How to Take a Screenshot on Your iPhone
By Joe ·
A screenshot is a photo of your phone screen, exactly what you can see on it at that moment. It’s saved to your Photos app, just like any other photo, and you can share it, send it, or keep it for your own reference.
People use screenshots more than you might expect: to remember a bus timetable, save a recipe, keep a copy of a confirmation message, or show someone what they’re seeing on their phone. Once you know how, it takes about a second.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Modern iPhone
Most iPhones made in the last few years don’t have a circular Home button at the bottom. If yours has a rectangular screen that goes right to the edges and a button on the right side, this is your method.
To take a screenshot:
- Hold your phone so you can see what you want to capture on screen.
- Press the Side button (on the right edge of the phone) and the Volume Up button (on the left edge) at the same time.
- Press both buttons together briefly and let go quickly, you don’t need to hold them.
- The screen will flash white and you’ll hear a camera shutter sound (if your sound is on).
- A small preview of the screenshot appears in the bottom left corner for a few seconds. You can tap it to view or edit it straight away, or just leave it and it will save automatically.
That’s it. If you keep pressing the buttons too long, your phone may bring up the power-off slider instead. Try pressing more briefly.
Older iPhones, With a Home Button
If your iPhone has a round Home button at the bottom of the screen, the method is slightly different.
To take a screenshot:
- Press the Side button (or Top button, depending on the model) and the Home button at the same time.
- Press briefly and let go.
- The same white flash and shutter sound will confirm it worked.
The Home button is the round button below the screen. On older iPhones it may have a fingerprint sensor built into it.
Where Are My Screenshots Saved?
Your screenshot goes straight into the Photos app. Open Photos and look in:
- Recents, it will be the newest photo at the end of your camera roll
- Albums > Screenshots, Apple automatically creates a Screenshots album. All your screenshots live here, separate from your other photos.
If you can’t find it, go to Photos, tap Albums at the bottom, and scroll down to find the Screenshots album.
How to Share a Screenshot
Once you’ve found your screenshot in Photos:
- Tap the screenshot to open it.
- Tap the Share button, it looks like a square with an arrow pointing upwards, and it’s in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Choose how you’d like to share it: by message, WhatsApp, email, or any other app.
If you want to send it to someone specific, the quickest way is often to tap Messages or WhatsApp from the share menu, then choose the person.
A Useful Habit: Screenshots as Reminders
Screenshots are excellent for remembering things you might otherwise lose. Here are a few situations where taking a screenshot comes in handy:
- A map or directions before you leave the house (so you can check it without data)
- A recipe you’ve found online
- Booking confirmation details
- Instructions you’ve been given in a message
- A phone number or address that doesn’t have a save button
Rather than trying to remember it or write it down, take a screenshot and it will be waiting in your Photos when you need it.
If you’d like to practise taking screenshots, or any other iPhone basics, that’s something we cover in our one-to-one sessions across Hebden Bridge and the Calder Valley. Get in touch and we’ll arrange something at a time that suits you.