How to take a screenshot on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

First switch on Enable Screenshots in the watch's Settings under General, Screenshots. Then press the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time. The picture is saved in the Photos app on your iPhone.

An Apple Watch can take a picture of its own screen, for example to keep a workout summary or show someone a setting. The feature is switched off until you enable it.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsGeneralDisplay & BrightnessAccessibilitySiri

    Open Settings on the watch

    Press the Digital Crown to see your apps and tap the grey gear icon.

  2. SettingsGeneralDisplay & BrightnessAccessibilitySiri

    Tap General, then Screenshots

    Scroll down in General to find Screenshots.

  3. ScreenshotsEnable Screenshots

    Switch on Enable Screenshots

    You only need to do this once.

  4. Press the Digital Crown and the side button together

    Press both at the same moment and let go. The screen flashes white. Do not hold them down: holding the side button opens the power and emergency screen.

  5. Find the picture on your iPhone

    Open Photos on the paired iPhone. The screenshot appears in your library and in the Screenshots album after a moment.

Good to know

You can also switch the setting on from the iPhone: open the Watch app, tap General and switch on Enable Screenshots.

If nothing happens, check that the watch is unlocked and that both buttons are pressed at exactly the same time.

In short: Settings, General, Screenshots on the watch. Then press the Digital Crown and side button together.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Take a screenshot on Apple Watch

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