Taking a screenshot on an iPhone is fast once you know the right button combo, and on the latest iOS it is even easier to crop, mark up, and share right away. This updated guide focuses on modern iPhones running the latest iOS, with a dedicated section for older models like the iPhone 7.
In short: how to take a screenshot on iPhone
Most modern iPhones (Face ID): Quickly press and release the side button and the volume up button at the same time.
iPhones with a Home button (Touch ID): Quickly press and release the side button and the Home button at the same time.
On the latest iOS, your screenshot typically opens in a full preview of your iPhone screen where you can crop, mark up, share, save to your photo library, or delete immediately.
How to screenshot on modern iPhones with Face ID
- Go to the screen you want to capture.
- Quickly press and release the side button and the volume up button at the same time.
- Your screenshot will open in a preview where you can edit, share, or save it.
How to screenshot on iPhones with a Home button (Touch ID)
If your iPhone has a physical Home button, use this combo instead.
- Go to the screen you want to capture.
- Quickly press and release the side button and the Home button at the same time.
- Use the preview to crop, mark up, share, save, or delete.
What to do after you take a screenshot
On the latest iOS, screenshots commonly open in a full-screen preview so you can finish the job immediately.
- Crop: Drag the handles to keep only what you need.
- Mark up: Use the drawing tools to highlight, blur, or annotate.
- Share: Tap Share to send it to Messages, Mail, Notes, or another app.
- Save: Tap Done or Save options to keep it in Photos or Files (depending on what you choose).
- Delete: Close the preview and delete if you captured something sensitive by mistake.
How to take a full-page screenshot (and save it as a PDF)
This is ideal for capturing an entire webpage in Safari or content that extends beyond one screen.
- Take a screenshot using the normal button combo for your iPhone.
- In the preview, tap Full Page.
- Scroll the preview to confirm it captured everything you need.
- To save it, choose one of the following:
- Save to Photos (as an image), or
- Save PDF to Files (best for sharing and printing)
Other ways to take a screenshot (no button combo required)
Option 1: Use Siri
Say: “Hey Siri, take a screenshot.” This is one of the easiest hands-free methods.
Option 2: Use Back Tap (supported iPhones only)
If your iPhone supports Back Tap, you can assign a double-tap or triple-tap on the back of your phone to take a screenshot.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select Screenshot.
Note: If you do not see Back Tap, your iPhone model may not support it. If you have the option to enable Back Tap, this is how you do it!
Option 3: Use AssistiveTouch (best for one-handed screenshots)
AssistiveTouch puts screenshot controls on-screen, which is helpful if your buttons are unreliable or you want to screenshot with one hand.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Turn AssistiveTouch on.
- In AssistiveTouch settings, customize the top-level menu (or a single-tap action) to include Screenshot.
- Tap the on-screen AssistiveTouch button, then tap Screenshot.
Change screenshot settings on the latest iOS
If you prefer a small thumbnail preview instead of a full-screen preview, or you want to change capture formats, you can adjust screen capture settings.
Show screenshot previews as thumbnails
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General, then tap Screen Capture.
- Turn off Full-Screen Previews to switch back to a thumbnail-style preview.
Choose SDR or HDR format
In Settings > General > Screen Capture, you may be able to choose:
- SDR (typically PNG screenshots, more universally compatible)
- HDR (typically HEIC screenshots, higher brightness and color on HDR displays)
Where screenshots are saved
Most screenshots save to the Photos app by default.
- Open Photos and look for Screenshots under Collections or Media Types (newer iOS versions).
- On older iOS versions, you can usually find them in Photos > Albums > Screenshots.
Troubleshooting: if screenshots are not working
- The buttons are not responding: Use AssistiveTouch or Siri.
- You get a black screen in certain apps: Some apps block screenshots to protect copyrighted or sensitive content.
- You cannot find your screenshot: Check Photos, then search for “Screenshots,” and confirm your storage is not full.
- You want quieter screenshots: The shutter sound depends on your iPhone’s sound settings and region rules, but the capture still works either way.
Older phones: how to screenshot on iPhone 7 (and similar models)
If you are using an older iPhone like the iPhone 7, the screenshot method is still straightforward.
- Go to the screen you want to capture.
- Press the side button and the Home button at the same time, then quickly release.
- Use the preview (or thumbnail, depending on your iOS version) to edit or share.
Tip: If your Home button is failing, turn on AssistiveTouch and add Screenshot to the AssistiveTouch menu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to take a screenshot on a modern iPhone?
On iPhones with Face ID, quickly press and release the side button and volume up button at the same time. If you take a lot of screenshots, Back Tap or Siri can be even faster once set up.
Why does my screenshot open full screen now?
On the latest iOS, screenshots can open in a full-screen preview so you can crop, mark up, and share immediately. If you prefer the old thumbnail preview, you can switch it in Settings under General, then Screen Capture.
How do I switch back to the thumbnail preview?
Go to Settings, tap General, tap Screen Capture, then turn off Full-Screen Previews. After that, your screenshots should appear as a temporary thumbnail preview instead.
How do I take a screenshot without using any buttons?
Use Siri and say, “Take a screenshot,” or enable AssistiveTouch and add Screenshot to the on-screen menu. These methods are also useful if your side button or Home button is unreliable.
How do I take a full-page screenshot on iPhone?
Take a normal screenshot first, then choose Full Page in the preview. You can save it to Photos as an image or save it as a PDF to Files, which is usually better for sharing or printing.
Where do iPhone screenshots go in Photos?
They are saved to Photos by default. On newer iOS versions, look for Screenshots under Collections or Media Types. On older versions, check Albums, then Screenshots.
Why can’t I screenshot Netflix or some other apps?
Some apps block screenshots to protect copyrighted or sensitive content. In those cases, your iPhone may capture a blank or black frame, or it may block the capture entirely.
Does Back Tap work on iPhone 7?
No. Back Tap requires a newer iPhone model. If you are on an iPhone 7, use the side button plus Home button combo, AssistiveTouch, or Siri instead.
How do I screenshot on iPhone 7 or 7 Plus?
Quickly press and release the side button and the Home button at the same time. If the Home button is not working well, AssistiveTouch is the most reliable workaround.
Can I change the screenshot file format?
On the latest iOS, you may be able to choose SDR or HDR capture under Settings, then General, then Screen Capture. SDR is generally the most compatible format, while HDR can preserve more brightness and color on supported displays.
Conclusion
For most modern iPhones, screenshots come down to one quick button combo, and the latest iOS makes it easier to crop, mark up, and share immediately. If you are on an older model like the iPhone 7, the side button plus Home button method still works reliably, and AssistiveTouch can save you when buttons start to fail.
Related: