iPhones do loads to boost your productivity and make your life a whole lot easier. They’ve got tons of helpful apps and features — including built-in screenshot and screen recording functions. These are perfect if you need to quickly save some important details, snap and share a funny meme with your mate, or remember a complicated step-by-step recipe.
So, lets check out how to take screenshots and screen recordings on your Apple iPhone…
How do you take a screenshot on iPhone?
Taking a screenshot on your iPhone is a piece of cake. Whether it’s an older Apple smartphone or a newer model, you can snap a screenshot in a second. It’ll then show up in the Photos app, letting you view it later, share it with others, or attach it to your files.
Take a screenshot on an iPhone with Face ID
If you’ve got an iPhone with Face ID (without a Home button), here’s what you’ll need to do:
Quickly press and release the side button (on the right) and the volume up button (on the left) at the same time. You’ll then hear a camera shutter sound, just like when you take a photo on your iPhone.
Right after you’ve captured your screenshot, a thumbnail of it will show up in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Tap the thumbnail to look at the screenshot, or swipe left to get rid of it. The screenshot will still be saved in your camera roll in the Photos App either way.
Take a screenshot on an iPhone with Touch ID
If you’ve got an older iPhone with Touch ID (with a Home button), here’s how to take a screenshot:
Quickly press and release the side button (on the right) and the Home button (below your screen) at the same time.
After you hear the camera shutter sound, a thumbnail of the screenshot will pop up in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Tap the thumbnail to view the screenshot, or swipe left to get rid of it.
Take a full-page screenshot on iPhone
Wait, you can take a screenshot that goes beyond the edges of your iPhone’s screen? You sure can. If you want to capture an entire page (like an article) then just follow the steps in the sections above. And it doesn’t matter if it’s an iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID — either will work.
The only difference is that when the thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the bottom left corner of your screen, you’ll need to tap on it. You’ll then see an option called ‘Full Page’, which will show you a screenshot of the whole page. You can then scroll up and down to look at different parts of it.
After selecting that, tap ‘Done’ and you’ll be given two options. You can ‘Save to Photos’ to store the screenshot in your Photos library. Or you can tap on ‘Save PDF to Files’ and then choose a place to save it in the Files App.
Take a screenshot on iPhone with AssistiveTouch
‘AssistiveTouch’ is a handy built-in iPhone function that lets you use certain features quickly. It appears as a small button on your screen that you can freely drag around the edges. Just tap the button and it’ll open a small menu. This’ll then let you access things like the ‘Notification Centre’ and ‘Control Centre’ really fast.
You can also use AssistiveTouch to take a screenshot on your iPhone. This can be useful if one of the outer buttons on your iPhone doesn’t work anymore, or if you’d just prefer not to use them. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Open the Settings App on your iPhone, scroll down, and tap on ‘Accessibility’.
Tap on the ‘Touch’ option under the ‘Physical and Motor’ section.
At the top of the next screen you’ll see ‘AssistiveTouch’. Tap on it and move the slider from ‘Off’ to ‘On’. The AssistiveTouch button will then appear on the right of your screen.
Below the on/off slider in the AssistiveTouch settings menu, you’ll see an option called ‘Customize Top Level Menu’. Tap on that and click on the ‘Custom’ icon.
Scroll down, select ‘Screenshot’, and then tap ‘Done’ on the top right of your screen.
Click on the AssistiveTouch button, and the ‘Screenshot’ icon/option will be there. Tap on it to take a screenshot.
Want to take a screenshot even faster using AssistiveTouch? Follow steps 1-3 above and then do this:
Below the on/off slider in the AssistiveTouch settings menu, you’ll see an option called ‘Double-Tap’ under the ‘Custom Actions’ section. Tap on it.
Scroll down and select the ‘Screenshot’ option.
Now, you’ll be able to take a screenshot by quickly tapping the AssistiveTouch button twice.
How do you screen record on iPhone?
Sometimes, a static screenshot won’t cut the mustard. Capturing a video recording of what you’re doing on your iPhone can be super helpful in certain situations. Like remembering how to do something or helping a friend or work colleague learn a tricky process. You have the power to make a “how-to” video (with audio) right in your pocket. Neat stuff.
Here’s how to do it:
Open the Settings App, scroll down, and tap on ‘Control Centre’. Then click on the the ‘Add’ button (plus icon) right next to where it says ‘Screen Recording’.
Open the Control Centre on your iPhone by dragging down from the top right of your screen.
Tap on the ‘Record’ button (circle within a circle icon) at the bottom. A three-second countdown will then start.
You can also tap and hold this button to turn your microphone on or off (if you want to add a voice-over).
Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to close the Control Centre and record your screen.
When you want to stop recording, open your Control Centre again and tap the ‘Record’ button (it will turn from red to white). Or you can tap the red status bar at the top left of your screen and click ‘Stop’.
Your screen recording will be saved in the Photos App for you to view, edit and share.
Tech tip: There are some apps that might stop you from recording video or audio, like streaming or ticketing apps.
FAQs
Why can't I see the screen recording button?
The screen recording button can be found in your iPhone’s Control Centre. But you’ll have to manually add it to your Control Centre first. To do this, just go to your iPhone’s Settings App and tap on ‘Control Centre’. You’ll then see a list of options, including ‘Screen Recording’. Click the ‘Add’ button (plus icon) right next to it and that will add it to your Control Centre.
Is there a time limit for screen recordings on iPhone?
You can screen record on your iPhone for up to about three hours. But this depends on how much internal storage your mobile has, and the amount of battery life left. The longer the recording, the more space it’ll take up on your iPhone.
If you’re planning on creating a long screen recording, then check how much storage your phone has first. You’ll also want to fully charge your iPhone. Or even better, leave it plugged in while you record.
Can I record my voice while screen recording?
Roger that. You can turn on the microphone by holding down the record button in your iPhone’s Control Centre. You’ll need to make sure you’ve added this to your Control Centre first, so check out the steps for that in the sections above.
Any more questions?
Now that you know how to take screenshots and screen recording on your iPhone, why not learn even more? Here’s how to clear cache and cookies on iPhone if a spring clean is in order. And how to scan documents on iPhone and iPad if you need to digitally sign an important doc.
