How to copy and paste on a Samsung tablet
Copy and paste is one of those things that's easy once you know how—and weirdly frustrating when you don't. On a Samsung® tablet, a long press is usually all it takes to copy text, links, and other content and move it somewhere else.
We help people get more comfortable with their devices every day, so we'll walk you through the basics first, then cover a few useful Samsung Galaxy® tablet features that can make copying and pasting even easier.
How to copy and paste text on a Samsung tablet
Whether you're moving a sentence into an email or grabbing information from a webpage, the basic process is the same:
- Touch and hold the word you want to copy until it's highlighted.
- Drag the handles on either side of the highlighted text to select exactly what you want.
- Tap Copy in the menu that appears.
- Open the app or field where you want the text to go.
- Touch and hold the empty space, then tap Paste.
That's it. Your tablet keeps the copied text on its clipboard so you can paste it somewhere else. Want everything instead of one sentence? When available, tap Select all, then Copy.
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How to copy and paste a link
Copying a website link works a little differently depending on where you find it.
- If you're copying the address of the webpage you're currently viewing, tap the address bar in your browser and choose Copy.
- For a link within a webpage, touch and hold the link until the options appear, then choose Copy link or the equivalent copy option.
Head to your message, email, note, or wherever else the link is going, touch and hold the text field, and tap Paste. No retyping a 75-character web address one letter at a time. Technology has done us at least one favor today.
How to copy and paste images
Images can be a little less predictable because the options depend on the app or website you're using.
Touch and hold the image and look for Copy or Copy image. If that option appears, tap it, then touch and hold where you want the image and choose Paste.
Don't see a copy option? The app or website may not allow images to be copied that way. Saving or sharing the image may be the better option instead.
How to use the Samsung clipboard
Here's where copying and pasting gets more useful. Instead of remembering only the most recent thing you've copied, the Samsung Keyboard clipboard can give you access to multiple recently copied items.
Open an app where you can type so the Samsung Keyboard appears, then look for Clipboard in the keyboard toolbar. If you don't see it immediately, tap the toolbar's More options icon and look for Clipboard there. Tap the text or other supported item you want to paste.
This is especially handy when you're moving several pieces of information between apps. Copy them first, then pull them back up from the clipboard instead of bouncing back and forth repeatedly.
Just remember that your clipboard can contain information you've copied recently, so be mindful when copying passwords or other sensitive information.
What to do when copy and paste isn't working
If you touch and hold but nothing happens, first try copying something from another app. That tells you whether the problem follows one particular app or happens across the tablet.
If copy and paste isn't working anywhere, restart your Samsung tablet and check for software and app updates. If it only fails on one website or app, that content may restrict copying or the app itself may be the problem.
You can also try copying a small piece of plain text into an app like Samsung Notes. If that works, your tablet's basic copy-and-paste function is fine—and you've narrowed the issue down considerably.
FAQ
How do I copy and paste on a Samsung Galaxy tablet?
Touch and hold the text, adjust the selection handles, and tap Copy. Then touch and hold where you want the text to appear and tap Paste.
Where is the clipboard on a Samsung tablet?
Open the Samsung Keyboard and look for Clipboard in the toolbar. If it isn't visible, open the keyboard's additional toolbar options and select Clipboard.
How do I select all and copy on a Samsung tablet?
Touch and hold some text, then choose Select all when the option is available. Tap Copy, move to your destination, and paste it there.
Why can't I copy and paste on my Samsung tablet?
Some apps and websites restrict copying. If copy and paste doesn't work anywhere, restart your tablet, update its software and apps, and test again using plain text in another app.
Can I copy more than one thing on a Samsung tablet?
The Samsung Keyboard clipboard can store multiple recently copied items, allowing you to choose an earlier item instead of pasting only the last thing you copied.
How do I copy and paste a picture on a Samsung tablet?
Touch and hold the picture and choose Copy or Copy image if the app supports it. Then touch and hold the destination and select Paste.
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