Taking screenshots on your Apple Watch: as easy as you think
Your Apple Watch vibrates. An important notification. Or that perfect workout stat. You want to capture it, but how? Most users don't even know their Apple Watch can take screenshots. They take photos of the screen with their phone. Crooked. With reflections. Blurry.
Yet the feature has existed since the very first model. In fact, it's ridiculously simple . Press two buttons simultaneously and you're done. No need to fiddle with cameras or extra apps. The screenshot appears instantly on your iPhone , ready to share.
So why do so few people use this feature? Because Apple has hidden it. No explanation at startup. No hints in the interface. You just have to know how to use it. Today, you can change that. In three simple steps, you'll soon be taking perfect screenshots . Without frustration.
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Activate the screenshot function
Before you can take screenshots on your Apple Watch, the feature must first be enabled. This doesn't happen automatically. Apple has disabled this setting by default to prevent unwanted screenshots. Activation is done through your iPhone, not on the watch itself.
Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Tap "My Watch" at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down until you see "General." Tap it. Then find "Enable Screenshots" and turn it on. Green means it's active. Now you're ready for the next step.
Step 1: Navigate to the correct screen
Taking a screenshot starts with the screen you want to capture. This could be anything: your watch face with that perfect complication setup, a workout overview with your new personal best, or an important notification you want to save.
Take a moment to position the screen correctly. In some apps, you might scroll down for additional information. In others, you might wait for an animation to finish. The screenshot captures what you see at that precise moment, so timing is important.
Step 2: Press both buttons at the same time
This is the crucial moment. Press the Digital Crown (the rotating wheel) and the side button simultaneously. Both buttons are on the same side of your watch. The Digital Crown is on top, the side button below.
The timing has to be perfect. Release too early and nothing happens. Too late and you might activate other functions. It takes some practice, but after a few tries, it becomes second nature. Think of pressing Ctrl+C on your computer: both at the same time, briefly and forcefully.
Step 3: Check the screenshot on your iPhone
Immediately after taking the screenshot, your screen will flash white. You'll also hear the characteristic shutter sound, unless your watch is set to silent. The screenshot will automatically appear in the Photos app on your iPhone, but not on the watch itself—that's important to know.
Open the Photos app on your iPhone. The screenshot will be at the top of your most recent photos. You can edit, share, or delete it immediately. Screenshots from your Apple Watch are the same resolution as the screen of your specific model.
Common problems and solutions
Not working? That happens more often than you think. The most common cause is that the feature is turned off. Check this first in the Watch app on your iPhone.
A second problem is timing. Many users press the buttons one after the other instead of simultaneously. Or they release them too quickly. Try holding the buttons down a fraction longer. The screen should flash white.
No sound when taking a screenshot? Check that your watch isn't set to silent. The red bell at the top of your watch face indicates this. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the Control Center. Tap the bell to unmute the screen.
Useful uses for screenshots
Screenshots are more than just pretty pictures. They have practical applications that make your daily life easier:
- Share workout results: Record your workout stats and share them with friends or your personal trainer.
- Save navigation instructions: Screenshot directions for when you don't have an internet connection
- Documenting Technical Issues: Show Error Messages to Apple Support or in Warranty Claims
- Gathering watch face inspiration: Save interesting configurations you find online
- Capture payment receipts: Screenshot Apple Pay transactions for your records
Alternative methods
Sometimes the standard method doesn't work. You have a physical disability, or the buttons don't respond properly. Apple offers alternatives through AssistiveTouch. This accessibility feature adds a virtual button to your screen.
Enable AssistiveTouch in Settings > Accessibility on your Apple Watch. Or use the Watch app on your iPhone. Once enabled, a floating button will appear on your screen. Tap it for a menu with various options, including taking screenshots.
Organize and manage screenshots
Over time, you'll likely collect dozens of screenshots. They take up storage space on your iPhone. Regularly cleaning them up is wise. The Photos app automatically groups screenshots into a separate album. Handy for keeping things organized.
You can also delete screenshots directly from your Apple Watch. Well, indirectly. Via the paired iPhone, that is. Open the Photos app, select the screenshot, and tap the trash can. The photo will disappear from your library but will remain in your "Recently Deleted" folder for 30 days.
Privacy and screenshots
Screenshots can contain sensitive information, such as messages, health data, or location data. Be mindful of what you capture and who you share it with. Some apps block screenshots for privacy reasons, such as banking apps.
When sharing screenshots on social media, always check what's on them. Personal notifications sometimes appear unexpectedly. A quick check prevents awkward situations.
Screenshots on Apple Watch: Simpler than you thought
Taking screenshots on your Apple Watch is simply a matter of pressing two buttons simultaneously . No need to fuss with cameras or extra apps. The feature has been hidden in your watch for years, but now you know exactly how it works.
Whether you want to share workout results or save an important notification, you can take a perfect screenshot on your iPhone in three seconds. All you have to remember: press the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously, quickly, and you're done .
