Can’t Take Screenshots on iPhone or iPad? Fixes & Reasons Explained

We take screenshots on iPhones and iPads every day to save a funny text, share a payment receipt, or capture a quick tip. But sometimes, you press the buttons and… nothing happens. No sound, no flash, no screenshot saved.

If that’s happening to you, don’t panic. There are a handful of common reasons why screenshots might not work on your iPhone, and most fixes are quick.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top causes, easy checks, proven fixes, and even alternatives. By the end, you’ll know how to fix black screenshots on iPhone or get your screen capture working again.

Why Can’t I Take Screenshots on iPhone or iPad?

Here are the most common reasons your iPhone screenshot may fail:

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• Hardware button issues: If the Side, Top, Volume, or Home button is stuck or damaged, the screenshot won’t register.
• AssistiveTouch not enabled: If you use AssistiveTouch for screenshots, it needs proper setup.
• App restrictions: Streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+ block screenshots. Banking apps may show a warning or disable them entirely.
• Software glitches: Temporary bugs or system lag can stop screenshots from saving.
• Low storage: With less than 1GB of free space, new screenshots may not save.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into advanced fixes, try these easy checks:

• Verify the button combo:
  • Face ID iPhones → Side button + Volume Up.
  • Touch ID models → Top/Side button + Home.
• Test the buttons separately: Make sure they aren’t stuck.
• Check storage space: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Free up space if you’re running low.
  
• Restart your device: A simple reboot clears temporary glitches.

If screenshots still don’t work, move on to the next steps.

Fixes for iPhone or iPad Not Taking Screenshots

The quick checks didn’t cut it? Let’s go for some proper troubleshooting. These steps work for both iPhone and iPad, and I’ll guide you through each one nicely and easily. Start from the top and work your way down.

1. Restart Your Device (Again, Seriously!)

A restart is one of the most reliable fixes for iPhone screenshot issues. If standard restart doesn’t work, try a force restart:

• iPhone 8 or later → Press Volume Up, press Volume Down, then hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

2. Update iOS or iPadOS

Bugs that break screenshots are often fixed in updates.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.  
2. If there’s an update, download and install it.
3. Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and have at least 50% battery.
4. After updating, test the screenshots again.
   

3. Free Up Storage

Screenshots won’t save if your device is full. Aim for at least 5GB free by deleting apps, clearing “Recently Deleted” photos, or moving videos to iCloud.

4. Disable Guided Access

Guided Access can lock screenshots. If screen capture is not working on your iPhone, try turning it off by triple-clicking the Side (or Home) button, entering your passcode, and then tapping End.

Also, check Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access to ensure it’s disabled.

5. Check App or MDM Restrictions

Sometimes you may see black screenshots in your iPhone camera roll. It’s likely a built-in block for certain apps.

• Streaming apps → Block screenshots to protect copyrighted content.
• Banking apps → May completely disable screen capture.
• Work devices (MDM/Intune) → IT may enforce screenshot restrictions.
• Screen Time restrictions → Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle off.

6. Reset All Settings

If screenshots are still not working, reset all settings. This resets your preferences (such as Wi-Fi passwords and wallpapers) without requiring the uninstallation of apps or data.

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Choose Reset All Settings on the prompt.
   

It resolves frozen buttons and glitches for many people.

Alternative Ways to Capture Screens

Can’t use the button combo? Here are clever workarounds:

1. Screen Recording: Go to Control Center > Screen Recording, then swipe up on the Control Center to record the content. You can later take stills from the video.
2. AssistiveTouch: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, enable it, and select Customize Top Level Menu to set a shortcut for screenshot. Tap the on-screen button and select Screenshot.
   
3. Mac QuickTime Capture: If you have a Mac, connect your iPhone/iPad via USB. Open QuickTime Player, then go to File > New Movie Recording and select your device from the Camera dropdown. It mirrors and records your screen.
4. Third-Party Apps: Some apps, such as Picsew and Stitch, available on the App Store, enable advanced screenshot functions like scrolling screenshots.

These alternatives tide you over while you get to the root of the problem.

When to Call Apple Support

If screenshots still don’t work after updates, resets, and storage cleanup, it may be hardware-related. Signs include:

• Side/Volume buttons don’t work for other tasks.
• Screenshots fail even after a force restart or reset.
• Screenshots never save despite available storage.

If your device is under warranty, Apple may repair or replace it at no additional cost. Always back up your iPhone before taking it in for service.

Capture Your Screen Again!

Screenshots may seem small, but we rely on them constantly. If yours aren’t working, these fixes should get you back on track. And until then, screen recording and AssistiveTouch are great workarounds.

You may want to take a peek at:

• How to screenshot on Snapchat without them knowing
• Best screenshot tools for Mac
• Hate iOS 26’s Full-Screen Screenshots? Here’s How to Bring Back the Old Thumbnail View