If your iPhone’s Home or Power button isn’t working properly, you can Capture a Screenshot on an iPhone or you won’t be able to capture screenshots in the usual manner.
Fortunately, some alternative methods I’ll cover are simpler than pressing two physical buttons simultaneously. Let’s explore these options.
Capture a Screenshot on iPhone by Tapping the Back
For added convenience, you can utilize an iPhone accessibility shortcut to capture screenshots without using the buttons. This feature is known as Back Tap and lets you execute actions by simply tapping the back of your iPhone with your fingers on supported models (iPhone 8 and later).
To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can personalize two actions that occur when you double-tap and triple-tap the back of your device.
To quickly capture a screenshot with just a few taps, select the Screenshot option. If you’d prefer an alternative method, consider using this shortcut with AssistiveTouch instead. By setting AssistiveTouch as one of your Back Tap shortcuts, you can easily toggle it on and off by tapping the back of your device.
While it’s an additional step, taking this approach will help keep your screen free of clutter if you only capture screenshots occasionally.
Instruct Siri to capture a screenshot on your iPhone
You might not be aware that one of Siri’s hidden features is the ability to take a screenshot for you. To use this feature, activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by pressing and holding the Side button (or the Home button if your iPhone has it). Then, simply say “Take a screenshot,” and after a brief pause, Siri will confirm your request and capture a screenshot just like usual.
This method is useful if your hands are dirty or whenever you’re unable to perform the gesture needed for taking a screenshot.
Now you know how to take a screenshot on your iPhone, even if the Home or other buttons are not functioning. One of these methods will surely help you capture screenshots despite any button issues.
Alternatively, think about replacing your iPhone when possible, particularly if you have an AppleCare+ warranty. Dealing with a malfunctioning Home or Side button can become exhausting over time.
Capture an iPhone Screenshot with AssistiveTouch
If your iPhone’s Home button is malfunctioning, you should enable AssistiveTouch. This accessibility feature lets you access many of your phone’s functions through a software menu, eliminating the need to press physical buttons.
To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility and select Touch under the Physical and Motor section.
Then, tap on AssistiveTouch and switch it on in the following menu. This action will place a white circular button at the top of your screen.
When you tap the AssistiveTouch icon, a menu opens giving you quick access to various functions. To include screenshot functionality in this menu, go to the AssistiveTouch settings and select “Customize Top Level Menu.”
Tap the icon you want to replace, then select Screenshot from the available actions. To add a new icon for this action, hit the Plus button and assign it as a Screenshot.
If navigating through menus isn’t your preference, you can capture screenshots more quickly with AssistiveTouch.
First, go to the AssistiveTouch settings menu and choose either the Double Tap or Long Press option, setting it to Screenshot. After that, simply double-tap or press and hold the AssistiveTouch button for a screenshot.
This is even more convenient because you can avoid displaying the full AssistiveTouch menu, which occupies screen space.
If you find the AssistiveTouch button bothersome, reduce its Idle Opacity in the settings to make it more transparent when inactive.
You can also drag and position the button in any corner of your screen that suits your preference whenever you’re not using it.
To take a screenshot on your iPhone, simply choose Screenshot from the AssistiveTouch menu or use your designated tapping shortcut.
This functions just like using the traditional button method for capturing screenshots on an iPhone. When you capture a screenshot this way, neither the AssistiveTouch button nor its menu will be visible in the image.
Conclusion
If your iPhone’s Home or Power button isn’t working, you can capture screenshots using alternative methods.
Back Tap allows you to capture screenshots without using buttons, while Siri can take a screenshot for you.
Enabling AssistiveTouch, a software menu, can also help. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and set it to Screenshot.
If you prefer navigating through menus, set it to Double Tap or Long Press and capture screenshots. If you find the AssistiveTouch button bothersome, reduce its Idle Opacity.
