Learn how to take scrolling screenshot iPhone with step-by-step tips, troubleshooting, and pro tricks for full-page captures.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gotten frustrated trying to get a grip on a long webpage, chat conversation, or email thread on your iPhone. You press the screenshot button multiple times, end up with a dozen separate images, and then spend an eternity trying to sew them together. Been there, done that, and honestly, it’s a bit annoying.
Lucky for us, Apple has made this process so manageable with the roll or full-page screenshot feature. Whether you’re reading a long blog post in Safari, tracking a detailed email, or saving a PDF on your iPhone, a scrolling screenshot can save you tons of time. It’s one of those small trends in iPhone usability that makes a huge difference in our daily tech habits.
In this guide, I will walk you through how to take a scrolling screenshot iPhone, explain which devices and iOS versions support it, show you exactly where your screenshots are saved, and give tips for common issues.
And yes, I’ll sprinkle in some personal experiences along the way because, let’s face it, nothing beats a story you can relate to.
What is a Scrolling Screenshot?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s make sure we’re on the same page. A scrolling screenshot, sometimes called a full-page screenshot, lets you capture an entire webpage, chat thread, or document in a single image or PDF, even if it’s longer than your iPhone screen.
Think about it this way: Imagine reading a 10-page article. Without a scrolling screenshot, you would need to take 10 separate screens, then go through the tedious process of piecing them together. But with a scrolling screenshot, the iPhone does all the heavy lifting, making a single, seamless image or PDF for you. It’s like having a magic camera.
Personally, I first discovered this feature when I tried to save a long recipe from a food blog. I had already taken four separate screenshots, and my Notes app was starting to look like a messy collage. Learning how to take scrolling screenshot iPhone was a lifesaver. One tap, and the whole recipe, including footnotes and indicators, was completely captured.
Which iPhone and iOS Versions Support Scrolling Screenshots?
Not all iPhones can do this, so it’s vital to know whether your device supports it.
Supported iPhones:
- iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and the latest models
- Basically, any iPhone without a Home button that runs a supported iOS version
Supported iOS versions:
- iOS 13 and later
- Apple introduced the full-page screenshot feature in iOS 13, and it has been improved in subsequent updates
Where it works:
- Safari
- Mail
- Notes
- PDF Files app
- Some other document viewers
Tip: If you try this in third-party apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, the Full Page tab might not appear. This is normal. The feature works best where Apple can control the content layout, such as Safari and Mail.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Take Scrolling Screenshot on iPhone
Now, let’s get to the fun part. Here’s a detailed walkthrough so you can finally capture those long pages without multiple screenshots or a headache.
Step 1: Take a Normal Screenshot
The method for taking a standard screenshot depends on your iPhone model:
- iPhones with Face ID (no Home button): Press Side button + Volume Up simultaneously
- iPhones with Home button: Press Home button + Side/Top button simultaneously
When you press the buttons, you will see a thumbnail appear at the bottom-left corner of the screen. This is your gateway to the scrolling screenshot.
Personal note: I often forget to press the thumbnail quickly, and then it disappears after a few seconds. Don’t panic if you miss it,you can take another screenshot.
Step 2: Open the Thumbnail
Tap the thumbnail to open the editing screen. This is where the magic happens.
You’ll see options to crop, annotate, and most importantly, switch between “Screen” and “Full Page.”
For me, this was a game-changer. Before, I used third-party apps just to stitch screenshots together. Now I can do everything right inside Apple’s interface.
Step 3: Select “Full Page”
At the top of the editing screen, you will see two tabs: Screen and Full Page. Tap Full Page, and your iPhone will automatically select the entire scrollable content.
You’ll see a scrollbar on the right, indicating the full length of the captured content. You can scroll through it to preview everything before saving.
Pro tip: If you are capturing a PDF or a long article, make sure you scroll through it to confirm the content. Sometimes dynamic content like videos or interactive elements won’t be captured, though the text and images will.
Step 4: Edit and Comment (Optional)
If you want, you can use the built-in tools to crop, highlight, or add notes. For example, I often use this when saving research articles, emphasizing key sections and adding comments before exporting. It’s like having a mini whiteboard right in your screenshot.
Step 5: Save Your Scrolling Screenshot
Once your screenshot is ready, it’s time to save it. The method depends on your iOS version:
- iOS 17 and later: Save it as an image in the Photos app
- iOS 13–16: The screenshot is stored as a PDF in the Files app
Tip: Knowing your iOS version upfront saves time. Trying to save a PDF as an image can be tricky if you aren’t prepared.
By this stage, you’re officially a pro at how to take scrolling screenshot iPhone. It feels incredibly empowering.
Where Your Screenshots are Saved
- Photos App: Standard screenshots and full-page screenshots saved as images appear here. You can find them in the Screenshots album.
- Files App: Full-page screenshots saved as PDFs appear here. You can choose the folder when saving.
Fun fact from experience: I once shared a full-page screenshot saved as a PDF with a friend, and they were confused because they expected an image. Lesson learned: Always clarify the format when sharing.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Although Apple makes scrolling screenshots simple, you might encounter some common problems:
- Full Page tab does not appear: Usually happens in third-party apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok. Workaround: Take multiple screenshots or use a third-party stitching app.
- Screenshot disappears too quickly: Tap the thumbnail quickly, or take another screenshot.
- Large PDF size: Full-page screenshots of long documents can be quite large. If you need to share, compress the PDF or convert it to an image using apps like PDF Expert or Shortcuts automation.
Alternatives if the Feature is Not Available
If your app or iPhone doesn’t support scrolling screenshots, here are some alternatives:
- Third-party apps: Picsew and Tailor automatically merge multiple screenshots into one long image. I have used Picsew for chat threads, and it works flawlessly.
- Screen recording: Record your screen while scrolling through the content, then extract the frames as images. This is a bit more inconvenient but works in apps that don’t support full-page screenshots.
Tips and Tricks for Better Scrolling Screenshots
- Use landscape mode for wide content: Sometimes scrolling screenshots look better in landscape orientation, especially for tables or charts.
- Plan your screenshot in advance: If capturing a long email or website, start from the top to ensure nothing is missed.
- Annotate while editing: Highlight, circle, or add text for emphasis. Useful if sharing screenshots for work or research.
- Organize PDFs in the Files app: Create a folder for long screenshots to find them easily later.
Real-Life Scenarios Where Scrolling Screenshots Save Time
Here are a few personal examples:
- Recipes: I saved a full Thanksgiving recipe in one screenshot. No more flipping through multiple pages or worrying about missing a tip at the bottom.
- Long chats: During trip planning with friends, the group chat was massive. One scrolling screenshot captured the entire plan in one go.
- Work emails: Send important email threads without forwarding the entire chain. Full-page screenshots make this simple.
These small conveniences create a surprisingly big difference in daily life.
Key Takings:
- Taking a scrolling screenshot on iPhone is a game-changing feature that saves time, reduces clutter, and keeps everything organized. By following this guide, you now know how to take scrolling screenshot iPhone, which devices and iOS versions support it, and where to save and share your captures.
- From my personal experience, once you start using this feature, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for everything from recipes to work documents, chat threads, and long articles.
- So next time you’re scrolling through a webpage or a long email, remember: one tap can capture it all, no messy stitching required. Give it a try,you’ll thank me later.
Additional Resources:
- Take a screenshot on iPhone (Apple Support): Apple’s official guide explaining how to capture screenshots, including the native Full Page feature for scrolling webpages and documents.
- How to Take a Full-Page Screenshot on iPhone (ION HowTo): Step-by-step instructions for taking long or scrolling screenshots, saving them as PDFs or images, and locating them easily.
