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How do I take a screenshot on my phone?

A screenshot is a picture of whatever is on your screen. On most phones you press two buttons at the same time and let go quickly. It’s handy for showing someone a problem, or keeping a copy of a booking.

Beginner2 min readUpdated

On an iPhone

Which buttons depends on your iPhone. If it has no round Home button at the bottom of the front, it has Face ID.

  1. iPhone with Face ID: press the side button and the volume up button at the same time, then quickly let go of both.
  2. iPhone with a Home button: press the side button (or the top button on older models) and the Home button at the same time, then quickly let go.
  3. The screenshot appears on screen, or as a small picture in the bottom-left corner. Tap it to draw on it or share it, or swipe it away.

To find it later: open Photos, go to Collections, tap Media Types, then tap Screenshots.

On an Android phone

  1. Press the Power and Volume down buttons at the same time.
  2. If that doesn’t work, press and hold the Power button for a few seconds, then tap Screenshot.
  3. A small preview appears at the bottom left. Tap it to edit or share it.

To find it later: open the Photos app, tap Collections, then On this device, then Screenshots. No Photos app? Open the Gallery app and look for a Screenshots folder.

Want to capture a whole long page? On Android 12 and up, take a screenshot and tap Capture more.

If it didn’t work

  • The volume changed or the phone locked instead. You pressed one button a moment before the other. Press both at exactly the same time and let go quickly.
  • Neither way works on my Android. Some makers do it differently. Check your phone maker’s support website.
  • The picture is black. Some apps, like banking or film apps, block screenshots on purpose.

Next: back up your photos so you never lose them.

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