How to take a screenshot on iPhone: all models (2026)

Key points

• On iPhone models with Face ID, press the side button and the volume up button at the same time. On models with Touch ID, press the Home button together with the side button or the top button.
• Without buttons, you can take a screenshot using AssistiveTouch, Back Tap or Siri.
• In iOS 26, the screenshot opens full-screen with tools for drawing, cropping, sharing and saving.
• Screenshots are saved in the Photos app, under Collections > Media Types > Screenshots.

In this article

1. How to take a screenshot using the buttons
2. iPhone with Face ID
3. iPhone with Touch ID and side button
4. iPhone with Touch ID and top button
5. What happens after the capture
6. Edit the screenshot
7. How to take a screenshot without buttons
8. With AssistiveTouch
9. With Back Tap
10. With Siri
11. Comparison of methods
12. Common issues
13. The capture does not appear in the photo library
14. The side button activates Siri instead of taking the capture
15. The sliders to power off appear
16. The buttons do not work
17. Frequently asked questions
18. Where are screenshots saved on iPhone?
19. What format is the screenshot saved in?
20. Can I capture an entire web page?
21. How do I record the screen instead of taking a screenshot?
22. Conclusion

How to take a screenshot using the buttons

The button combination depends on the iPhone model:

iPhone with Face ID

1. Press and hold the side button and the volume up button at the same time.
2. Release both buttons immediately.

iPhone with Touch ID and side button

This applies to iPhone 6, 7, 8 and iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.

1. Press and hold the side button and the Home button at the same time.
2. Release both buttons immediately.

iPhone with Touch ID and top button

This applies to iPhone SE 1st generation.

1. Press the top button and the Home button at the same time.
2. Release both buttons immediately.

Press and release quickly. On an iPhone with Face ID, if you hold the side button you activate Siri. If you hold the side button and a volume button, the sliders to turn off the iPhone appear.

What happens after the capture

It depends on the iOS version:

• iOS 26: the capture opens full screen with quick tools. You can draw on the image with Markup, crop it, share it to other apps or contacts, or tap "Save" to choose where to save it.
• iOS 18 and earlier: a thumbnail temporarily appears in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Tap it to open.

If you prefer the thumbnail, go to Settings > General > Screenshots and turn off "Full Screen Previews". Screenshots with the thumbnail are saved automatically.

Edit the screenshot

• Crop: drag the handles.
• Full Page: tap "Full Page" to capture content that extends beyond the screen, for example an entire web page in Safari. Drag your finger on the preview on the right to see the rest.
• Note: with the markup tools you can add text, shapes and stickers.
• Share: send the screenshot to other apps or contacts.
• Save: with the full-screen preview, swipe up or tap "Save" and choose an option.

How to take a screenshot without buttons

Instead of the buttons, Apple suggests three alternatives: AssistiveTouch, Back Tap and Siri.

With AssistiveTouch

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn on AssistiveTouch. The AssistiveTouch menu button appears on the screen.
2. On the same screen, customise the main menu: tap an icon and choose screenshot as the action. The menu can have up to eight icons.
3. To take the screenshot, tap the AssistiveTouch menu button and then that icon.

To go faster, assign screenshot to "Double Tap" or "Long Press" on the menu button. To move the button, drag it.

With Back Tap

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
2. Select "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap".
3. Choose screenshot as the action.
4. To take the screenshot, double-tap or triple-tap the back of the iPhone.

To turn it off, return to the same menu, select "Double Tap" or "Triple Tap" and choose "None".

With Siri

Activate Siri and ask it to take a screenshot. On an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold the side button. On an iPhone with a Home button, press and hold the Home button. You can also say "Siri" or "Hey Siri" if you have that option enabled. Siri requires an internet connection.

Comparison of methods

Common issues

The capture does not appear in the photo library

With the full-screen preview, save the capture before closing it: swipe up or tap "Save" and choose an option. Captures with a thumbnail are saved automatically.

The side button activates Siri instead of taking the capture

You are holding the side button down. Press both buttons at the same time and release them straight away.

The sliders to power off appear

You held down the side button and the volume button. Press and release them straight away, without holding them.

The buttons do not work

Use AssistiveTouch or Back Tap. To repair the buttons, contact Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider.

Frequently asked questions

Where are screenshots saved on iPhone?

In the Photos app. Tap "Albums", scroll down to "Media Types" and tap "Screenshots".

What format is the screenshot saved in?

You choose in Settings > General > Screenshot. In SDR, screenshots are saved as PNG. In HDR, they are saved as HEIF and you need an HDR display to view the full quality.

Can I capture an entire web page?

Yes. After taking the screenshot, tap "Full Page". In Safari, this captures the entire web page, not just the visible portion. To save only a section, crop it using the handles.

How do I record the screen instead of taking a screenshot?

Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Centre and tap the "Screen Recording" control. If you don't see it, add it to Control Centre. Recording begins after 3 seconds. Recordings are saved in the Photos app, under Albums > Media Types > Screen Recordings.

Conclusion

With Face ID, you use the side button and the volume up button. With Touch ID, the Home button and the side button or the top button. If a button fails, AssistiveTouch and Back Tap capture the screen without buttons. If you are thinking of switching iPhone, iOutlet refurbished models come with 24 months warranty.

Refurbished iPhones

Diagnostic tools

Still makes calls?See if it still makes and receives calls on today's networks.

Get more articles like this one.

Refurbished tech analysis + €5 with BEMVINDO5 on your first order. Valid on your first order of €50 or more.

Subscribe