Alex Ruben
How To Capture a Screenshot on iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Instructions
Capturing a screenshot on an iPhone is often a basic, yet sometimes confusing task — especially when a new model throws in different button arrangements or if buttons aren’t working right. Maybe the volume buttons are finicky, or you just don’t want to press multiple buttons at once. Either way, knowing the official and alternative ways to grab that screen can be a lifesaver. When done correctly, it’s quick, straightforward, and almost always works—if you know where to look. By the end, you’ll have several options to capture stuff on your iPhone, regardless of your source of frustration.
How to Fix and Capture Screenshots on iPhone
Method 1: Using the Physical Buttons (the classic way)
This is the go-to method, the one that’s been around forever. Works on pretty much all iPhones, unless you’ve got some weird hardware issue. The reason it helps is because it directly triggers iOS’s built-in screenshot function — no extras, no fuss. If your side button or volume button is responsive, this should be quick.
- Identify the Side Button (the sleep/wake button on the right side) and the Volume Up Button (on the left side on newer models).
- Tap both buttons at the same time — press, hold for a fraction, then release. On most models, you’ll see a quick flash on the screen, and hear the shutter sound (if your volume isn’t muted).
- Check your Photos app after — your screenshot will pop up in the Albums > Screenshots section.
Pro tip: Sometimes doing this on older iPhones can be tricky if your buttons are sticking or unresponsive. On some setups, the first few tries fail, not because it’s impossible, but maybe the timing isn’t perfect or the buttons aren’t cooperating.
Method 2: Using AssistiveTouch — the accessible approach
If pressing buttons is a pain, or if your hardware isn’t cooperating, AssistiveTouch can be a game-changer. It’s this floating button overlay you can toggle on, which then gives you options for taking a screenshot. No hardware issues involved — just screen taps.
- First, head into Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
- Tap on AssistiveTouch and toggle it ON.
- A floating circular button appears on your screen. Tap it to open the menu.
- In the menu, choose Device, then tap More, and finally tap Screenshot.
This method is especially handy if you’re doing this a lot, or if your hardware buttons are flaky. The floating button can be dragged around, so you can place it where it’s most convenient — like near your thumb or finger.
Method 3: Customizing AssistiveTouch for quick access
Here’s a sneaky little trick — add Screenshot directly as one of the quick actions in AssistiveTouch. Because, honestly, sometimes it feels like the default menu needs a bit of adjusting.
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Tap Customize Top Level Menu.
- Hit the + button to add a new icon if needed.
- From the options, select Screenshots — if it’s not there already.
- Save, then just tap the floating AssistiveTouch icon, and your screenshot shortcut is right there.
This way, no matter what, you can get to a screenshot instantly without any button fuss. Not sure why it works, but on one setup it’s smooth, on another, it takes a tiny bit more fiddling — of course, because Apple can never make it *too* simple, right?
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting Common Issues
- When screenshots seem blurry or too big, try cropping them using the built-in editing tools after capturing.
- If your device’s volume is muted, you won’t hear the shutter sound, but the screenshot still saves.
- Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS — sometimes bugs with screenshot gestures or features get fixed in updates.
- If your physical buttons aren’t working at all, you might need a repair or an accessible method like AssistiveTouch becomes the default.
Wrap-up
Taking a screenshot on your iPhone isn’t complicated once you know the tricks. Either stick with the classic button press — which is fast once you get the hang of it — or lean on assistive features if the hardware’s acting up or you want a more accessible way. Honestly, just playing around a bit with AssistiveTouch can save headaches in the long run, especially on newer, glitchier models.
Most importantly, don’t be surprised if the first few attempts feel a little awkward — this stuff can be a tiny bit finicky until you get the timing right or customize a shortcut that suits your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my screenshots right after taking them?
Yep. When you take a screenshot, a small thumbnail shows up briefly in the lower-left corner. Tap that to enter editing mode — crop, annotate, or doodle before saving.
Where are my screenshots stored?
All screenshots go straight into the Photos app, under the Screenshots album. Easy to find and share from there.
Will this work on older iPhone models?
Mostly, yeah. The button combo method is universal across most models. AssistiveTouch works too, so no matter how old your device is, you should be good as long as iOS supports it.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours trying to figure it out and gives some practical options when hardware acts up. Just remember, sometimes the simplest way isn’t always the fastest — especially with iPhones that have a mind of their own.