How to copy and delete screenshots on iPhone — here’s a great way to limit excessive photos

Apple iPhone 15 held in the hand.
(Image credit: Future)

Sometimes we want to send a screenshot to friends and family but want to avoid filling the iPhone photo gallery with hundreds of random screens. Thankfully, it's possible to copy and send a screenshot without having to save the image at all. 

Apple introduced the Copy and Delete feature back in iOS 16 in 2022, which also included Lock Screen customization and improvements to several apps. When compared with these additions, Copy and Delete seems relatively tame in comparison. However, it is a big benefit to anyone who sends a lot of images but wants to save space as this method will not save the image at all.

So if you want to edit an image on your iPhone and send it out without having to fill your gallery with multiple edited images, then follow this handy guide. 

Here's everything you need to know

1. Screenshot copy and delete: How to take a screenshot

(Image: © Future)

Taking a screenshot is relatively simple, the first step is to find the screen, app or webpage that you want an image of. Once there you will need to press the Sleep and Volume Up buttons. The screen should flash and show a smaller image of your screen in the bottom left corner. Once that is done tap the small image in the bottom corner to open up the capture. 

2. Screenshot copy and delete: How to edit the screenshot

(Image: © Future)

When you tap the image it will expand and you'll enter the iPhone’s edit screen. From here you can cut out parts of the image, draw on the screen or press the plus icon to add text, signatures and more.

3. Screenshot copy and delete: How to use the Copy and Delete feature

(Image: © Future)

Once you have the desired edits you will only need to select Done in the top left corner. When this option is selected you will have several options, the one we want says Copy and Delete and should be colored red. Once selected, the screenshot will disappear.  

4. Screenshot copy and delete: How to Paste Your Image

(Image: © Future)

To paste the image simply go to whatever chat or message thread you wish. Once there hold your finger down in the text box until the paste option appears. The image will appear as you edited it, but apps like WhatsApp will let you do certain other edits.


Copy and Delete makes sending images as easy as possible while making sure your phone’s memory is kept neat and clutter-free. While it is easy to miss, this guide will have hopefully made it a little bit easier to use.  

If you are looking for more guides to get the best out of your iPhone then check out some of our other How-To guides. For instance, here's a guide on how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone, which is crucial if you have just gotten an upgrade on your older phone. Speaking of which, if you have just gotten a new iPhone 15 Pro? The 11 features you should try first

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to Mobile Cell Phones
Storage Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Showing 10 of 244 deals
Filters
Arrow
(256GB)
Our Review
1
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB...
Verizon
Our Review
2
iPhone 15 Pro
Walmart
Our Review
3
Apple iPhone 14 Plus - 256GB...
AT&T Mobility
Our Review
4
Apple iPhone 15 128BG
Visible
(128GB)
Our Review
5
iPhone 15 128GB Pink
Apple
(256GB Blue)
Our Review
6
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB
Straight Talk
(128GB)
Our Review
7
iPhone 14 Plus Prepaid 128GB...
Total Wireless
Our Review
8
Apple iPhone 15 128GB
Verizon
(128GB)
Our Review
9
Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB in...
Verizon
(256GB)
Our Review
10
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB...
Verizon
Load more deals
Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer.