What does the Xbox Share button do and how does it work on Xbox Series X?

Xbox Series X Controller Share Button
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Using the Xbox Series X Share button on your new Xbox Controller, you can easily capture screenshots and short clips to preserve your gaming highlights. While this extra button on the controller below the main Xbox button isn't hard to miss, you need to know how it functions to get what you want out of it. You can even upload any clips or images you capture with the Share button on your Xbox Series X to the Xbox network, letting other players marvel at your skill or laugh at your misfortune. With all that in mind, here's what you need to know about the Share button on the Xbox Series X controller and how to use it.

How to use the Xbox Share button to record, share, and broadcast footage

Xbox Series X My Captures menu gallery for gameplay clips and screenshots

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Xbox Share button has multiple functions based on how you press it:

  • Single press = Take screenshot
  • Press and hold = Record previous 30 seconds of gameplay
  • Double Press = Open Recent Captures menu

You can change the Share button's recording settings within the 'Capture settings' menu, including how long the clip is, its resolution, where captures are stored, and whether they're automatically uploaded to the Xbox network.

To find all your clips and screenshots, you can open the 'My Captures' app, which allows you to view, delete, share, and transfer clips. Alternatively, if you want to quickly check a recent capture, you can double press the Xbox Share button to open your 'Recent captures' on the Xbox guide. Scroll down to 'Show all' to open the My Captures app.

Your recent captures will be automatically uploaded, and if you have the Xbox mobile app downloaded, you can view and share them easily from there. For more information on how to set up the Xbox mobile app, take a look at our separate guide covering that. Be aware that some captures can be deleted from the Xbox network after 90 days, so make sure your clips are backed up on your console or on some external drive.

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Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has well over 900 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

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