idevicescreenshot

Save a screenshot with the default file name as a TIFF image

$ idevicescreenshot

$ idevicescreenshot [path/to/file.tiff]

idevicescreenshot [-u UDID] [-d] [--png|--jpg|--raw] [-x WIDTH] [-y HEIGHT] [-c] [FILENAME]

-u, --udid UDID
    Target specific device by UDID

-d, --debug
    Enable debug logging

-h, --help
    Print usage information

-v, --version
    Print version information

-c, --container
    Save into container directory

--png
    Output PNG image (default)

--jpg
    Output JPG image

--raw
    Output raw pixel data

-x, --width WIDTH
    Resize to WIDTH pixels wide

-y, --height HEIGHT
    Resize to HEIGHT pixels high

idevicescreenshot is a command-line utility from the libimobiledevice project, enabling screenshot capture from iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) over USB without jailbreaking. It leverages the Apple Mobile Device Protocol for communication, requiring no proprietary software like iTunes.

Connect your iOS device via USB, ensure it's unlocked and trusts the host computer, then run the command to save a screenshot as PNG by default, or specify JPG/raw formats. Resizing options allow custom dimensions. Debug mode aids troubleshooting. Ideal for developers testing apps, automation scripts, or remote diagnostics.

Requires libimobiledevice and usbmuxd installed; supports multiple devices via UDID. Outputs to file or stdout for piping.

Device must be unlocked, paired, and trusted. Limited iOS version support; check libimobiledevice compatibility. USB connection required; no wireless.

libimobiledevice-utils, usbmuxd daemon running. Install: sudo apt install libimobiledevice-utils (Debian/Ubuntu).

idevicescreenshot -u <UDID> screenshot.png
idevicescreenshot --jpg -x 800 myphoto.jpg

Developed within libimobiledevice (started 2007 by Nikias Bassen) as open-source iOS tooling. Screenshot feature added ~2010; actively maintained for modern iOS.

ideviceinfo(1), idevicediagnostics(1), iproxy(1), ifuse(1)