In today’s digital world, taking a screenshot is one of the most useful features available on any smartphone—and iPhones make it incredibly simple. Whether you want to capture a funny meme, save an important message, or share a snippet from an app, learning how to screenshot on an iPhone can be a game-changer for your productivity, communication, and creativity.
In this complete and user-friendly guide, we’ll break down every method to take a screenshot on any iPhone model—from older versions with a Home button to the latest Face ID devices. You’ll also learn how to edit, share, and find your screenshots, along with tips and tricks for getting the most out of this essential feature.
What Is a Screenshot?
A screenshot, also known as a screen capture or screen grab, is a snapshot of whatever is currently displayed on your screen. It’s saved as an image and can be edited, shared, or stored for future reference.
Screenshots can be used for:
- Saving directions or recipes
- Capturing messages or emails
- Keeping a digital receipt
- Documenting bugs or issues
- Sharing social media posts or articles
On an iPhone, screenshots are stored in the Photos app and can be easily accessed at any time.
iPhone Screenshot Basics: Which Method Works for You?
The method to take a screenshot depends on which iPhone model you have. Apple devices are broadly divided into two categories:
- iPhones with Face ID (No Home Button)
- iPhones with Touch ID (With a Home Button)
Let’s explore both.
Method 1: How to Screenshot on iPhones With Face ID
(iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer)
These models have no Home button and use Face ID instead.
Steps:
- Locate the Buttons:
- Press the Side button (on the right side)
- Press the Volume Up button (on the left side)
- Press Both Buttons Simultaneously:
- Quickly press and release the Side and Volume Up buttons at the same time.
- Screen Flashes:
- The screen will flash white, and you’ll hear a camera shutter sound (if your sound is on).
- Screenshot Preview:
- A thumbnail will appear in the lower-left corner. You can tap it to edit, or swipe it away to dismiss.
Your screenshot is now saved in the Photos app, under Albums > Screenshots.
Method 2: How to Screenshot on iPhones With Touch ID
(iPhone 6, 7, 8, SE models, and earlier)
These models have a physical Home button on the front.
Steps:
- Locate the Buttons:
- Press the Home button (bottom front)
- Press the Side (or Top) button
- Press Both Buttons Together:
- Quickly press and release both buttons.
- Screen Flashes:
- You’ll see the screen flash and hear a shutter sound.
- Preview and Save:
- A preview thumbnail appears in the corner for editing or dismissing.
Again, the screenshot is saved in the Photos app, under Screenshots.
Method 3: Use AssistiveTouch to Take a Screenshot (No Buttons Needed)
If one of your hardware buttons is broken, or if you find physical buttons difficult to use, AssistiveTouch offers a touch-based alternative.
Steps to Enable AssistiveTouch:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle AssistiveTouch to ON.
- A floating button will appear on your screen.
To Take a Screenshot:
- Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button.
- Tap Device > More > Screenshot.
- Your screen will flash, and the screenshot will be saved.
Tip: You can also customize AssistiveTouch to make “Screenshot” appear as a top-level menu item for quicker access.
Method 4: Take a Screenshot Using Back Tap (iOS 14 and Later)
Back Tap is a hidden gem that allows you to take screenshots by tapping the back of your iPhone.
How to Set It Up:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select Screenshot from the list.
Now, when you double or triple tap the back of your iPhone, it will instantly take a screenshot.
Note: This feature is available on iPhone 8 and newer, running iOS 14 or later.
Where to Find Your Screenshots
Once you take a screenshot, it’s automatically saved to the Photos app.
To Locate:
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap Albums.
- Scroll down and tap Screenshots under the “Media Types” section.
All your past screenshots are organized here in chronological order.
How to Edit a Screenshot
Right after taking a screenshot, a small preview will appear in the bottom left of your screen. Tap it before it disappears to open editing options.
Editing Tools:
- Crop: Resize or zoom into specific areas.
- Draw: Use pens, markers, and highlighters.
- Text: Add labels or notes.
- Shapes: Insert arrows, boxes, or magnifiers.
- Signature: Add your saved signature (for forms or documents).
- Undo/Redo: Fix mistakes easily.
When you’re done, tap Done > Save to Photos, or choose Delete Screenshot if you change your mind.
How to Share a Screenshot
You can send a screenshot through messages, email, social media, or even AirDrop.
Steps:
- Open the screenshot in the Photos app.
- Tap the Share icon (square with an arrow).
- Choose how to share:
- Messages
- AirDrop
- Save to Files
- Social media apps (if installed)
Quick and convenient!
Pro Tips for Power Users
Here are a few advanced tips to master iPhone screenshots:
1. Capture Full Web Pages (Safari Only)
- Take a screenshot in Safari.
- Tap the preview > Select Full Page at the top.
- Save as a PDF to your Files app.
Great for capturing long articles or web receipts.
2. Organize Screenshots Automatically
- Use Albums > Screenshots to manage them.
- Create custom albums for categorized organization.
- Delete old screenshots periodically to free up space.
3. Use iCloud to Access Screenshots Across Devices
- Turn on iCloud Photos in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Screenshots will sync across all Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID.
4. Combine Screenshots Into a Collage (Using Third-Party Apps)
- Use built-in editing tools or apps to stitch screenshots together.
- Helpful for showing step-by-step instructions or comparing images.
Common Screenshot Issues and Fixes
1. Screenshot Not Working?
- Buttons not responding? Try AssistiveTouch or Back Tap.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Check storage: Low space can affect file saving.
2. Can’t Find the Screenshot?
- Open Photos > Albums > Screenshots.
- Check Recently Deleted, in case you deleted it accidentally.
3. Accidentally Tapped Away the Preview?
No problem! It’s still saved automatically to Photos > Screenshots.
Summary: All iPhone Screenshot Methods at a Glance
| iPhone Type | Screenshot Method |
|---|---|
| Face ID Models | Side Button + Volume Up |
| Touch ID Models | Home Button + Side/Top Button |
| All Models | AssistiveTouch > Device > More > Screenshot |
| iOS 14+ | Back Tap (Double or Triple Tap) |
Final Thoughts
Taking a screenshot on your iPhone is simple, fast, and extremely useful. Whether you’re capturing a funny conversation, saving information for later, or sharing what’s on your screen, screenshots make your iPhone experience more efficient and versatile.
With the various methods explained in this guide—from hardware buttons to Back Tap and AssistiveTouch—you can now take screenshots any time, anywhere, in any way that suits you best.
So go ahead—capture that screen and save what matters.
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