You know that moment when you see something on your iPhone screen that you need to save? Maybe it's a funny text conversation, an important confirmation number, or directions you'll need later. Screenshots are one of those iPhone features you use all the time once you know how—but the method actually varies depending on which iPhone you have.
I've been using iPhones for over a decade, and I still occasionally see people struggling with screenshots in coffee shops or asking friends how to do it. The confusion makes sense because Apple changed the method when they removed the Home button. What worked on your old iPhone might not work on your new one.
This guide covers every iPhone model currently in use, from the latest iPhone 16 down to older models people are still rocking. I'll walk through each method step-by-step, share some tricks I've learned along the way, and cover common issues that pop up.
iPhones Without a Home Button
If your iPhone has a notch or Dynamic Island at the top and no physical Home button at the bottom, you're in this category. This includes iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models.
- Navigate to whatever you want to capture on your screen.
- Press the Side button (right side) and the Volume Up button (left side) at the exact same time.
- Press both buttons quickly and release them immediately.
Pro Tip: The Quick Press
The most common mistake people make is holding the buttons down too long. If you hold them, you'll trigger the power-off / emergency SOS screen instead of taking a screenshot. Think of it as a quick click, like taking a photo with a regular camera.
If done correctly, the screen will flash white momentarily, and you'll hear a camera shutter sound (if your volume is up). A small thumbnail of the screenshot will appear in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
iPhones With a Home Button
If you're using an iPhone SE (any generation), iPhone 8, iPhone 7, or older models that have the circular Home button below the screen, the process is slightly different.
- Get the screen ready with whatever you want to capture.
- Press the Home button (circular button) and the Side button (power button) at the same time.
- Note for iPhone 5s/SE 1st Gen: Use the Top button instead of the Side button.
- Press both quickly and release. Do not hold them down.
You'll see the same white flash and hear the shutter sound confirming the capture.
Where Do Screenshots Go?
Once you've taken a screenshot, you have a few options based on that little thumbnail that appears in the corner.
- Do Nothing: If you ignore the thumbnail, it will slide off-screen after a few seconds. The screenshot is automatically saved to your Photos app. You can find it in your "Recents" album or in the dedicated "Screenshots" album under the "Media Types" section in Photos.
- Tap the Thumbnail: Tapping the thumbnail opens an instant editor. Here you can crop the image, draw on it with markup tools, add text, or add a signature. When you're done, tap "Done" in the top corner to save it to Photos or Files, or delete it if you messed up.
- Press and Hold the Thumbnail: This brings up the share sheet immediately. It's the fastest way to text or email a screenshot to someone without saving it to your camera roll first. After sharing, you can choose to delete it to keep your Photos app uncluttered.
Advanced Screenshot Tricks
Taking a "Full Page" Screenshot
This is a game-changer for saving web articles or long documents. If you're viewing a webpage in Safari (or some other supported apps like Notes or PDFs), take a screenshot as usual. Tap the thumbnail that appears. At the top of the edit screen, you'll see two tabs: "Screen" and "Full Page."
Tap "Full Page," and your iPhone will capture the entire lengthy webpage, not just what was visible on the screen. You can scroll through it and then save it as a PDF to your Files app.
Using "Back Tap" for Easier Screenshots
If you find pressing two buttons simultaneously awkward—or if you have mobility issues—there's a hidden feature that makes this much easier.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on Back Tap.
- Choose either "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap."
- From the list of actions, select Screenshot.
Now, you can simply tap the back of your iPhone twice (or three times) with your finger to take a screenshot. It works surprisingly well, even through most cases.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn't It Working?
If you press the buttons and nothing happens, check these common culprits:
- Timing is off: You really do need to press them precisely at the same time. It might take a little practice.
- Buttons are stuck: If your iPhone is older or dirty, the physical buttons might not be clicking properly. Try cleaning around them or removing a restrictive case.
- Software glitch: Occasionally, iOS just hiccups. A simple restart of your iPhone often fixes mysterious issues like this.
The Ethics of Screenshots
Just a quick final note. Screenshots let you capture and save content from apps that normally don't allow downloads or saving. This is powerful but comes with responsibility.
Don't screenshot and share private conversations without permission, other people's personal information, or content shared in confidence. I have a personal rule: if I wouldn't want someone screenshotting and sharing a conversation with me, I don't screenshot conversations with them.
Wrapping Up
Taking screenshots on iPhone is simple once you know which buttons to press for your specific model. Side + Volume Up for newer iPhones without a Home button. Home + Top/Side button for older iPhones. Quick press and release, not holding.
The feature becomes second nature after you use it a few times. If the button method isn't working for you, remember the Back Tap option in accessibility settings. Go forth and capture your screen with confidence.