If you need to save a message, capture a receipt, document an error, or share something quickly, knowing how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone is essential. While the process is simple, the exact button combination depends on your model.
This guide explains how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone step by step, no matter which model you are using, and shows you alternative methods if physical buttons are difficult to press.
1. How to Take a Screenshot on an Apple Phone With Face ID
If your Apple phone does not have a Home button, it uses Face ID. The button combination for how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone with Face ID is slightly different from older models.
Press the Side Button and Volume Up
Hold your phone normally.
Quickly press the Side button and the Volume Up button at the same time. Do not hold them for too long, or you may activate other features such as power options.
Release Quickly
Immediately release both buttons after pressing them.
If done correctly, the screen will flash briefly, and you will hear a camera shutter sound if your sound is on. This confirms that the screenshot has been captured.
Locate the Screenshot Preview
A small preview thumbnail appears in the lower corner of the screen.
You can tap this preview to:
- Crop the screenshot
- Add annotations or drawings
- Share it instantly
If you ignore the preview, the screenshot automatically saves to the Photos app under the Screenshots album.
2. How to Take a Screenshot on an Apple Phone With a Home Button
If your device has a physical Home button, the screenshot method uses a different combination.
Press the Side (or Top) Button and Home Button
On most models, press the Side button and the Home button at the same time. On older models with a top power button, press the Top button and the Home button together.
Release Both Buttons
Release both buttons immediately after pressing. The screen will flash briefly, indicating that the screenshot has been successfully taken.
Find the Screenshot in Photos
Open the Photos app and go to the Screenshots album under Media Types. From there, you can edit, crop, share, or delete the image as needed.
Understanding how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone with both Face ID and Home button models ensures you can capture your screen regardless of which device you are using.
>>> Read more: How to Compress a Video on iPhone 2026: Easy Ways to Reduce File Size Without Losing Quality
3. How to Take a Screenshot Without Using Buttons
If your physical buttons are difficult to press or not functioning properly, you can still learn how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone using built-in accessibility features. These methods do not require pressing hardware buttons at all.
Use AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch creates a virtual on-screen button that can perform various actions, including screenshots.
To enable it:
- Open Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Touch
- Tap AssistiveTouch and turn it on
A floating button will appear on your screen.
To take a screenshot:
- Tap the AssistiveTouch button
- Select Device
- Tap More
- Choose Screenshot
The screen will flash, and the image will save automatically to Photos.
Enable Back Tap Feature
Back Tap allows you to trigger actions by tapping the back of your phone.
To set it up:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Touch
- Tap Back Tap
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap
- Assign Screenshot as the action
After enabling it, simply tap the back of your phone two or three times to capture the screen.
Use Voice Control (If Enabled)
If Voice Control is active, you can say: “Take a screenshot.” Your Apple phone will immediately capture the display without requiring any button presses.
These alternative methods are helpful if you want hands-free access or need a workaround for damaged buttons.
4. How to Take a Full-Page Screenshot on an Apple Phone
Standard screenshots capture only what is visible on the screen. However, Safari allows you to capture an entire webpage as a single document.
Capture a Screenshot in Safari
Open Safari and navigate to the webpage you want to save. Use the standard screenshot method for your device.
Tap Full Page Option
After capturing the screenshot, tap the preview thumbnail that appears. At the top of the screen, select Full Page instead of Screen. This option appears only in supported apps like Safari.
Save as PDF
Tap Done, then choose Save PDF to Files. The entire webpage will be saved as a PDF document rather than an image. Understanding how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone includes knowing when to use full-page capture for documents, receipts, or long web content.
Conclusion
Learning how to take a screenshot on an Apple phone ensures you can quickly capture information whenever needed. Whether you use button combinations, accessibility features, or full-page capture in Safari, the process is simple once you know the correct method for your device.
With these options available, you can save, edit, and share screen content efficiently across any Apple phone model.
FAQs
Why won’t my screenshot work?
If screenshots fail, check whether your buttons are functioning properly or try AssistiveTouch as an alternative method.
Where are screenshots saved?
Screenshots are saved in the Photos app, inside the Screenshots album under Media Types.
Can I edit a screenshot immediately after taking it?
Yes. Tap the preview thumbnail that appears to crop, annotate, or share instantly.
Does taking screenshots notify others?
No. Taking a screenshot on an Apple phone does not notify other users in most apps, although some secure apps may restrict screenshot functionality.
How to screen record on iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 12?
If you’re wondering how to screen record on iPhone 13, how to screen record on iPhone 14, or how to screen record on iPhone 12, the steps are identical. Go to Settings > Control Center and add Screen Recording. Then swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models), tap the record button, and start capturing your screen.
How to screenshot on iPhone SE?
If you’re searching for how to screenshot on iPhone SE, simply press the Side button + Home button at the same time (for SE models with a Home button). For newer SE versions, the method remains the same. The screenshot will automatically save to your Photos app.
How do you screenshot on iPhone 11?
For those asking, how do you screenshot on iPhone 11, press the Side button + Volume Up button simultaneously, then quickly release. The screen will flash, and the image will be saved to your Photos app, where you can edit or share it immediately.
