How to Take Screenshots on Apple Watch

Taking a screenshot on an Apple Watch is simple once the feature is turned on. Whether it’s to capture a fitness milestone, a notification, or a watch face, Apple gives users multiple ways to do it across different watchOS versions. In case you’re wondering, here’s how to take screenshots on all Apple Watch devices.

Ways to Take Screenshots on Apple Watch

Before taking screenshots, users must enable the feature in settings. Once it’s on, screenshots can be captured instantly using button combinations.

1. Enable Screenshots on Apple Watch

Screenshots are turned off by default. Follow these steps to enable them:

On Apple Watch:

1. Press the Digital Crown to open the Home screen.
   
2. Tap Settings.
   
3. Scroll down and select General.
   
4. Tap Screenshots.
   
   
5. Turn on Enable Screenshots.
   

Alternatively, on iPhone:

1. Open the Watch app.
   
2. Tap General.
   
3. Scroll to Enable Screenshots and switch it on.
   
   

Once this is enabled, screenshots can be captured directly from the watch. You can explore more about navigating Watch settings here.

2. Take a Screenshot Using Buttons

With screenshots enabled, capturing one takes just a second.

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
   
2. Press the Digital Crown and the Side Button simultaneously.
   
   
3. The screen will briefly flash, confirming the screenshot has been taken.
   

This works across most apps and watchOS versions. However, in some watchOS 10 settings, the same button combinations may perform other actions, such as opening the Dock, so ensure screenshots are still toggled on.

For more on general watch usage and gestures, check how to use the Apple Watch efficiently.

3. Where to Find Saved Screenshots

Apple Watch screenshots are automatically saved to the Photos app on the paired iPhone.
To find them:

1. Open Photos on iPhone.
   
2. Go to Recents or the Screenshots album.
   

They are not stored on the watch to conserve space. If the iPhone’s storage is limited, you can check Apple Watch storage usage and manage content accordingly.

Additional Tips

• Screenshots won’t work in apps that block image capture for security reasons.
  
• To make text clearer in screenshots, increase the text size on Apple Watch.
  
• Avoid pressing the buttons too long, as this may trigger SOS or other shortcuts.
  
• If screenshots stop working after a software update, re-enable the feature in settings.
  

Final Thoughts

Taking screenshots on Apple Watch is a simple yet useful feature for capturing on-screen moments. Once enabled, pressing the Digital Crown and Side Button together instantly saves what’s on the display. It’s a small but powerful function that helps users document their Apple Watch experience with ease.

FAQs