This article explains how to print a screenshot of a text message using an iPhone. The need to print a text message received via SMS or any chat can derive from many factors, starting from the sentimental one up to legal reasons. You can print a screenshot of a text message (which also includes the date and time it was sent or received if needed) using a printer that supports AirPrint connection or by sending the image to a computer with a printer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Storing a Screenshot
Step 1. Launch the iPhone Messages app
Tap the corresponding icon with a white balloon on a green background.
If you have already created screenshots of the messages you want to print, you can skip this part of the article
Step 2. Select a conversation
Find the conversation that contains the message you want to print, then select it to access the content.
Step 3. Scroll through the list of messages until you reach the portion of the conversation you want to print
Scroll up the message list until you find the part you want to include in the screenshot.
Step 4. View the date and time of the messages if necessary
If for any reason you need to include the date and time of receiving / sending messages in the screenshot (for example if you need to use the text of the messages as evidence for a civil or legal proceeding), scroll down the finger across the screen from right to left. Remember that in this case, while taking the screenshot, you will have to keep your finger pressed on the screen.
Step 5. Take the screenshot
Depending on your iPhone model, you will need to use one of the following methods:
- iPhone 8 and earlier - press the "Home" and "Power" keys at the same time.
- iPhone X - Press the "Power" and "Volume Up" keys at the same time.
Step 6. Repeat the process to take screenshots of all other sections of the conversation you want to print
When you have completed the screenshot acquisition phase you can move on to the printing phase.
Part 2 of 3: Print via AirPrint
Step 1. Make sure the iPhone is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network
To print from iPhone using an AirPrint compatible printer, both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If necessary, connect the iPhone to the correct Wi-Fi network before continuing
Step 2. Launch the iPhone Photos app
Tap the corresponding icon featuring a stylized multicolored flower placed on a white background.
Step 3. Select the Albums tab
It is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
If after starting the Photos app the last image you viewed appears on the screen, press the "Back" button, located in the upper left corner of the screen, to return to the main screen before continuing
Step 4. Scroll the list of albums present to the item "Types of media files"
It is displayed approximately in the middle of the "Albums" tab.
Step 5. Select the Snapshots option
It is one of the items listed in the "Media File Types" section of the "Albums" tab. The complete list of all the screenshots you have taken will be displayed.
Step 6. Press the Select button
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 7. Select the screenshots
Tap all the images you want to print to select them.
Step 8. Press the "Share" button
It is located in the lower left corner of the screen. A new menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Step 9. Choose the Print option
It features a printer icon. This will display the "Print Options" menu.
Step 10. Configure the print settings
You can choose the printer and set the number of copies to print:
- Printer - tap the item Printer to be able to select the AirPrint printer to use, if you have not already done so.
- Number of copies - press the button + to increase the number of copies to print or press the button - to decrease it.
Step 11. Press the Print button
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen. At this point all the screenshots you have selected will be sent to the printer for printing.
Part 3 of 3: Printing via Computer
Step 1. Transfer the screenshots to your computer
You can use the USB cable that came with the iPhone and the Photos app on your computer to import the screenshots you want to print.
Step 2. Connect a printer to your computer
If you haven't done this yet, you'll need to do it now before you can continue.
Step 3. Navigate to the folder where the images stored on your computer are located
Depending on the operating system installed on the device, you will need to follow these instructions.
-
Windows - open the "File Explorer" window
File_Explorer_Icon click on the folder Images listed in the left panel of the window that appeared, then double-click on the directory that was created after importing the data from the iPhone.
- Mac - Launch the Photos app and scroll through the content in the window until you find the screenshots you want to print.
Step 4. Select the photos you want to print
If you are using a Windows computer, click once on one of the photos in the folder, then press the key combination Ctrl + A to select all the images in the directory.
If you're using a Mac, hold down the ⌘ Command key while clicking on each of the photos you want to print
Step 5. Open the "Print" window
The procedure to follow varies depending on the operating system of the computer:
- Windows - right-click on the files you have selected and then on the option Press visible in the appeared menu.
- Mac - click on the menu File displayed at the top of the screen, then click on the item Press displayed in the drop-down menu that will appear.
Step 6. Select the print settings
The print menu varies by computer operating system and printer model, but you will normally have the ability to change the following options:
- Select the printer to use by clicking on the "Printer" drop-down menu located at the top of the window;
- Select the image format using the menu displayed in the center of the window;
- Set the number of copies to print;
- Select color or black and white printing.
Step 7. Click on the Print option
It is usually located at the bottom of the "Print" window. This way the images you have selected will be printed.
