How to Turn Off Screenshot Sound on iPhone

How to Turn Off Screenshot Sound on iPhone

The iPhone screenshot sound can be disruptive in quiet environments or when taking multiple screenshots. While Apple doesn't provide a direct setting to disable screenshot sounds, there are several effective methods to silence or reduce the camera shutter sound when taking screenshots.

Before exploring sound options, make sure you know how to take screenshots on iPhone properly. For iPhone SE users, check our iPhone SE screenshot guide.

Method 1: Use Silent Mode (Ring/Silent Switch)

The simplest method to silence screenshot sounds using the physical mute switch.

Steps:

1. Locate the Ring/Silent switch on the left side of your iPhone
2. Flip the switch toward the back of the phone to enable Silent Mode
3. You'll see an orange indicator when Silent Mode is active
4. Take your screenshots - they will now be silent
5. Flip the switch back to enable sound when desired

?? Pro Tip: This method silences all system sounds, not just screenshots. Your phone will still vibrate for notifications unless you disable vibration separately.

Method 2: Turn Down System Volume

Reduce or mute the system volume to eliminate screenshot sounds.

Steps:

1. Press the Volume Down button on the side of your iPhone
2. Continue pressing until the volume reaches zero (muted)
3. The volume indicator will show no bars when fully muted
4. Take your screenshots silently
5. Use Volume Up to restore sound when needed

?? Pro Tip: This method only affects system sounds and media volume, not ringtones or alarms which have separate volume controls.

Method 3: Enable Do Not Disturb Mode

Use Do Not Disturb to silence screenshot sounds along with other notifications.

Steps:

1. Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier)
2. Tap the Do Not Disturb icon (crescent moon symbol)
3. The icon will turn purple/blue when active
4. Take your screenshots without sound
5. Tap the icon again to disable Do Not Disturb

?? Pro Tip: Do Not Disturb also silences calls and notifications. You can customize which contacts can still reach you in Settings > Do Not Disturb.

Method 4: Use AssistiveTouch for Silent Screenshots

Enable AssistiveTouch to take screenshots without using physical buttons.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch
2. Turn on AssistiveTouch
3. Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button on your screen
4. Navigate to Device > More > Screenshot
5. The screenshot will be taken silently regardless of sound settings

?? Pro Tip: AssistiveTouch screenshots bypass the normal camera sound system and are naturally silent on most iPhone models.

Method 5: Use Back Tap Feature (iOS 14+)

Set up Back Tap to take silent screenshots by tapping the back of your iPhone.

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. Screenshots taken via Back Tap are typically silent

?? Pro Tip: Back Tap works best with a case on your iPhone and may take practice to get the right pressure and timing.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Screenshot Apps

Install apps that can capture screenshots silently.

Steps:

1. Download a screenshot app from the App Store (like 'Screenshot' or 'Web Capture')
2. Grant necessary permissions when prompted
3. Use the app's screenshot function instead of the built-in method
4. Most third-party apps capture screenshots silently
5. Save or share your screenshots through the app

?? Pro Tip: Third-party apps may have limitations compared to the built-in screenshot function, such as not capturing certain secure content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Silent mode not working for screenshot sounds

Solution: Some iPhone models or iOS versions may still play camera sounds in certain regions due to legal requirements. Try combining silent mode with volume down. Check if your iPhone region is set to a location that requires camera sounds (like Japan or South Korea).

AssistiveTouch screenshot still making sound

Solution: Ensure your iPhone is in silent mode or volume is turned down. AssistiveTouch screenshots may still use system volume settings. Try restarting your iPhone and testing again. Update to the latest iOS version if available.

Back Tap not working for screenshots

Solution: Make sure Back Tap is enabled in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Try adjusting the tap pressure and timing. Remove thick cases that might interfere with tap detection. Ensure your iPhone model supports Back Tap (iPhone 8 and later).

Do Not Disturb not silencing screenshot sounds

Solution: Do Not Disturb primarily affects notifications, not system sounds. Combine it with silent mode or volume down for complete silence. Check your Do Not Disturb settings to ensure it's configured correctly.

Screenshot sound returns after iOS update

Solution: iOS updates may reset some sound settings. Re-enable silent mode or check your volume settings after updates. Some regions have legal requirements for camera sounds that may be enforced in newer iOS versions. For organizing your silent screenshots, learn where screenshots are saved on iPhone.

Conclusion

Silencing iPhone screenshot sounds is possible through various methods, from simple silent mode to advanced accessibility features. Whether you need quiet screenshots for professional environments or personal preference, these techniques ensure you can capture your screen without disruptive sounds.

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