Do you find yourself struggling to capture screenshots on your iOS device? Today, we’ll guide you on how to take screenshots in iOS and save all your favorite moments, tips, or tutorials on your iPhone and iPad with a simple push of a button!
A picture paints a thousand words, as they say, and when it comes to expressing something quickly and visually, nothing beats a screenshot. This article will give you the ins and outs of how to take screenshots in iOS, effectively capturing and saving that all-important information on your screen.
Why You Should Know How to Take Screenshots in iOS
There are myriad reasons you might want to know how to take screenshots in iOS. Maybe you’re looking to save that recipe you found online, keep evidence of an online conversation, or even troubleshoot issues with your device. Understanding how to take a screenshot can be an incredibly useful skill in the digital world.
Preserving Important Information
We live in an age of fleeting digital moments. A screenshot can serve as a timely record, a way to preserve what was on your device’s screen at a particular moment.
Easy Sharing
Screenshots are a simple and convenient way to share what you’re viewing on your device with others. Whether it’s a snippet of a website, a frame from a video, or a technical problem, a screenshot can communicate it easily and effectively.
Exploring the Basics: How to Take Screenshots in iOS
Getting to the heart of the matter, let’s look into the specifics of how to take screenshots in iOS. Apple has made the process fairly straightforward, but the method can differ slightly depending on your device. Whether you’re taking a screenshot on your iPad or iPhone, the process is going to be similar for all devices.
How to Take Screenshots on iPhone with Face ID
For iPhones without a Home button, like the iPhone X and later models, follow these steps:
- Simultaneously press and quickly release the Side button and the Volume Up button.
- The screenshot will be captured, and a thumbnail of it will appear at the bottom left of your screen.
How to Take Screenshots on iPhone with Touch ID
For iPhones with a Home button, like the iPhone 8 and earlier models, follow these steps:
- Simultaneously press and quickly release the Home button and the Side (or Top) button.
- The screenshot will be captured, and a thumbnail of it will appear at the bottom left of your screen.
How to Take Screenshots on iPad
The process of taking a screenshot on the iPad mirrors that of the iPhone, with slight differences due to the device’s distinct button layout.
- If you have an iPad with a Home button, press the Home button and the Top button simultaneously.
- If you have an iPad Pro with Face ID, press the Top button and the Volume Up button simultaneously.
- In either case, the screenshot will be captured, and a thumbnail of it will appear at the bottom left of your screen.
Post-Screenshot Steps: Editing and Sharing
Once you’ve captured a screenshot, iOS offers several options for editing and sharing the image.
Editing Your Screenshot
Once the screenshot is captured, you’ll see a thumbnail in the bottom left corner of your screen. If you tap on this thumbnail, you’ll be taken to the editing screen. Here you can add annotations, crop the image, and more. When you’re finished editing, just tap “Done” in the upper left corner to save your changes.
Sharing Your Screenshot
To share your screenshot, simply locate it in your Photos app, tap on it to view it, and then tap the Share button in the bottom left corner of the screen. From here, you’ll have the option to send it via Message, Mail, or Airdrop, among others.
Advanced Techniques: Beyond Basic Screenshots in iOS
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to take screenshots in iOS, let’s look at some advanced techniques that offer even more functionality.
Capturing Full-Page Screenshots in Safari
If you want to capture more than just what’s visible on your screen while browsing in Safari, you can take a full-page screenshot.
- Follow the same steps as above to capture a screenshot.
- In the screenshot preview, tap on the thumbnail.
- At the top of the screen, you’ll see two tabs: Screen and Full Page. Tap on “Full Page.”
- You can then save or share the full-page screenshot as a PDF.
Using AssistiveTouch to Capture Screenshots
AssistiveTouch is a handy tool for people who have difficulty pressing buttons or executing gestures. You can also use it to take a screenshot with just a single tap.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
- Tap on Customize Top Level Menu… > ‘+’ sign > Screenshot.
- Now, when you tap the AssistiveTouch button, you’ll see a screenshot option that you can tap to capture a screenshot.
FAQs About Taking Screenshots in iOS
Q: How can I take a screenshot without using the buttons on my device?
A: You can use AssistiveTouch to capture screenshots without using the physical buttons on your device. This feature is particularly useful if you have difficulty executing the button combinations.
Q: Why can’t I take screenshots on my iPhone?
A: If you’re unable to take screenshots, make sure you’re pressing the button combination correctly and quickly. If you’re still having trouble, it might be due to a hardware or software problem. Consider resetting your device or seeking help from Apple Support.
Q: Where do my screenshots go on my iPhone or iPad?
A: Screenshots are automatically saved to your Photos app. You can find them in the Screenshots album or in the Recents album.
Q: Can I edit my screenshot right after taking it?
A: Yes! After you take a screenshot, a thumbnail will appear at the bottom left of your screen. If you tap on this, you’ll be able to edit the screenshot.
Q: How can I take a full-page screenshot in iOS?
A: To take a full-page screenshot, you’ll need to be in the Safari app. After you take a screenshot, tap on the thumbnail in the bottom left corner of your screen and select “Full Page” at the top.
Q: How can I quickly delete a screenshot I just took?
A: If you want to delete a screenshot immediately after taking it, tap the thumbnail that appears, then tap “Done” and select “Delete Screenshot.”
Conclusion
There you have it – your complete guide on how to take screenshots in iOS. Now, with this knowledge in your arsenal, you can capture, edit, and share the important moments that show up on your screen with ease. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to start taking screenshots today!
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
