Did you know you can use your iPhone's volume buttons to snap photos? Learning how to get the best angle for a photo on an iPhone can be tricky. Using the iPhone volume buttons can make it easier to take a picture when holding the iPhone at an awkward angle. Here's a quick tip on how to take a photo with your iPhone's volume buttons.
iPhoneLife Logo
Tip of the Day  
Tue, 02/14/2023

How to Use Volume Buttons to Take Photos on Your iPhone (2023)

Learn how to take a picture with the side buttons on your iPhone for a more convenient way to capture the moment.

Did you know you can use your iPhone's volume buttons to snap photos? Learning how to get the best angle for a photo on an iPhone can be tricky. Using the iPhone volume buttons can make it easier to take a picture when holding the iPhone at an awkward angle. Here's a quick tip on how to take a photo with your iPhone's volume buttons.

Related: iPhone Camera Zoom Explained: Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom

Why You'll Love This Tip

  • Snap a selfie at a less awkward angle for your wrist.
  • Get the feel of an old-fashioned point-and-shoot camera with a physical shutter button.

How to Take a Photo Using the iPhone Volume Buttons

This trick is super simple, but you might not have realized that the iPhone side buttons work with your camera. For more cool tips about how to use your iPhone or other Apple devices, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day! To use the side buttons to take pictures on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Camera app.

    Open the Camera app.
  2. Select which Camera option you want to use.

    Select which Camera option you want to use.
  3. The volume buttons are located on the side of your iPhone. When you're ready to take a photo (or start one of the video options), press either the volume up or volume down button. 

    The volume buttons are the second (up) and third (down) buttons on the left edge of your iPhone. When you're ready to take a photo (or start one of the video options), press either the up or down button. 

Now you can snap photos using the volume buttons. You can hold your phone either vertically or horizontally, whichever works best for you. Enjoy taking selfies without any more awkward finger stretching!

 

Share This Tip

Got a Tip You Would Like to Share? Let Us Know.
 
Yesterday's Tip

 
More from iPhone Life

Follow iPhone Life

iPhoneLife Logo
Copyright © 2026 Mango Life Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, watchOS, and Apple are all trademarks of Apple, Inc.
You have opted in to recieve this email from iPhone Life magazine: Insider Daily Email
To stop receiving these emails, you may:
Mango Life Media LLC | 402 North B Street | Fairfield, IA 52556