How to Screenshot Your iPhone Screen

How to Screenshot Your iPhone Screen

Taking screenshots on iPhone is straightforward, but the method varies depending on your iPhone model. Apple has designed intuitive ways to capture your screen, whether you have a newer iPhone with Face ID or an older model with a Home button.

For iPhone SE users, we have a dedicated iPhone SE screenshot guide that covers both generations. If you need to record your screen instead, check out how to record iPhone 16 screen.

Method 1: iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X and newer)

For iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series and newer.

Steps:

1. Navigate to the screen you want to capture
2. Press and quickly release the Side button and Volume Up button simultaneously
3. You'll see a flash and hear a camera sound (if sound is enabled)
4. A thumbnail will appear in the bottom-left corner of your screen
5. Tap the thumbnail to edit or share, or let it disappear to save automatically

?? Pro Tip: Make sure to press both buttons at the same time and release quickly. Holding too long may trigger other functions. If the camera sound is disruptive, learn how to turn off screenshot sound on iPhone.

Method 2: iPhone with Home Button (iPhone 8 and earlier)

For iPhone 8, 7, 6s, 6, SE (1st generation), and earlier models.

Steps:

1. Go to the screen you want to screenshot
2. Press the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time
3. Release both buttons quickly
4. The screen will flash white and you'll hear a camera sound
5. The screenshot will be saved to your Photos app

?? Pro Tip: On very old iPhone models, the power button might be on the top of the device instead of the side.

Method 3: AssistiveTouch (Alternative Method)

Useful if your physical buttons aren't working properly.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
2. Turn on AssistiveTouch
3. Tap the AssistiveTouch button that appears on your screen
4. Tap Device > More > Screenshot
5. The screenshot will be taken and saved to Photos

?? Pro Tip: You can customize AssistiveTouch to add Screenshot as a top-level action for quicker access.

Method 4: Back Tap (iPhone with iOS 14+)

Use the back of your iPhone to trigger screenshots.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap
2. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
3. Select Screenshot from the list of actions
4. Now tap the back of your iPhone (double or triple tap as configured)
5. A screenshot will be taken automatically

?? Pro Tip: This feature works best with a case on your iPhone and may take some practice to get the timing right.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Buttons not responding for screenshots

Solution: Try cleaning around the buttons, restart your iPhone, or use AssistiveTouch as an alternative method.

Screenshots not saving to Photos

Solution: Check your iPhone storage - if it's full, screenshots may not save. Also ensure Photos app has proper permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos. For help finding your screenshots, read where screenshots are saved on iPhone.

Screenshot shows black screen in certain apps

Solution: Some apps (like banking or streaming apps) block screenshots for security reasons. This is normal behavior and cannot be bypassed. If you need to protect sensitive information in your screenshots, learn how to blur screenshots on iPhone.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on iPhone is an essential skill for documentation, sharing, and troubleshooting. With multiple methods available, from button combinations to accessibility features, you can capture your screen effectively regardless of your iPhone model or physical limitations.

For advanced screenshot needs, explore blurring sensitive information or use our online screenshot tools for browser-based capturing and editing.