How to take a screenshot

A screenshot is a photo of whatever is on your screen right now. It’s the single most useful trick for getting help: instead of describing an error, you just show it. Here’s how, and how to send it.

On an iPhone or iPad

• No home button (Face ID models): press the Side button and Volume Up at the same time, then let go. The screen flashes.
• Has a home button: press the Home button and the Side/Top button at the same time.

On an Android phone or tablet

• Press Power and Volume Down at the same time, then let go.
• (On some Samsung phones you can also swipe the side of your hand across the screen.)

Where it goes

The screenshot saves to your photos:

• iPhone: Photos app → Albums → Screenshots.
• Android: Photos or Gallery → Screenshots folder.

Sending it to someone (this is the useful part)

1. Open the screenshot in Photos.
2. Tap the Share icon (a square with an up-arrow).
3. Choose Messages (or WhatsApp/email), pick the person, and send.

Tip

When something’s wrong, take the screenshot right when you see the error, then text it to Stephen. A picture of the actual message saves a dozen back-and-forth questions.

If it didn’t work

1. Press both buttons at the exact same time — a beat too early on one and it won’t trigger. It takes a try or two to get the timing.
2. Don’t hold them too long — that can bring up the power-off screen instead. A quick press-and-release is all it is.
3. Can’t find it after? Look in the Screenshots album/folder (above).
4. Still no luck? Text Stephen which phone you have and he’ll talk you through the buttons.