The iPhone X is a marvel of engineering and design to be sure… but one particular feature doesn’t seem too well thought out. Because this year’s iPhone doesn’t have a home button, you now take screenshots by holding the Lock and Volume Up buttons at the same. That’s a sensible solution in many ways, but it also makes for some unexpected challenges.
Taking iPhone X screenshots by accident
Namely, whenever I pick up the iPhone X to use it, my fingers are in just the right position to take a screenshot. That means over the course of a day, I might take half a dozen screenshots, which I have to then delete before they start filling up my photo library. (I guess I could use Google Photos to copy all of my real photos, but then these screenshots would take up space online too!)
I’m not sure if it’s because of the iPhone X case that I have on at the moment (a stylish Ted Baker case, natch), but I’m definitely not alone. Other iPhone X owners have complained about the same issue in threads online, and even other people that have borrowed the phone from me have had similar screenshot accidents!
How to stop taking accidental iPhone X screenshots
Thankfully, there are some ways to deal with the sudden plethora of new screenshots on your iPhone X. The best way that I’ve found is to just immediately delete each screenshot as it’s taken, by tapping on the preview of the screenshot in the bottom left, Done and then Delete screenshot. This means that I don’t need to swipe past dozens of screenshots when I’m looking for a cute picture of my dog, or look like a total weirdo who has an obsession with recording the clock multiple times per day.
Some iPhone X tough cases also seem to help, as these generally come with heftier button covers that aren’t as easy to press accidentally. I tried switching to a Zizo Bolt, and that seemed to make a real difference.
I’m also trying to train myself to not hold the iPhone X in a way that makes a screenshot likely. Whenever I take a screenshot by accident, I force myself to go through the laborious process of deleting it. Whenever I unlock my phone without getting a screenshot in the bargain, I give myself a little extra time on Reddit as a reward. I’m not sure if this kind of behavioural training will work, but it’s definitely worth a try, right?
Wrapping up
How have you tried to stop taking accidental iPhone X screenshots? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for checking out the article and we’ll see you on the next one!