Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
Whether you’re screenshotting an image you love or a document you need to save, there is no doubt knowing how to take a screenshot can prove to be a problem when it’s time to upgrade your phone.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to screenshot on an iPhone and Android, as well as some other basic phone tips you’ll not know how you lived without before.
How to Take a Screenshot on a iPhone
How you take a screenshot on an iPhone will depend on the model, but these should have you covered, whatever you’re using.
Screenshot on an iPhone with a Home Button
Press and hold the home and lock buttons simultaneously until the screenshot is taken.
Screenshot on an iPhone without a Home Button
Hold down the lock and up-volume button at the same time to capture your screen.
How to Edit Screenshots
The best part about recent iOS updates is the new ability to edit screenshots, and no, we don’t mean only cropping them. After a screenshot is taken, it appears in the bottom left corner of the screen. When you click on said screenshot, an editing window will appear. This function allows you to highlight, draw, add text and even include signatures to the capture before sending or saving it – all from the same screen
How to Take a Screenshot on an Android Phone
Like an iPhone, how you take a screenshot on an Android phone depends greatly on the brand and model of phone you’re using. However, as a general rule pressing the power and volume down button simultaneously should do the job. Once the capture has been taken a notification will often appear to notify you the process was a success.
These screenshots are then able to be edited from the photo album or by using third-party editing apps installed on the phone.
3 Best iPhone Hacks
1. Change the size of text on an iPhone.
The ability to change text size on your iPhone is a game changer for those of us not blessed with 20/20 vision. There are options for both short and long sighted vision, making using your phone a breeze, even without your glasses.
To adjust text sizing:
- Open Settings.
- Select Accessibility.
- Choose Display & Text Size.
- Adjust accordingly, using Larger Text to increase or decrease text size across your device.
2. Airdrop to quickly share photos and files.
Airdrop is arguably one of the most useful features on iPhones to date. If you’re someone who is constantly sending photos and videos between Apple devices, Airdrop was made for you. This feature works by sending photos, web links, songs and so much more via Bluetooth – so no need to worry about using too much data.
To use Airdrop, you’ll need to ensure both devices have Bluetooth enabled. This is simple on an iPhone; simply swipe downwards from the top right hand corner of the screen and check if the Bluetooth icon is blue.
To use Airdrop:
- Turn on Airdrop via Settings, General and Airdrop on both the sender and receiver iPhones.
- To begin transferring items between devices, press the Share button (square icon with upward arrow), select Airdrop and then the target recipient.
- The receiver will be notified of an incoming file.
3. Enable dark mode for decreased eye strain.
Dark mode is a relatively new feature to iPhones. This welcome addition finally allows iPhone users to invert their screen colours, not only decreasing the user’s eye strain in lower lighting, but looking great too!
How to turn on iPhone dark mode:
1. Open up Settings.
2. Select Brightness from the menu.
3. Click Dark Mode.
For those only wanting to use the mode during night time, Apple has added a ‘Night Shift’ mode. This syncs with the iPhone’s built-in weather app and switches to dark mode upon the sunset each day.
3 Best Android Hacks
1. Enable smart lock for user friendly security.
Our phones have never held more sensitive information than in 2020. We keep our banking, social media, private conversations and contact information of our family and friends all on the same small device. Due to this, almost all smartphone users have security measures enabled on their phone.
Whether you’re using passcodes, fingerprints, face recognition or pattern they all serve the same purpose; to guard your most important information. However, while necessary, these safety features can become tedious to navigate, even when you’re safe at home.
In response to this, Android has created a smart lock feature, which allows users to select geographically ‘safe’ locations where passcodes and alike features will not be required.
To enable smart lock:
1. Head to Settings.
2. Click Security.
3. Select Smart Lock.
2. Cast your Android screen for big-screen viewing.
For years, you’ve been able to cast movies and shows to home TVs using apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Stan in conjunction with a Google Chromecast or Android TV. Now, Android has taken this feature to a new level, allowing users to cast their phone display. This allows them to play games, display photos and much more on their home TV with ease.
Before you start, you’ll require a Chromecast or Android TV to use this feature. To access the feature, using two fingers swipe downwards from the top of the screen to bring up the quick access menu. From here, you should be able to use the mirroring shortcut to connect your device. Where this does not work, use your Google Home App to connect.
3. Split screen two apps on one phone.
Arguably one of the most sought-after features of Android 7.0 Nougat was the new-found ability to run two apps simultaneously on your phone screen. This feature comes in handy when wanting to display photos or multi-task on your phone.
To use split screen on Android:
- Select the Overview button (square button on the bottom-left of your phone screen).
- Press and hold a previously used app and drag it to the left of the screen.
- Repeat step 2 with the second app you wish to have open.
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