How to control your iPhone camera remotely and without using extra gear

Want to take photos without holding your iPhone? Discover easy ways to control your camera remotely and capture the perfect shot every time.

Taking photos with your iPhone can be tricky when you want to avoid shaking the device or include yourself in the shot. Whether your phone is on a tripod or you want to be part of a group photo without holding the phone, remote control options can help. You do not need special equipment to do this, and there are multiple ways to trigger your iPhone’s shutter button remotely. Here are some simple ways to help you control your iPhone camera from a distance and without using extra gadgets.

Know how to control your iPhone camera remotely and take photos without holding your device. (Pexels)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Use Voice Control to Take a Photo

If you don’t have an Apple Watch, you can still control your iPhone camera remotely using Voice Control. This feature allows you to activate the shutter by voice commands, which makes it easier to take pictures without touching the device. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
3. Tap Voice Control.
4. Turn on the switch next to Voice Control to enable it. You will see an icon at the top of your screen showing that Voice Control is active.
5. Open the Camera app and position your shot.
6. When ready, say “Turn up the volume” to take the picture remotely. This command works because the volume buttons trigger the camera shutter.
7. After taking your photos, return to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control and turn off Voice Control if you no longer need it.

Control Your iPhone Camera Using an Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, it can serve as a remote control for your iPhone camera, which offers added convenience. Here is how to use it:

1. Open the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch.
2. Position your iPhone to frame the picture you want.
3. Tap the shutter button on your watch screen.
4. The camera will take the photo after a default 3-second delay, which will give you time to get into the frame.
5. You can customise settings such as flash, Live Photo, or switch between front and rear cameras by tapping the three-dot menu on the watch screen.

Use Siri Shortcuts to Snap Photos

If you use the Shortcuts app on your iPhone, you can add a shortcut called “Say Cheese” that lets you use Siri to trigger the camera. To set this up:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Go to the Gallery tab and search for “Say Cheese.”
3. Add the shortcut to your library and allow it to access your camera and microphone.
4. When ready to take a photo, say “Hey Siri, say cheese” to trigger the shutter remotely.

In short, you can take sharp photos with your iPhone remotely using any of these methods without needing extra equipment or complex setups. These tricks will also make it easier for you to capture moments, whether you are alone, with friends, or using a tripod.

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