How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone With or Without Buttons
Image: Digiopedia/Illustration
Taking a screenshot on your iPhone is an easy way to save important information, capture conversations, or share what's on your screen. Whether you prefer using the physical buttons or need an alternative, iPhone offers multiple ways to take a screenshot.
Method 1: Take a Screenshot Using Buttons
The button combination depends on your iPhone model.
iPhone with Face ID
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Side button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
- Quickly release both buttons.
iPhone with a Home Button
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Home button and the Side button (or the Top button on older models) together.
- Release both buttons.
A thumbnail will appear in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Tap it to edit or share the screenshot, or swipe it away to save it automatically.
Method 2: Take a Screenshot Without Using Buttons
If your iPhone's buttons aren't working or you prefer touch controls, try one of these methods.
Use AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch adds a floating on-screen button that can perform actions like taking screenshots.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Turn on AssistiveTouch.
- Open the AssistiveTouch menu and tap Screenshot.
You can also customize a single tap, double tap, or long press to take a screenshot instantly.
Use Back Tap
If you have an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 14 or newer, you can use Back Tap.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Select Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Choose Screenshot.
Now, tap the back of your iPhone two or three times to capture the screen.
Where Are Screenshots Saved?
All screenshots are automatically saved in the Photos app.
Open Photos > Albums > Screenshots to view them, or check the Recents album.
Why Can't I Take a Screenshot?
If screenshots aren't working, try these solutions:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Update to the latest version of iOS.
- Make sure the required buttons are working properly.
- Check that your iPhone has enough available storage.
- Some apps, such as banking apps or apps displaying protected content, may prevent screenshots for security reasons.
Final Thoughts
The quickest way to take a screenshot on an iPhone is by using the built-in button shortcut. If you can't use the buttons, AssistiveTouch and Back Tap provide reliable alternatives. Once captured, your screenshots are automatically saved in the Photos app, where you can edit, share, or delete them whenever needed.
