How To Take a Screenshot on Your iPhone

How To Take a Screenshot on Your iPhone

iOS phones make it quite easy to take a screenshot, edit it, and share it with friends. Whether you’re using the iPhone 13 Pro Max or an iPhone 8, you can quickly capture what’s on your screen.

You only need to press two buttons simultaneously when taking a screenshot on your iPhone. The difference is the buttons you press depend on which model of iPhone you are using.

Take a Screenshot on an iPhone with Face ID

Here is how to take a screenshot on iPhone 13 and other models with face ID like the iPhone X, iPhone11, and  iPhone 12 series:

  1. Press the Side button and Volume up button at the same time.

    Screenshot on iPhone with Face ID
    (Source: support.apple.com)

  2. Release the Side button and Volume up button at the same time.

Take a Screenshot on an iPhone with Touch ID

To take a screenshot, you will need to use the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons for iPhones with Touch ID. Here is how to take a screenshot on iPhone models with Touch ID like iPhone 6, iPhone 7,  and iPhone 8 series:

  1. Press the Side button and Home button at the same time

    Screenshot on iPhone with Touch ID
    (Source: support.apple.com)

  2. Release the Side button and Home button at the same time.

After taking the screenshots, a preview will appear on the bottom left of your display. You can tap the preview to edit or share the screenshot.

Screenshot Preview
Screenshot Preview

If you wait a few seconds or swipe the preview to the left, it will disappear into your photo library. You can find the screenshots in your “Albums” under “Media Types.”

Take a Screenshot Without Using Buttons

Pressing two buttons simultaneously for a screenshot isn’t easy for everyone. If you feel the same way, it is easier to take a screenshot using the AssistiveTouch feature on iPhones.

AssistiveTouch gives you easier ways to perform specific tasks on your device. If you have difficulty using the screen or the buttons on your phone, you can use the AssistiveTouch icon for everyday tasks. But first, you need to enable AssistiveTouch on your iPhone to take screenshots. Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Go to Settings  on your phone

    Go to Settings
    Go to Settings

  2. Select Accessibility.

    Select Accessibility
    Select Accessibility

  3. Select Touch.

    Select Touch
    Select Touch

  4. Swipe right on AssistiveTouch to turn it on.
    Swipe right on AssistiveTouch
    Swipe right on AssistiveTouch

    5. The AssistiveTouch icon will appear on your screen.

    AssistiveTouch icon menu
    AssistiveTouch icon menu

    Note: You can also use Siri to turn on AssitiveTouch.

AssistiveTouch gives you access to the notification center, Home screen, Control Centre, and Gestures. You can lock your screen, restart your device, adjust volume, or take screenshots with the AssitiveTouch. Here is how to easily take screenshots:

  1. While on AssitiveTouch,  select Single-Tap in the “Custom Actions” section.
    Select Single Tap
    Select Single -Tap

    This will open the menu to customize actions like taking a screenshot using a single tap of the AssistiveTouch icon. This way, you can use the AssitiveTouch icon without opening the menu. You can also customize the Double-Tap or Long-Press actions to take screenshots depending on your preference.

  2. Scroll down and select Screenshot.
    Select Screenshot
    Select Screenshot

    3. Tap the AssistiveTouch icon once.

    AssistiveTouch icon
    (Source: Support.apple.com)

    This customization means tapping the AssistiveTouch icon once automatically takes a screenshot of your screen. The icon won’t be visible in your screenshots. 

Using AssitiveTouch might be one of the easiest ways to take screenshots on your iPhone.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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