility. The on-screen controls are an alternative route; they do not redefine what the physical Volume buttons normally do.
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.
Troubleshooting common button-shortcut problems
The screenshot opens the power menu
You are probably holding the buttons too long. Press Side/Power and Volume down together, then release as soon as the display flashes or the screenshot preview appears. Samsung’s current UK instructions emphasize a brief press on newer devices.
Holding Side opens Bixby when you want to shut down
Change Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Press and hold to the power-menu option, if your model offers it. You can also use Side + Volume down or the Quick settings power icon without changing the setting.
Double press launches the wrong app
Return to Settings > Advanced features > Side button and inspect Double press. Select the desired shortcut, or turn the feature off if accidental launches are more troublesome than useful. The available list depends on the phone and software.
Volume keys seem to control the wrong sound
Check which audio stream is active in the expanded volume panel. Media, ringtone, notifications, alarms, and calls can use separate levels. Also review Accessibility shortcut assignments if pressing Side and Volume together triggers an unexpected function.
None of the documented combinations works
- Confirm whether your phone has a Side button or separate Power and Bixby keys.
- Remove a tight case temporarily so both buttons can travel fully.
- Try the Quick settings power icon or Assistant menu as an alternative.
- Open the Side button settings and verify that the intended actions are enabled.
- Use the manual for your exact model because Samsung documents different behavior for different generations.
The Side button seems to do nothing after a setting change
Test each gesture separately: one short press, one deliberate hold, and two quick presses. A remapped hold does not affect a short press, and a disabled double press will not launch an app. If only one gesture fails, inspect that gesture’s setting rather than resetting every shortcut.
Which gesture should you use?
| What you want | Gesture to try first | If it behaves differently |
|---|---|---|
| Wake or lock the screen | Short press Side | Check the phone’s current state and lock-screen settings. |
| Open an assistant | Press and hold Side | The hold action may have been remapped to the power menu. |
| Launch Camera or another shortcut | Double press Side | Choose or enable the shortcut in Side button settings. |
| Change sound level | Press Volume up or down | Verify which audio stream is selected in the volume panel. |
| Capture the current screen | Brief simultaneous Side/Power + Volume down | Release sooner if the power menu appears. |
| Shut down or restart | Hold Side + Volume down, then choose the power action | Use the Side-button power-menu setting or Quick settings power icon. |
| Use controls without pressing keys | Open Assistant menu | Search Settings for Assistant menu if its location is not obvious. |
Frequently asked questions
What does the Side button do on a Samsung Galaxy?
A short press normally wakes or locks the screen. A hold may open Bixby, another assistant, or the power menu, and a double press can launch Camera or another configured shortcut. The exact choices depend on the model and software.
How do I take a screenshot on my Samsung Galaxy?
On many newer models, press Side or Power and Volume down simultaneously, then release quickly. A brief press is important; holding the pair can open the power menu.
How do I turn off my Galaxy phone?
On many newer devices, hold Side and Volume down, tap Power off, and confirm. You can instead set the Side-button hold action to the power menu or use the power icon in Quick settings.
Can I change what happens when I hold the Side button?
On supported phones, open Settings > Advanced features > Side button and change Press and hold. Samsung may offer an assistant or power-menu choice, but the menu varies.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Can the Side button open an app?
Yes, a double press can launch Camera and, on some devices, apps or shortcuts such as Flashlight, Magnifier, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes, Samsung Capture, or Modes and Routines.
Best Value
- 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.
Why do my Volume buttons not take a screenshot?
Volume keys primarily adjust sound. Screenshot capture normally requires the Side or Power button and Volume down together. Accessibility assignments can add other combinations, but they vary by device.
Why does my phone have a Bixby key instead of a Side button?
Older Galaxy generations used separate Power, Bixby, and Volume keys. The S9+ manual, for example, describes that arrangement. Use the instructions for your exact model instead of assuming a current combined Side button.
Can I use these shortcuts if pressing the keys is difficult?
Samsung’s Assistant menu can provide on-screen controls for volume, screenshots, the power menu, and Bixby access, depending on the device and settings.
What to remember about Galaxy button behavior
The Side button is a multifunction control whose short press, long press, and double press can be assigned different jobs. Volume buttons remain sound controls in normal use, although Samsung’s accessibility features can add separate shortcuts. The most useful combination is Side/Power plus Volume down: a quick press captures a screenshot, while holding the pair opens power controls on many newer phones. Because Samsung changes hardware layouts and menus across generations, always verify the Side button screen and model-specific manual before relying on a shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Side button do on a Samsung Galaxy?
A short press normally wakes or locks the screen. Holding it may open Bixby, another assistant, or the power menu, while a double press can launch Camera or another configured shortcut. Behavior varies by model and software.
How do I take a screenshot on my Samsung Galaxy?
On many newer models, press Side or Power and Volume down together and release promptly. Holding the buttons too long can open the power menu.
How do I turn off my Galaxy phone?
Hold Side and Volume down on many newer devices, tap Power off, and confirm. You can also assign the Side-button hold to the power menu or use the Quick settings power icon.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Can I change what happens when I hold the Side button?
On supported devices, go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button and change Press and hold. Available choices differ by model and One UI version.
Can the Side button launch an app?
A double press can launch Camera and, on some Galaxy devices, shortcuts or apps such as Flashlight, Magnifier, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes, Samsung Capture, or Modes and Routines.
Why do my Volume buttons not take a screenshot?
Volume buttons primarily adjust sound. A screenshot usually requires a simultaneous Side/Power and Volume down press.
Why does my Galaxy have separate Power and Bixby keys?
Older Galaxy generations used separate Power, Bixby, and Volume keys. Their instructions do not always match newer combined Side-button layouts.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Can I use these functions without pressing hardware keys?
Samsung’s Assistant menu can provide on-screen volume, screenshot, power-menu, and Bixby controls, depending on your device and settings.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Treat the Side button as the configurable control and the Volume rocker as the sound control. Tap Side to wake or lock, hold it for the assigned assistant or power menu, and double-press it for the selected shortcut. For a screenshot, briefly press Side/Power + Volume down; to shut down on many newer Galaxies, hold that pair and choose a power action. Check your model’s Side button settings because Samsung’s layouts and options vary.
Quick Recap
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.
