Screenshot not working on iPhone and iPad? 5 Tips to Fix It

Taking screenshots has become an essential part of our life. So it’s pretty upsetting when screenshots stop working on your iPhone and iPad. 

It could be due to a software glitch, or maybe one of the buttons is stuck. Don’t worry! I have listed all the possible ways to get your screenshots up and working again.

Note: Before moving on to the steps, look inside the Photos app after taking the screenshot, as muted iPhones or internal bugs can prevent the screenshot preview/thumbnail.

1. Force Restart your iPhone

A quick way to resolve any temporary problems on iOS is to force restart your iPhone. Follow the instructions for your device, and check if screenshots work again. If not, you can try an alternative way, as explained below.

2. Use AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature that eliminates using any physical buttons on your iPhone. You can use AssistiveTouch for various tasks, including taking a screenshot. Just follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch.
   
   
2. Now, tap AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
   Note: On older iOS versions, go to Settings → General → Accessibility → AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
   
   
3. Tap the circular button that appears on your screen and select Device.
   
   
4. Now, tap More → Screenshot.
   
   

You can choose to leave AssistiveTouch on if you frequently take screenshots, or you can disable it any time by following the same steps above and toggling it off.

3. Use 3D Touch

If you have an iPhone 6s or later, you can configure 3D Touch to take a screenshot, but AssistiveTouch needs to be enabled first. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch and toggle it on.
2. Next, select 3D Touch under Custom Actions and choose Screenshot.
   
   

Now, whenever you want to capture a screenshot, just 3D Touch the AssistiveTouch button. Of course, you can also assign the screenshot option to one of the other actions, such as a single-tap, double-tap, or long-press.

4. Update the iOS version

Sometimes, if the software on your iPhone is outdated, it can cause unpredictable problems like screenshots not working. So it’s best to update iOS to the latest version.

To check for updates, go to Settings → General → Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

5. Factory Reset your iPhone

If you have tried all the above steps, but the iPhone screen capture is still not working for you, you may choose to restore your device to the factory settings. This will erase all your data and settings. So ensure to backup your device.

1. Go to Settings → General → Reset.
   
   
2. Now, tap Erase All Content and Settings.
   If you’ve not backed up your device, you’ll be prompted to do so.
3. Enter your passcode if you have one.
   You’ll get a warning.
   
   
4. Tap Erase iPhone.
5. To confirm, enter your Apple ID password.
   
   

Your device will take a few minutes to wipe all your settings and data. It will then revert to the setup screen you would have seen when you first used your device.

You can then restore your iPhone from a backup, and once done, check if screenshots are working again.

Summing up 

If none of the above solutions work for you, the best thing to do is contact Apple Support for further assistance. And if any of the solutions worked for you, let us know in the comments below.

You may want to take a peek at:

• How to screenshot on Snapchat without them knowing
• Best screenshot tools for Mac
• How to take a screenshot on Apple Watch
• 4 Ways to take a scrolling screenshot on iPhone

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