Key points - The button combination varies by model: Face ID uses side button + volume up, Touch ID uses home button + side button - AssistiveTouch lets you take screenshots without any physical button - iOS lets you edit and annotate the screenshot immediately after taking it - The average user takes 12 screenshots a day, according to Apple UX Research (2025)
In this article
- How to Take a Screenshot with Buttons
- iPhone with Face ID (12, 13, 14, 15, 16):
- iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 8, 7, 6s):
- How to Take a Screenshot without Buttons (AssistiveTouch)
- AssistiveTouch shortcut:
- How to Take a Screenshot with Back Tap
- How to Take an Unobtrusive Screenshot
- Edit the Screenshot Immediately
- Save or discard:
- Methods Comparison
- Common Issues
- The screenshot isn’t saved
- The side button activates Siri instead of capturing
- The screen flashes but no screenshot is taken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are iPhone screenshots stored?
- How much space does a screenshot occupy?
- Can you capture an entire web page?
- Do screenshots contain location metadata?
- Conclusion
How to Take a Screenshot with Buttons
The method varies by iPhone model:
iPhone with Face ID (12, 13, 14, 15, 16):
- Press simultaneously the side button (right) and the volume‑up button
- Release immediately
- The screen flashes white and you hear the shutter
- A thumbnail appears in the lower‑left corner
iPhone with Touch ID (SE, 8, 7, 6s):
- Press simultaneously the home button (front) and the side button (or top on SE)
- Release immediately
- The screen flashes
Correct timing: Both buttons must be pressed exactly at the same moment. Holding the side button too long activates Siri. Holding the volume button puts the iPhone into volume‑adjustment mode.
How to Take a Screenshot without Buttons (AssistiveTouch)
If the buttons don’t work or you prefer not to use them:
- Enable AssistiveTouch: Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch
- A floating floating button on the screen
- Tap the floating button → "Screenshot"
- If it doesn’t appear, configure: Customise top menu → Add "Screenshot"
AssistiveTouch shortcut:
- Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch
- Enable "Top-level menu" and customise the icons
- Place "Screenshot" as the first icon for direct access
How to Take a Screenshot with Back Tap
iOS 14+ allows screenshots by tapping the back of the iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap
- Select "Double‑tap" or "Triple‑tap"
- Choose "Screenshot" in the actions list
- Now, tap the back of the iPhone to capture
Back Tap works via the iPhone’s accelerometer. It requires no special sensors and works even with thin cases.
How to Take an Unobtrusive Screenshot
iOS has no official “invisible” screenshot method, but there are alternatives:
- AssistiveTouch does not show any additional visual indicator
- Back Tap is the most discreet method
- The app Notes can scan documents without flash
Important: Some apps block screenshots for security (banks, streaming). iOS respects this restriction and displays a black screen.
Edit the Screenshot Immediately
After taking the screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the lower‑left corner. Tap it to edit:
- Crop: Drag the corners to select the area
- Draw: Use the pencil, marker and colour‑pencil tools
- Zoom: Drag the eyedropper circle over the area
- Add text: Tap the T+ icon and type
- Sign: Add a saved signature
- Share: Tap the share icon to send
Save or discard:
- OK: Saves the edit in Photos
- Share: Sends directly to another app
- Swipe left: Discards the edit and saves the original screenshot
- Swipe off the screen: Discards the screenshot without saving
Methods Comparison
| Method | Buttons | Fast | Discrete | No buttons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical buttons | Yes | ⚡ | No | No |
| AssistiveTouch | No | ???? | Yes | Yes |
| Back Tap | No | ???? | Very | Yes |
| Siri | No | ???? | No | Yes |
Common Issues
The screenshot isn’t saved
- Check the iPhone’s free storage
- Settings → Photos → "Transfer to Mac or PC": make sure it isn’t set to "HEIF"
- If Photos is open, close it and try again
The side button activates Siri instead of capturing
You’re holding the side button too long. The capture should be a quick, simultaneous press with the other button. Press and release in under one second.
The screen flashes but no screenshot is taken
It may be a conflict with apps that block screenshots. Close all apps and try again from the home screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are iPhone screenshots stored?
In the Photos, in the “Screenshots” album. iOS has automatically organised them in this album since iOS 13.
How much space does a screenshot occupy?
A screenshot on an iPhone 15 or 16 takes between 1 MB and 5 MB, depending on screen content. Full‑page web captures are larger.
Can you capture an entire web page?
Yes. After taking a normal screenshot, tap the thumbnail and in the top‑right corner you’ll see “Full page”. iOS captures the entire web‑page content, not just the visible portion.
Do screenshots contain location metadata?
It depends on the setting. Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Photos → “Never”. This ensures screenshots do not include GPS location.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on iPhone is straightforward once you know the correct combination for your model. If the buttons don’t work, AssistiveTouch or Back Tap are complete, free alternatives. At iOutlet, all our refurbished iPhones have verified buttons and sensors so every function works from day one.
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