If you are unable to take a screenshot on your iPhone, it is likely due to either a stuck button, the app you’re using doesn’t allow screenshots, a technical issue inside your phone, or a software problem. Thankfully, there are fixes for these causes.
Whether I see a recipe I want to try out, or a helpful infographic, I take a lot of screenshots on my iPhone. It can be a great way to ensure you don’t forget or miss something important. However, there are some times when your phone may struggle to take a screenshot.
This guide is going to go over why your phone may not be able to take a screenshot, and how you can fix the issue quickly and easily.
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Key Takeaways
- A button being stuck is a common reason for screenshot troubles. This can often be fixed by cleaning and inspecting buttons or having them replaced/repaired.
- Not all apps allow screenshots to be taken, so there is a chance you are having issues because you are attempting to take a screenshot within an app that doesn’t support this feature.
- A technical or software issue could also be to blame, such as damage to the device or strange software interaction. This can be fixed in a few ways, depending on the issue. This includes restarting your phone, updating it, or having it checked by a professional.
One of the most common reasons your iPhone is unable to take a screenshot is simply because one of the buttons is malfunctioning or stuck. When you screenshot on the iPhone, it requires you to press both the Power button and the Volume up button at the same time.
If you cannot complete the full press of each button, no screenshot will be taken. These buttons can become stuck due to the phone being dropped, the buttons being dirty, or something being stuck in or around where the button is.
If no screenshot is being taken despite pressing the proper buttons, take some time to inspect each button and see if it is sticking. If it is, consider cleaning the button and/or using some compressed air to get rid of any debris or small blockages.
If the stuck button is from a drop or there is something wrong but you cannot see or access it, you may need to take the phone to a pro to get the buttons fixed or replaced.
However, there is actually still a way to take a screenshot even if a button is stuck or not working. This is by using the Assistive Touch feature.
All you need to do is go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch, and turn on Assistive Touch. A small circular icon will appear on your screen, and you can tap on the button, go to Device, tap More, and then you will have the option to take a screenshot.
2. The App You’re Using Doesn’t Allow for Screenshots
Another reason you may be unable to take a screenshot is that the app you are in doesn’t allow for screenshots to be taken. This includes many streaming services, some bank apps, and even some messaging and other apps that are secure and take privacy incredibly seriously.
You can still physically take the screenshot, but when you view it, all of the content will be replaced with a black screen. This is generally done to either prevent people from misusing or sharing content they shouldn’t be, or to protect privacy.
There is really no fix here, and you will simply have to move to an app that allows screenshots in order to take them.
3. There is a Technical Issue Within the Device
A technical issue within your iPhone could also be to blame for the screenshotting problem. This could be a wide range of things, from damage to the device, an internal defect, or a strange interaction behind the scenes somewhere.
If you just cannot take a screenshot and aren’t sure why, perhaps the best course of action is to restart the phone. This can refresh the system memory and clear out issues like background apps, problems with heating, signal issues, and more.
This fresh start can often repair or eliminate background problems that may have been preventing you from taking a screenshot, and restarting your device only takes a few short seconds.
If you believe damage or some kind of internal defect is responsible for this issue, you may need to take the device to a professional to be inspected and/or fixed.
Just like a problem with your technology/hardware could be to blame for this issue, the same goes for your device’s software. Your iPhone is doing a lot behind the screen, and temporary glitches aren’t that uncommon.
Just like with hardware issues, restarting the device might be able to deal with the problems and lead you to be able to take screenshots normally again. However, if that is unsuccessful, you should try to update your phone to the newest version of iOS.
New updates often have fixes for glitches and other internal issues, and sometimes all it takes is a fresh operating system to deal with problems like this. To update the iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and then complete the update if there is one available.
If that doesn’t work, you could consider resetting the settings within your device. This is done by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Phone > Reset. From there, you can choose whether to reset all settings or just a certain type.
Final Thoughts
While screenshotting can be a great way to keep images or helpful information for the future, there are times when your phone may not want to take them. I hope that this guide has helped you learn not only the reasons your iPhone may not be taking screenshots, but also how to fix it.
What sorts of things do you like to screenshot? Recipes, memes, infographics? Let me know in a comment below.
