Screenshots are one of the handiest features your iPhone has to offer. Whether you’re capturing a funny meme, saving a confirmation page, preserving a conversation, or grabbing a portion of your screen for reference, screenshots make digital life more convenient. The best part? Taking a screenshot on an iPhone is quick, simple, and incredibly versatile.
In this ultimate 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to take a screenshot on every type of iPhone, including older models with Home buttons and newer ones with Face ID. We’ll also show you how to edit, share, annotate, and organize your screenshots like a pro. Whether you’re new to iPhones or just need a refresher, this guide has everything you need to know.
📲 Why Use Screenshots?
Screenshots are an essential part of daily phone use. Here’s why they’re so useful:
- Save important information like tickets, receipts, or directions
- Capture social media content (without reposting)
- Document app bugs or errors
- Keep track of text conversations or photos
- Create visual tutorials or guides
- Share what you see in real time
With just a few taps, your iPhone can take a high-quality still of anything you see on the screen.
📱 How to Take a Screenshot on iPhones With Face ID (iPhone X and Later)
This includes:
- iPhone X, XR, XS
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen) with Face ID (if applicable)
📍 Steps:
- Press the Side button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
- Quickly release both buttons.
- The screen will flash, and you’ll hear a shutter sound (if your sound is on).
- A small preview of the screenshot appears in the lower-left corner.
You’ve just taken a screenshot!
🧷 How to Take a Screenshot on iPhones With a Home Button (iPhone 8 and Earlier)
This includes:
- iPhone SE (1st and 2nd Gen)
- iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8
- iPhone Plus variants
📍 Steps:
- Press the Side (or Top) button and the Home button at the same time.
- Release both buttons quickly.
- The screen flashes, and the camera shutter sound plays.
- A thumbnail appears in the bottom-left corner.
That’s it! You’ve successfully captured your screen.
✨ What Happens After You Take a Screenshot?
Once you snap the screenshot, a preview thumbnail appears in the lower-left corner of the screen.
You Can:
- Tap the preview to edit, draw, crop, or annotate the image
- Swipe it left to dismiss and save it automatically
- Press and hold to instantly share via messages, email, AirDrop, or social media
All screenshots are saved to the Photos app, under Albums > Screenshots.
🖊️ How to Edit or Annotate a Screenshot Immediately
If you tap the preview thumbnail before it disappears, you’ll open the markup editor, where you can:
- Crop the image
- Draw with your finger or Apple Pencil
- Highlight specific parts
- Add shapes, arrows, or text
- Blur or redact information
- Use signature tools
After editing, tap Done to save or Share to send it right away.
📚 Where Are Screenshots Saved?
All your screenshots are stored in the Photos app.
Find Them By:
- Opening Photos
- Tapping Albums
- Scrolling to Media Types > Screenshots
From here, you can delete, favorite, or organize them just like any other photo.
🔁 Taking a Scrolling Screenshot (Full-Page Capture)
Want to capture an entire webpage, email, or chat that doesn’t fit on one screen? You can take a scrolling screenshot, also called a full-page capture.
Works in:
- Safari
- Notes
- Messages (partially)
📍 How to Do It:
- Take a screenshot using the usual method.
- Tap the preview thumbnail.
- Tap Full Page at the top (if available).
- Use the slider to scroll through the captured content.
- Tap Done to save as a PDF (saved in the Files app).
📌 Note: Full-page screenshots cannot be saved as images, only PDFs.
💡 Extra Ways to Take Screenshots
You don’t have to rely solely on button combinations. Apple gives you additional ways to capture your screen, especially helpful if buttons aren’t working.
🧷 AssistiveTouch (On-Screen Button)
AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature that lets you add a virtual Home button to your screen.
📍 How to Enable:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle AssistiveTouch ON.
- Tap Customize Top Level Menu.
- Tap an icon to change it, then select Screenshot.
Now, just tap the AssistiveTouch button and tap Screenshot anytime.
✅ Great for users with limited dexterity or faulty buttons.
📲 Back Tap Feature
You can also take screenshots by simply tapping the back of your phone (on supported models).
📍 To Set It Up:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select Screenshot from the list.
Now, just tap the back of your iPhone two or three times, and a screenshot will be taken automatically!
💡 This works best when holding your phone without a thick case.
🎮 Can You Take Screenshots During Games?
Absolutely. Whether you’re gaming in Apple Arcade or using Game Center apps, screenshots work just the same.
For pro gamers:
- Use Back Tap to avoid disrupting gameplay
- Use Screen Recording for longer moments, then extract images later
📂 How to Share Screenshots Instantly
After taking a screenshot, press and hold the preview thumbnail. A share sheet appears with options to send it via:
- Messages
- AirDrop
- WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.
You can also copy it directly to paste in Notes or other apps.
🧹 How to Delete Screenshots You No Longer Need
Screenshots can pile up quickly and eat into your storage. Here’s how to clean up:
📍 To Delete Individually:
- Open Photos > Screenshots.
- Tap the screenshot, then tap the trash icon.
📍 To Delete in Bulk:
- Open Photos > Screenshots.
- Tap Select (top-right).
- Choose multiple images.
- Tap the trash icon to delete.
Deleted screenshots go to the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days before permanent removal.
📦 How to Organize Screenshots
Organize them for better access:
- Create albums for different topics (e.g., Work, Travel, Memes)
- Use the Favorites feature for important ones
- Tag screenshots using the iOS Notes feature
You can even use Spotlight Search by typing terms like “screenshot” or visible text (thanks to Live Text).
🔒 Are Screenshots Private?
Yes. Screenshots are stored locally and not shared unless you choose to send or upload them.
However, apps that include private information (banking, messages, etc.) may warn or block screenshots for privacy reasons.
🤔 Can You Screenshot Snapchat, Instagram, or Other Apps?
Yes, but Snapchat and some banking apps notify the other user if you take a screenshot. Instagram doesn’t notify for standard posts or stories, but always be respectful of privacy.
📋 Summary Table: Screenshot Methods by iPhone Model
| iPhone Type | Buttons to Press | Assistive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Face ID models | Side + Volume Up | AssistiveTouch, Back Tap |
| Home Button models | Home + Side/Top button | AssistiveTouch, Back Tap |
| No buttons working | Use AssistiveTouch or Back Tap | Yes |
| Scrolling content | Screenshot > Preview > Full Page (PDF) | Works in Safari, Mail |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are screenshots saved?
A: In the Photos app under Albums > Screenshots.
Q: Can I change the file format?
A: Not natively. iPhone screenshots save as PNG files. To convert, export via a third-party app or Mac.
Q: Why can’t I take a screenshot?
A: Possible reasons:
- Buttons are broken (use AssistiveTouch)
- Low storage
- App restrictions (e.g., secure content)
Q: Can I take screenshots with Siri?
A: Currently, Siri doesn’t support taking screenshots. Use button shortcuts or accessibility options.
Q: Are screenshots backed up to iCloud?
A: Yes, if Photos is enabled in iCloud settings.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Capture What Matters, Instantly
Taking a screenshot on your iPhone is more than just snapping a photo of your screen—it’s a way to save memories, share information, document moments, and make life more efficient.
Whether you’re capturing a confirmation number, saving a heartfelt message, or just snapping a funny meme, your iPhone gives you multiple ways to do it—fast, easy, and flexible.
Now that you know how to take, edit, and manage screenshots like a pro, you’ll never miss a moment worth saving.
Would you like a step-by-step visual version of this guide or a one-page printable cheat sheet?