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How to Screenshot on iPhone 7 Plus: A Definitive Guide

Taking a screenshot on your iPhone 7 Plus is a fundamental skill, enabling you to capture anything displayed on your screen – from hilarious text conversations to vital information you want to save for later. The process is surprisingly simple and consistent across many iPhone models. Here’s the definitive answer:

To take a screenshot on your iPhone 7 Plus, simultaneously press and quickly release the Side button (also known as the Power button) on the right side and the Home button on the front of your device. The screen will briefly flash white, and you’ll hear a camera shutter sound (if your sound is turned on). A thumbnail of the screenshot will then appear in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

That’s the core of it! However, let’s delve deeper and explore everything related to screenshots on the iPhone 7 Plus.

Understanding the iPhone 7 Plus Screenshot Process

The simplicity of the screenshot process belies its power. It’s a digital snapshot, capturing exactly what you’re seeing. This is incredibly useful for:

Preserving Information: Saving important details from websites, emails, or social media posts.
Sharing Moments: Instantly showing friends or family something interesting you found online.
Troubleshooting: Capturing error messages to send to technical support.
Creative Purposes: Using screenshots for presentations, tutorials, or visual aids.

The consistency of this method across older iPhone models underscores Apple’s dedication to user-friendliness. Once you master it on your iPhone 7 Plus, you’ll be able to use the same technique on other iPhones with a Home button.

Managing Your Screenshots

Once you’ve captured your screenshot, you have several options for managing it.

Accessing Your Screenshots

All screenshots are automatically saved to the Photos app, specifically within the “Screenshots” album. You can find this album within the “Albums” tab, often located towards the bottom of the screen.

Editing Your Screenshots

The thumbnail that appears in the bottom-left corner is interactive. Tapping it will immediately open the screenshot in Markup mode. This allows you to:

Crop: Trim unwanted areas from the screenshot.
Draw: Add annotations, arrows, or freehand sketches.
Highlight: Emphasize specific sections with a highlighter tool.
Add Text: Insert text boxes with custom fonts and colors.

These editing tools are invaluable for focusing attention on specific details or adding context to your screenshots before sharing them.

Sharing Your Screenshots

After editing, or even without editing, you can easily share your screenshots. Within the Markup mode or directly from the Photos app, tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing upwards). This will present you with a variety of sharing options, including:

Messages: Send the screenshot via text message.
Mail: Email the screenshot.
Social Media: Share on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Cloud Storage: Save to services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Copy: Copy the screenshot to your clipboard for pasting into other apps.

Deleting Screenshots

To delete a screenshot, simply open it in the Photos app and tap the Trash Can icon. This will remove the screenshot from your device. Be careful, as deleted screenshots are moved to the “Recently Deleted” album, where they remain for 30 days before being permanently erased. You can manually delete them from the “Recently Deleted” album for immediate removal.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

While the screenshot process is usually straightforward, occasional issues can arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Screenshot Not Saving: Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your iPhone. If your storage is full, delete unnecessary files or photos to free up space.
Buttons Not Working: If either the Side button or Home button is malfunctioning, it may be difficult or impossible to take screenshots using the standard method. Consider getting the affected button repaired.
Timing Issues: The key is to press and release the buttons simultaneously. If you hold either button for too long, you might accidentally activate Siri or put your phone to sleep. Practice the quick press and release motion for optimal results.
Screen Recording Instead of Screenshot: Accidentally pressing the Side button and Volume Up button simultaneously might initiate screen recording instead of taking a screenshot on some iOS versions. Double-check which buttons you’re pressing.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Screenshots on iPhone 7 Plus

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and provide additional valuable information:

1. Can I take a screenshot while watching a video?

Yes, you can take a screenshot while watching a video. The screenshot will capture the current frame of the video.

2. What if my Home button is broken? Can I still take screenshots?

Yes! You can enable AssistiveTouch in your iPhone settings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn it on. This creates a virtual Home button on your screen. You can customize AssistiveTouch to include a “Screenshot” option within its menu. Then, you can press the Side Button and the virtual Home button (from AssistiveTouch) to take a screenshot.

3. Is there a limit to the number of screenshots I can take?

No, there is no technical limit to the number of screenshots you can take, as long as you have sufficient storage space on your iPhone.

4. Are screenshots saved in a specific format?

Yes, screenshots are saved in .PNG format, which offers good image quality and compression.

5. Can I change the default screenshot saving location?

No, you cannot change the default saving location for screenshots. They are always saved to the “Screenshots” album in the Photos app.

6. Do screenshots take up a lot of storage space?

Screenshots generally don’t take up a large amount of storage space individually, but the cumulative effect of many screenshots can impact your available storage. Regularly review and delete unnecessary screenshots to free up space.

7. Can I take a scrolling screenshot (capture an entire webpage)?

The iPhone 7 Plus does not have a built-in feature for taking scrolling screenshots like some newer models. However, some third-party apps offer this functionality.

8. How do I edit a screenshot after I’ve closed the Markup mode?

You can always re-edit a screenshot by opening it in the Photos app and tapping “Edit” at the top right of the screen. This will allow you to access the same Markup tools as before.

9. Can I prevent certain apps from being captured in screenshots?

No, you cannot selectively prevent apps from being captured in screenshots. Taking a screenshot captures the entire screen display.

10. How do I disable the screenshot sound?

You can disable the screenshot sound by putting your iPhone into Silent mode using the Ring/Silent switch on the side of the device.

11. Can I take a screenshot of a FaceTime call?

Yes, you can take a screenshot during a FaceTime call. The screenshot will capture both your video feed and the other person’s.

12. What happens if I accidentally take a screenshot?

If you accidentally take a screenshot, simply swipe the thumbnail to the left to dismiss it without saving it. Alternatively, you can delete it from the Photos app.

Mastering the screenshot function on your iPhone 7 Plus opens up a world of possibilities for capturing, sharing, and preserving digital information. With this comprehensive guide and FAQ, you’re now equipped to handle any screenshot-related task with confidence. Happy snapping!