How to Take a Screenshot and Use It to Get Tech Help Faster
When something strange appears on your screen, like an error message, a confusing pop-up or a setting you can’t find, it’s hard to explain in words. A screenshot makes it easy. It’s simply a picture of exactly what’s on your screen, and it lets a family member or a helper see what you see. Here’s how to take one, find it and share it.
How To Take a Screenshot
On an iPhone with Face ID (no Home button): press the side button and the volume up button at the same time, then let go quickly.
On an iPhone with a Home button: press the side button (or the top button on older models) and the Home button at the same time.
On most Android phones: press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Some phones use a different gesture, such as a swipe with the side of your hand, so if this doesn’t work, search your phone’s settings for “screenshot.”
On a Windows computer: press the Windows key, Shift and S together, then drag to choose the part of the screen you want.
On a Mac: press Command, Shift and 3 for the whole screen, or Command, Shift and 4 to choose an area.
You’ll usually see a small preview appear in a corner of the screen, or hear a camera sound.
Where Did It Go?
On an iPhone: open the Photos app, tap Albums, scroll down to Media Types, and tap Screenshots.
On an Android phone: open Photos or Gallery and look for a Screenshots album.
On a computer, screenshots usually go to a Screenshots folder, or are copied so that you can paste them into an email or message.
How To Mark It Up and Share It
On an iPhone, right after you take a screenshot, a small preview appears at the bottom-left of the screen. Tap it to draw a circle or arrow around the problem. Tap Done when you’re finished. Android phones usually offer similar choices in the preview.
To send it, open the screenshot, tap the Share icon, and choose how to send it, such as Messages, WhatsApp or Email.
Check Before You Share
A screenshot can show more than you meant to. Before you send it, look for:
Account numbers, card numbers or your address
Passwords or verification codes
Medical or other private information
Names and messages from other people
You can crop the picture to cut these out, or cover them with the markup tool.
A Very Important Warning
Never send a screenshot of a verification code, a password or your bank account to someone who contacted you first. Scammers sometimes ask for screenshots to take over accounts or to make a fake story seem real. Only share a screenshot with someone you trust and who you reached out to yourself.
Tips for Getting the Best Help
Take one for each step, so a helper can see how you got there.
Include the whole message, since the exact wording of an error often points to the fix.
Add a sentence about what you were trying to do, like “I was trying to open my email and this appeared.”
If an app won’t let you take a screenshot, take a photo of the screen with another phone or a camera instead.
Delete old screenshots once you’re done, since they can take up space.
Practice It Once
The first time can feel awkward, so try it now with something harmless, like your home screen. Once you’ve done it twice, it becomes second nature. If you’d like someone to practice with you, a Kendera Global session can show you step by step on your own phone.
