Taking screenshots is a simple but powerful feature on the iPhone 11. Whether you want to capture a funny meme, save important information, or share something from your screen, knowing how to screenshot can save time and keep memories. While the process is straightforward for many users, there are hidden tricks and settings that make screenshots even more useful.
With the iPhone 11’s unique button setup and iOS features, you have several ways to take, edit, and share screenshots quickly. This guide explains all the main methods, settings, and troubleshooting tips, so you can master screenshots on your iPhone 11—whether you’re a beginner or want to learn some advanced tricks.

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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Understanding The Iphone 11’s Screenshot Buttons
The iPhone 11 does not have a physical Home button. This changes how you take screenshots compared to older models. Instead, the Side button (on the right edge) and the Volume Up button (on the left edge) are used together.
To take a screenshot:
- Go to the screen you want to capture.
- Press and quickly release both the Side button and Volume Up button at the same time.
- The screen will flash, and you’ll hear a camera shutter sound (if your phone isn’t on silent).
- A small preview of the screenshot appears in the bottom left corner.
It’s important to press and release the buttons at the same time. If you hold them too long, you might activate Emergency SOS or shut down your iPhone. Practice a few times to get the timing right.
What Changes From Previous Iphones?
Older iPhones with a Home button used the Home + Power button combo. If you’ve upgraded from such a device, the new method may feel strange at first. But after a few tries, it becomes second nature.

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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Using Assistivetouch For Screenshots
If you find pressing two buttons at once difficult, or if you have a case that makes buttons hard to reach, AssistiveTouch is a helpful tool. AssistiveTouch puts a floating on-screen button on your iPhone, letting you perform functions with a single tap.
How To Enable Assistivetouch
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility.
- Select Touch.
- Tap AssistiveTouch and turn it on.
A white, circular button will appear on your screen.
Taking A Screenshot With Assistivetouch
- Tap the AssistiveTouch button.
- Tap Device > More > Screenshot.
Your iPhone will capture the current screen, just like using the buttons. The preview appears in the corner as usual.
Customize Assistivetouch For Faster Screenshots
You can make screenshots even quicker by customizing AssistiveTouch:

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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.- Under AssistiveTouch settings, tap Customize Top Level Menu.
- Add Screenshot to the main menu for quicker access.
- Alternatively, assign Screenshot to a Double-Tap or Long Press on the AssistiveTouch button.
This is especially useful for people with disabilities, or anyone who wants to avoid using physical buttons.
Editing And Sharing Your Screenshot
After taking a screenshot, you’ll see its preview in the lower-left corner. Tap this preview to open editing tools.
Markup Tools
You can draw, highlight, or add text using Markup:
- Pen, marker, highlighter: Draw or write freehand.
- Text tool: Add typed notes.
- Shapes: Insert arrows, circles, or squares to point out details.
- Crop: Trim the screenshot to show only what you need.
For example, if you want to send someone just a part of a web page, crop the image before sharing.
Sharing Options
Tap the Share icon (a box with an arrow) to send your screenshot via:
- Messages
- AirDrop
- Social apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook
You can also Save to Files or Add to Photos for later use.
Useful Editing Shortcuts
- Double-tap a tool to change its thickness or color.
- Undo any markups with the Undo arrow.
- If you close the preview without saving, the screenshot is automatically saved to your Photos app.
Finding And Managing Your Screenshots
All screenshots are saved automatically in the Photos app, inside the Screenshots album.
Accessing Your Screenshots
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap Albums at the bottom.
- Scroll down to Media Types and select Screenshots.
Here, you’ll see every screenshot you’ve taken, organized by date.
Deleting Or Organizing Screenshots
- To delete: Tap a screenshot, then tap the trash can icon.
- To organize: You can move screenshots to other albums, favorite them, or hide them for privacy.
If you take many screenshots, it’s smart to review and delete unnecessary images regularly. This helps free up storage space and keeps your Photos app tidy.
Using Back Tap To Take Screenshots
One lesser-known trick is Back Tap, a feature introduced in iOS 14. With Back Tap, you can take screenshots by simply tapping the back of your iPhone 11.
How To Set Up Back Tap
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility > Touch.
- Scroll down and tap Back Tap.
- Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Select Screenshot from the list of actions.
Now, whenever you double- or triple-tap the back of your iPhone, it will capture a screenshot.
When Back Tap Works Best
Back Tap works even with most cases, but very thick or rugged cases might block the taps. This method is especially handy if your hands are full or you need to take a screenshot discreetly.
Comparing Screenshot Methods
Different methods offer different benefits. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Method | Speed | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Side + Volume Up) | Very Fast | Easy for most users | Quick, everyday use |
| AssistiveTouch | Medium | Easy (one tap) | Accessibility, avoiding buttons |
| Back Tap | Fast | Very easy, hands-free | Frequent screenshots, multitasking |
Choosing the right method depends on your needs. If you take many screenshots daily, Back Tap or AssistiveTouch might save time and effort.

Taking Full-page Screenshots
Did you know you can capture an entire web page or document—not just what’s visible on your screen? This is called a full-page screenshot.
How To Take A Full-page Screenshot
- Open Safari and go to the web page you want to capture.
- Take a screenshot as usual.
- Tap the preview in the corner.
- At the top, tap Full Page (next to “Screen”).
- Use the slider on the right to scroll through the full page.
You can annotate and crop these full-page screenshots before saving.
Saving Full-page Screenshots
- Full-page screenshots are saved as PDFs, not images.
- Tap Done, then choose Save PDF to Files.
- You can find the file later in the Files app.
This is perfect for saving receipts, articles, or long chat threads in one file.
Limitations And Tips
- Full-page screenshots work only in Safari and some Apple apps, not in all third-party apps.
- If you want to capture a long message thread or app screen, you may need to stitch multiple screenshots together using a third-party app.
Managing Screenshot Storage
Screenshots are often overlooked, but they can quickly fill your iPhone’s storage. A single screenshot may take only a few hundred kilobytes, but over time, they add up.
How To Check Storage
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll to see how much space Photos and Other Apps are using.
If your storage is low, review and delete old or unnecessary screenshots.
Batch Deleting Screenshots
In the Screenshots album:
- Tap Select, then tap multiple screenshots.
- Tap the trash can to delete them all at once.
This is faster than deleting one by one.
Using Cloud Storage
If you need to keep many screenshots for work or personal use, consider:
- ICloud Photos: Backs up all photos and screenshots.
- Google Photos: Offers cloud backup and organization.
This frees up space on your device while keeping your screenshots safe.
Advanced Screenshot Tips And Tricks
Taking Screenshots During Calls Or Videos
You can screenshot almost anything on your iPhone 11, even during phone calls or while watching videos. However, some apps (like Netflix) may block screenshots for copyright reasons. If you see a black image instead of the video, it’s the app’s way of protecting content.
Editing Screenshots Later
If you forget to edit right after taking a screenshot, don’t worry:
- Open the screenshot in Photos.
- Tap Edit for cropping, rotating, or adjusting color.
- Tap Markup (the pen icon) for drawing or adding text.
Using Third-party Screenshot Apps
There are apps on the App Store that add extra features:
- Stitching multiple screenshots into one long image.
- Automatically blurring sensitive information.
- Organizing screenshots by project or tag.
Apps like Tailor and Picsew are popular choices for advanced screenshot tasks.
Privacy And Security
Remember that screenshots can capture sensitive information, like passwords or messages. Before sharing, always double-check the image to make sure you’re not revealing private details.
Some apps and websites detect when you screenshot sensitive content and may warn you or block the action. Always respect privacy rules.
Troubleshooting Screenshot Problems
Sometimes, screenshots might not work as expected. Here are solutions for common problems:
Screenshot Button Combo Not Working
- Check your buttons: If Side or Volume Up button is damaged, use AssistiveTouch or Back Tap.
- Restart your iPhone: A simple restart fixes many small bugs.
- Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Screenshot Preview Not Appearing
- Sometimes, the preview animation is turned off or delayed due to heavy processor use.
- Check if screenshots are saving to the Photos app.
Screenshots Not Saving
- Low storage: If your iPhone is almost full, new screenshots may not be saved.
- ICloud issues: If using iCloud Photos, check your internet connection and iCloud storage space.
Can’t Take Full-page Screenshot
- This feature works only in Safari and certain Apple apps.
- For other apps, use scrolling screenshot tools from the App Store.
Accidental Emergency Calls
If you hold the Side + Volume Up buttons too long, Emergency SOS might activate. To avoid:
- Press and release both buttons quickly.
- If you want to disable Emergency SOS with buttons, go to Settings > Emergency SOS and adjust settings.
Data And Trends: Screenshot Usage
Screenshots have become a common way to share information. According to a survey by Statista, over 75% of smartphone users take screenshots at least once a week. Among iPhone users, screenshots are most often used for:
- Saving receipts or orders (42%)
- Sharing funny conversations (34%)
- Keeping track of instructions or tutorials (29%)
Here’s a quick look at common screenshot uses:
| Purpose | Percentage of Users |
|---|---|
| Saving Orders/Receipts | 42% |
| Sharing Social Media Content | 38% |
| Capturing Conversations | 34% |
| Instructions/Tutorials | 29% |
With so many users relying on screenshots, it’s important to know all the available options and features.
Accessibility And Screenshots
For users with disabilities, Apple has made screenshots more accessible.
- Voice Control: Say “Take screenshot” to capture your screen hands-free.
- Switch Control: Assign screenshot action to external switches.
- AssistiveTouch: As described earlier, use on-screen menus instead of buttons.
These features ensure everyone can use screenshot tools, regardless of physical ability.
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Protecting Sensitive Information In Screenshots
Screenshots can sometimes include private data. Before sharing, use Markup to blur or cover:
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Account information
To blur or hide details:
- Tap the screenshot preview.
- Use the Marker or Highlighter in Markup to cover sensitive data.
- Alternatively, use a third-party app for pixelation or blurring.
This helps protect your privacy and the privacy of others.
When Screenshots Don’t Work: App Restrictions
Some apps, especially banking or streaming apps, block screenshots for security. If you can’t take a screenshot, you’ll usually see a black image or a warning. This is to protect sensitive content.
If you need to save information from a restricted app, see if the app offers an “Export” or “Save” feature, or write down details manually.

Best Practices For Screenshot Organization
As screenshots pile up, finding old ones can be hard. Here are smart ways to organize:
- Create Albums: In Photos, tap “+” to create a new album for work, school, or projects.
- Favorite Important Screenshots: Tap the heart icon for quick access.
- Tag with Notes: Add a description in the Photos app to remember why you took a screenshot.
Setting aside a few minutes each week to organize or delete old screenshots can save time later.
Comparing Iphone 11 Screenshot Features To Other Iphones
While most recent iPhones use the same screenshot methods, there are some differences:
| Model | Screenshot Button Combo | AssistiveTouch | Back Tap |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8 & earlier | Home + Side/Top | Yes | No |
| iPhone X, XR, XS | Side + Volume Up | Yes | No |
| iPhone 11 Series | Side + Volume Up | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 12/13/14/15 | Side + Volume Up | Yes | Yes |
IPhone 11 is among the first to support both Back Tap and the newer AssistiveTouch features, making it especially flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Take A Screenshot On My Iphone 11 If My Buttons Are Not Working?
You can use AssistiveTouch or Back Tap to take screenshots without the physical buttons. Enable AssistiveTouch in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, then tap the on-screen menu for screenshots. For Back Tap, set it up in Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
Where Are My Screenshots Saved On Iphone 11?
All screenshots are saved in the Photos app, under the Screenshots album. Open Photos, tap Albums, and scroll to find Screenshots. You can also find them in your main photo feed by date.
Can I Take A Screenshot Of A Whole Web Page On Iphone 11?
Yes, in Safari, after taking a screenshot, tap the preview and select Full Page. You can then save the entire page as a PDF to the Files app. This feature is limited to Safari and some Apple apps.
Why Does My Screenshot Show A Black Screen In Certain Apps?
Some apps, like banking or video streaming apps, block screenshots for security or copyright reasons. If this happens, you’ll see a black image or a message. There’s no way to bypass this restriction within iOS.
How Can I Keep My Screenshots Organized?
Use the Photos app to create albums for specific projects or topics. Favorite important screenshots, delete old ones, and add notes to remember their purpose. Consider backing up to iCloud Photos or Google Photos for extra organization.
Taking screenshots on the iPhone 11 is simple, but knowing all the options makes it even better. Whether you use the button combo, AssistiveTouch, or Back Tap, you can capture and share anything on your screen in seconds. Take advantage of editing tools, organization features, and accessibility options to get the most out of your iPhone. If you want to explore more advanced iPhone features, you can visit the Apple Support page for up-to-date guides and tips.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll never miss a moment or important information again. Screenshot with confidence, knowing you’re making the most of your iPhone 11’s features.