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How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone SE

Written by: Isaac
Published: August 7, 2025
Reading time: 3 min read
How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone SE

How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone SE

The iPhone SE combines classic design with modern functionality, and taking screenshots varies depending on which generation you have. This guide covers both the original iPhone SE (1st generation) and the newer iPhone SE models (2nd and 3rd generation), ensuring you can capture your screen regardless of your device version.

For general iPhone screenshot techniques, also check our comprehensive iPhone screenshot guide which covers all iPhone models.

Method 1: iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Generation) - Side Button Method

For iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone SE 2022 models with Face ID-style button layout.

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 immediately
  6. Or let it disappear to save automatically to Photos app
?? Pro Tip: Make sure to press both buttons at exactly the same time and release quickly. Holding too long may trigger other functions like Siri or Emergency SOS. If the camera sound is disruptive, learn how to turn off screenshot sound on iPhone.

Method 2: iPhone SE (1st Generation) - Home Button Method

For the original iPhone SE (2016) with physical Home button.

Steps:

  1. Go to the screen you want to screenshot
  2. Press the Home button and the Top (Power) 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 automatically saved to your Photos app
  6. Find it in the 'Screenshots' album or 'All Photos'
?? Pro Tip: The original iPhone SE has the power button on the top of the device, not on the side like newer models.

Method 3: AssistiveTouch (All iPhone SE Models)

Alternative method if physical buttons aren't working properly.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
  2. Turn on AssistiveTouch
  3. A floating button will appear on your screen
  4. Tap the AssistiveTouch button
  5. Tap Device > More > Screenshot
  6. 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. This works on all iPhone SE generations.

Method 4: Back Tap (iPhone SE 2nd & 3rd Gen with iOS 14+)

Use the back of your iPhone SE 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 SE (double or triple tap as configured)
  5. A screenshot will be taken automatically
  6. The image will be saved to your Photos app
?? Pro Tip: This feature requires iOS 14 or later and works best with a case on your iPhone SE. It may take some practice to get the timing right.

Method 5: Voice Control (All iPhone SE Models)

Use voice commands for hands-free screenshot capture.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control
  2. Turn on Voice Control
  3. Say 'Take screenshot' when you want to capture the screen
  4. Voice Control will execute the screenshot command
  5. The screenshot will be saved to your Photos app
?? Pro Tip: Voice Control requires setup and may need training to recognize your voice properly. It's particularly useful for accessibility purposes.

Method 6: Siri Shortcuts (iOS 12+)

Create a custom Siri shortcut for taking screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app (download from App Store if not installed)
  2. Tap the '+' to create a new shortcut
  3. Search for and add 'Take Screenshot' action
  4. Name your shortcut (e.g., 'Capture Screen')
  5. Record a Siri phrase for the shortcut
  6. Now you can say your phrase to Siri to take a screenshot
?? Pro Tip: This method allows you to create custom voice commands and can be combined with other actions like sharing or editing the screenshot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Buttons not responding for screenshots

Solution: Clean around the buttons to remove debris. Try pressing the buttons more firmly and simultaneously. If buttons are physically damaged, use AssistiveTouch as an alternative method.

Screenshots not saving to Photos app

Solution: Check your iPhone storage - if it's full, screenshots may not save. Ensure Photos app has proper permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos. Try restarting your iPhone SE.

Screenshot shows black screen in certain apps

Solution: Some apps (banking, streaming, or secure apps) block screenshots for security reasons. This is normal behavior and cannot be bypassed. Try taking the screenshot from a different screen or app.

Back Tap not working consistently

Solution: Ensure Back Tap is enabled in Accessibility settings. Try adjusting the tap sensitivity or use a case for better detection. Practice the tapping motion - it should be firm but not too hard.

Can't find Screenshots album in Photos

Solution: Screenshots are automatically organized in the 'Screenshots' album. If you can't find it, look in 'All Photos' sorted by date, or use the search function in Photos app to find recent screenshots. For detailed information about screenshot storage, read where screenshots are saved on iPhone.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on iPhone SE is straightforward once you know the right method for your generation. Whether using button combinations, accessibility features, or voice commands, you have multiple options to capture your screen effectively.

For protecting sensitive information in screenshots, learn how to blur screenshots on iPhone. You can also use our online screenshot tools for additional editing capabilities.

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