How to Screenshot On iPhone 16 Devices

From sharing that funny meme you’ve just seen on Instagram to saving crucial work information, screenshots are a vital feature on any modern smartphone. Each device offers a slightly different way to use this feature — and the iPhone 16 is no exception.

Launched in September 2024, Apple’s latest release includes a faster A18 chip, a sleek vertical camera lens setup, and a new Camera Control button. But before diving into some of the device’s most exciting upgrades and new features, let’s take it back to basics: How do you take a screenshot on an iPhone 16? 

Here are five methods that can be used to capture your screen easily.

How to Take a Screenshot on the iPhone 16

For the older models with Touch ID, including the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE, taking a screenshot was as simple as pressing the Home and Side button at the same time.

Touch ID was replaced with Face ID in 2017, meaning the Home button was no longer required. Instead, the Power button on an iPhone 16 can instead be used to take a screenshot. For this new side button combination, you’ll need to:

1. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up button simultaneously. Volume buttons are on the left-hand side, while Power is on the right.

2. A temporary screenshot will appear in the lower left corner. Tap the thumbnail to view it and make edits, like cropping and rotating, or swipe left to dismiss the image and start again.

Once captured, screenshots save automatically to your photo library in the Photos app. See your complete screenshot collection by choosing Photos, selecting the Media Types option, then opening the Screenshots folder.

If you’re hoping to capture large amounts of information, such as an entire Safari webpage, try taking a full-page screenshot. Following the same method, simply tap the screenshot thumbnail and select Full Page. From here, save to your Photos library or to Files as a PDF document.

Taking a Screenshot with the Action Button

An even more convenient way to take a screenshot is through the Action Button. As a new addition to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models only, this button was rolled out onto all iPhone 16 devices to replace the Ring/Silent switch. 

The Action Button can perform a variety of functions, offering shortcuts to many popular Apple iPhone features. This includes:

• Silent Mode

• Camera app

• Focus Mode

• Voice Memo

• Flashlight

• Visual Intelligence (through Apple Intelligence)

Capturing a screenshot with the Action Button means using just one button rather than two! To program, you’ll first need to create a shortcut:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.

2. Press the + icon in the right-hand corner to add a new Shortcut.

3. Search “Take Screenshot” and select the relevant option.

4. Type “Save to Photos” in the search bar, then press Done.

Then, simply add to the Action Button! Go to Settings, Action Button, then select Choose a Shortcut and Take Screenshot. Press the Action Button and it will capture the text, images, or videos that are on your screen. The button can be customized to delete screenshots too!

Accessible Screenshot Options

Are any of your buttons faulty? Or maybe you’re simply looking for a faster, hands-free way to take screenshots on the iPhone 16. Let’s explore three methods that don’t require pressing physical buttons:

1. Siri

The ultimate hands-free method for capturing your screen involves using Siri, Apple’s dedicated AI voice assistant. Siri is continually being updated to work with the latest Apple Intelligence features, from Genmoji to notification summaries. However, it continues to be helpful in performing simple, everyday tasks like taking screenshots.

To begin, check that Siri is enabled in Settings — you’ll know it’s working if there’s a colorful aura around the screen when you speak. Say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the side button, then ask the assistant to “Take a screenshot.”

2. Back Tap

Many iPhone users consider Back Tap to be one of the range’s best hidden features. Launched in 2020 with iOS 14, Back Tap is similar to the Action Button with its preset actions. However, these actions are triggered by a simple tap on the back of the device!

Turn Back Tap on by navigating to the Settings menu, then selecting ‘Touch’ under Accessibility. Press Back Tap and choose two actions: one for a double tap and another after a triple tap, including everything from activating Siri to taking screenshots.

3. Assistive Touch

Assistive Touch is an accessibility feature designed for Apple iPhone 16 devices with a faulty Home button. However, it’s also an excellent shortcut for triggering specific settings, like screen rotation or visiting the Control Centre.

Visit the Accessibility menu under Settings and choose Touch under Physical and Motor. Turn Assistive Touch on and a white circular button will appear on your Home Screen, which can be dragged to any position you like when it’s not being used.

Tapping this button opens a customizable menu. Select “Customize Top Level Menu” in settings to add screenshot functionality by replacing one of the current actions.

Assistive Touch can also be combined with Back Tap for even more convenience. Set Assistive Touch as a Back Tap shortcut and you’ll be able to activate it just by tapping, without having an extra icon permanently visible on the screen. Idle Opacity can also be lowered through Settings if you’re finding the presence of this button particularly annoying!

Final Thoughts

What’s great about the iPhone 16 is its versatility. From the number of ways to take a screenshot to the variety of Writing Tools available through Apple Intelligence, Apple’s continuous innovation with their flagship range makes the 16 series a worthy investment if you’re looking to upgrade.

Learn more about the pros and cons of the latest Apple lineup in our iPhone 16 review. Or, if you’re still undecided, check out our iPhone 16 vs 16 Pro comparison.