Apple Watch Screenshots: How to Take & Find Them

Taking a screenshot on an Apple Watch captures exactly what is on the watch face or in an app, saving it to the watch’s Photos app and then syncing it to your iPhone. You take one by pressing the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time. This article explains the exact steps, how to view and share the images, how to fix common problems, and answers frequent questions about watch screenshots.

How to Take a Screenshot on Apple Watch

Before you can take screenshots, the feature must be enabled. It is turned off by default on most watches. Here is how to check and turn it on:

1. On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Screenshots.
4. Turn on Enable Screenshots.

Alternatively, you can enable it from the iPhone: open the Watch app, tap General, then Screenshots, and toggle on Enable Screenshots.

Once enabled, to capture a screenshot:

• Press the side button (the long flat button below the Digital Crown) and the Digital Crown simultaneously.
• You will see a brief white flash on the screen and hear a shutter sound (if your watch is not muted).
• Release both buttons immediately.

This works on all Apple Watch models, including the original, Series 1 through 9, Ultra, and SE lines. The side button is the one used for the Dock and power options, not the Action button on Ultra models.

Where Screenshots Are Saved

Screenshots are stored in the Photos app on the watch itself. To view them on the watch:

1. Press the Digital Crown to go to the home screen.
2. Open the Photos app.
3. Scroll to the Screenshots album (it may be under “Albums� or “Recents�).

The screenshots also sync to your iPhone automatically via iCloud Photos or the normal photo sync between the watch and phone. On the iPhone, they appear in the Photos app under Albums > Screenshots (or in the main camera roll if you have iCloud Photos enabled). If they do not appear immediately, wait a few minutes or open the Photos app on the watch to force a sync.

How to Share or Save a Screenshot

To share a screenshot from the watch:

1. Open the screenshot in the Photos app on the watch.
2. Press firmly (or long-press) on the image.
3. Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow).
4. Choose a method: Message, Mail, AirDrop, or another app that supports sharing.

If you prefer to share from the iPhone, simply find the screenshot in the Photos app on your phone and use the normal share sheet. You can also edit, crop, or annotate it there before sending.

Common Problems and Fixes

If pressing both buttons does nothing, check these possibilities:

• Screenshots are disabled – Go to Settings > General > Screenshots and confirm the toggle is on.
• You pressed the wrong buttons – On Series 3 and later, the side button is the flat one below the Digital Crown. On the original Watch, it is on the right side. The Action button (Ultra) is not used for screenshots.
• Watch is in Water Lock mode – If the water drop icon is on the screen, you must turn the Digital Crown to exit Water Lock first.
• Screen is off or in a notification overlay – Wake the screen first, then press both buttons.
• watchOS bug – Restart the watch by holding the side button and swiping to power off, then turn it back on.

If the screenshot is taken but does not appear on the iPhone, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that iCloud Photos is enabled on the phone (Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Photos).

How to Turn Screenshots Off

If you no longer want to take screenshots (or want to prevent accidental captures), turn off the feature the same way you turned it on:

1. Open Settings on the watch.
2. Go to General > Screenshots.
3. Toggle off Enable Screenshots.

Turning off the feature does not delete existing screenshots; they remain in the Photos app unless you delete them manually.

Differences Between Watch and iPhone Screenshots

Apple Watch screenshots are saved at the watch’s screen resolution (for example, 312×390 pixels on a 40mm Series 6, or 396×484 on a 45mm Series 7/8). They are not as high-resolution as iPhone screenshots. The watch does not capture the status bar or the time overlay if you are in an app; it captures exactly what is displayed, including the time if it is on the watch face.

Unlike the iPhone, there is no built-in screen recording on the watch, so screenshots are the only way to capture the screen without a third-party app.

Using Screenshots for Troubleshooting

Screenshots are useful for documenting a bug or an error message on the watch. When contacting support or posting in a forum, a screenshot can show exactly what you see. To capture an error message:

• Wait for the error to appear on the screen.
• Press both buttons quickly.
• Find the screenshot in the Photos app on the watch, then share it via AirDrop or Message to your computer or phone.

You can also use screenshots to save a watch face configuration, a workout summary, or a notification you want to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my Apple Watch take a screenshot when I press the buttons?

Most likely, screenshots are disabled in Settings > General > Screenshots. Turn on “Enable Screenshots� and try again. Also ensure you are pressing the side button and Digital Crown at the same time, not the Action button on Ultra models.

Can I take a screenshot on Apple Watch without pressing buttons?

No, there is no built-in gesture or voice command to take a screenshot on the watch. The only method is pressing the side button and Digital Crown together. Third-party apps cannot trigger system screenshots due to watchOS restrictions.

Where do Apple Watch screenshots go on iPhone?

They appear in the Photos app on your iPhone, usually in the “Screenshots� album under Albums. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, they sync automatically. If not, they may appear in the camera roll after the watch syncs.

How do I delete a screenshot from my Apple Watch?

Open the Photos app on the watch, find the screenshot, press firmly (or long-press) on it, and tap the trash icon. Deleting from the watch will also remove it from the iPhone if they are synced.

Do Apple Watch screenshots include the time?

Only if the time is visible on the screen. If you screenshot a watch face, the time is included. If you screenshot an app, the time is not overlaid unless the app itself displays it.

Can I take a screenshot of the Apple Watch app on iPhone?

Yes, but that is a different thing. To capture the watch app interface on the iPhone, use the iPhone’s screenshot method (side button + volume up on Face ID models, or home + side button on older models). That screenshot is saved on the iPhone, not the watch.

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