When screenshots stop working on iPhone, you may need to record the screen content with another phone and share it. It is time consuming and inconvenient.
1. Take screenshots on iPhone
The ability to take screenshots depends on the iPhone model. If you've upgraded from iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 to newer models, the old trick to take a screenshot won't work.
On iPhone models with Face ID, you need to press the side button and the volume up button simultaneously. Quickly release them and a screenshot thumbnail will appear at the bottom.
If you are still using an iPhone model with the Home button, you need to press the side button and the Home button simultaneously to take a screenshot.
When users switch from an old iPhone to a new gesture-based iPhone model, they keep pressing the wrong buttons to take screenshots.
2. Press the required buttons at the same time
We have seen many users keep pressing the power and volume up buttons at different times to take a screenshot. Depending on the input, you will end up either locking the phone or increasing the volume level.
You need to simultaneously press the required buttons and quickly release them to successfully take a screenshot.
3. Force Restart iPhone
If your iPhone is not responding to your inputs, you need to force restart the iPhone.
Quickly press and release the volume up button, do the same for the volume down button, then press and hold the power button. Release the button when the Apple logo appears.
This trick will not work with iPhone 7 users though. They have to press and hold the volume down and power button simultaneously to force restart the iPhone.
4. Check device storage
Are you dealing with low device storage on iPhone? You might be able to take a screenshot, but it won't show up in the Photos app.
You need to check the remaining storage space on iPhone and optimize it.
Step 1: Open Settings on iPhone.
Step 2: Go to the General menu and select iPhone Storage.
Step 3: Check the remaining storage, and if you are indeed working on low storage, you can enable photo optimization to upload media to iCloud platform.
5. Screenshots won't work in some apps
Video streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, etc. disable the screenshot functionality in the app. Technically, you can still take a screenshot, but it will only come with a black screen.
Companies implement such practices to prevent people from stealing their content. You shouldn't be surprised to see nothing when taking screenshots on Netflix.
6. Check the physical buttons
Are you working with dysfunctional home or volume buttons on iPhone? No matter what trick you try, you won't be able to take screenshots on your iPhone. The problem may occur after accidentally dropping your iPhone on a hard surface.
Apple also offers another way to take screenshots. You will need to use touch assist to enable the screenshot feature.
Step 1: Open Settings on iPhone.
Step 2: Go to the Accessibility menu.
Step 3: Select Touch and enable AssistiveTouch from the next menu.
You will see a virtual AssistiveTouch icon appear on the iPhone. The menu also includes a screenshot feature. Whenever you want to take a screenshot, you can tap AssistiveTouch and select Screenshot.
You no longer need to rely on physical buttons to take a screenshot on your iPhone.
7. Use gestures to take a screenshot
Some may not prefer to keep AssistiveTouch enabled all the time. It's a constant distraction on your iPhone screen. You can also use gestures to take a screenshot on your iPhone. Here's how.
Step 1: Open Settings on iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Accessibility and select Touch.
Step 3: Scroll down and select Back Tap.
Step 4: Select Double Tap or Triple Tap and ask the gesture to take screenshot from the next menu.
You can now simply double tap or triple tap the back to take a screenshot on your iPhone.
Start taking screenshots on iPhone
It is quite easy to take a screenshot on iPhone. The feature not working on iPhone may require you to use unconventional methods to get the job done. What trick worked for you to fix the problem? Share your findings in the comments below.