On iOS 26, you can use your AirPods as the shutter button for your iPhone’s camera app. This may be a new feature for the iPhone, but Android users have had access to it for several years. The option to trigger the shutter remotely comes in quite handy while taking group shots. The process is super accessible to the average user, but the feature needs to be manually turned on from settings. Here’s how you can use your AirPods as your iPhone’s camera remote.
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In This Article
How it works
The Camera Remote feature for AirPods is available exclusively on iOS 26. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest OS version before enabling this function. You get 2 gesture options for the shutter trigger: single press and long press. Once the feature is enabled, you can go to the Camera app and gently press the stem of the earbuds to take a picture.
When you press the stem, the Camera app starts a 3-second timer. This timer is set by default for pictures taken using the AirPods. If you’re using one of the rear cameras, the flash will blink three times before the picture is captured. You can extend this countdown by going to the Timer section in the Camera app. Interestingly, there is no default countdown for videos.
Use AirPods to take pictures and record videos
Step 1: Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Settings.
Step 3: Select your AirPods.
Step 4: Tap on Camera Remote under Camera Control.
Step 5: Choose whether you want a single press or long press gesture for capturing pictures and recording videos.
Use your AirPods’ microphone while recording videos
Step 1: Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Step 2: Launch the Camera app and switch to the Video tab.
Step 3: Swipe down from the right side of the status bar to open the Control Center.
Step 4: Tap on Camera Controls.
Step 5: Select your AirPods as the microphone input.
Step 6: Choose one of the following mic modes: Automatic, Standard, Voice Isolation, or Wide Spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my AirPods to take a picture?
Apple’s iOS 26 update lets you take pictures using your AirPods’ stems. This feature comes in handy while taking group pictures.
How do I take a picture using my AirPods?
Go to Settings>AirPods name>Camera Remote and choose a single-press or long-press gesture for the shutter function. Go to the Camera app and use that gesture on your AirPods to take a picture.
Can I use my AirPods’ microphone while recording a video?
You can use your AirPods’ microphone for the audio feed while recording a video. Launch the Camera app, switch to the Video tab, go to the Control Center, tap on ‘Camera Controls’, and select your AirPods as the microphone input.
How do I take a hearing test on AirPods?
Apple’s Hearing Test is supported by the AirPods Pro 2 and higher models. Go to Go to the Health app, then select Browse>Hearing>Get More From Health>Take Hearing Test, and tap on ‘Get Started’ to take the test.
How do I use Apple Hearing?
Connect your AirPods Pro to your iPhone, go to Settings>AirPods, and take the hearing test. Once you have taken the test, go to Set Up Hearing Aid>Get Started>Turn On Hearing Aid.
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Final Thoughts
Your AirPods do not need to be in your ears to take a picture. You can pull out a single earbud from the case and press its stem to use the shutter function in the camera app. If you’re not a fan of this feature, go to Settings>AirPods>Camera Remote, and hit ‘None’ to turn it off.
