How to Take a Photo With Your AirPods

How to Take a Photo With Your AirPods

Take hands-free photos using your AirPods as a remote shutter, perfect for group shots, presentations, and solo content without awkward timers.  

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 8, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

Have you ever tried to squeeze into a group photo, sprint back from a timer, or quietly snap a picture without touching your phone? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Your AirPods as a Remote Shutter.

Built into iOS and AirPods is a camera trigger feature that turns your earbuds into a hands-free photo button, and most users never discover it.

Feature Explanation

This feature allows supported AirPods to trigger the iPhone camera shutter using a press or gesture on the AirPods stem. 

When enabled, pressing the AirPods control sends the same command as tapping the shutter button on screen. 

It works with the native Camera app and many third-party camera apps that use Apple’s camera framework.

Why it matters: 

• Removes the need for timers.
• Bluetooth remotes. or 
• Asking strangers for help. 

It also improves accessibility and enables quieter, more natural photo capture.

What You’ll Gain

• Faster photos without timers.
• Better group shots with everyone included.
• Cleaner selfies and tripod photos.
• Hands-free control for accessibility or presentations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

iOS

Enable AirPods

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone/iPad and confirm audio is playing.
2. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Tap the name of your AirPods from the list.
4. Tap Camera Remote, then tap either Press Once or Press and Hold.
5. Open the Camera app.

fig. 1 - Enable Camera Remote Example

Take a Photo

1. Connect and wear your AirPods to your iPhone/iPad.
2. Open the Camera app.
3. To take a photo:  Press the stem on your AirPods.
4. To take a video: Select video mode in camera app then press the stem on your AirPods.  
5. To stop, press the stem again.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No extra accessories required.
• Works with tripods and stands.
• Excellent for educators, presenters, and creators.

Cons

• Limited to supported AirPods models: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3.
• Gesture timing takes practice.

Feature Access

• Supported devices: Select AirPods models with stem controls.
• Platform: iOS 18 or greater.
• Region: Global.
• Availability: Currently rolling out based on model and iOS version.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Eliminates timers and remotes for everyday photography.

Usability 8

Simple once enabled, but hidden in Accessibility.

Wow Factor 7

Subtle feature with surprisingly practical impact.

Total: 24 /30 👍 Good

A quiet productivity win that outperforms Bluetooth remotes for most users.

Key Takeaways

Your AirPods already include a built-in camera trigger. 

Once enabled, it becomes a faster, cleaner way to take photos without touching your phone.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: AirPods Camera Control.
• Platform(s): iOS 18 or greater.
• Quick Benefit: Hands-free photos.
• Access Type: Free.

Try It Yourself

Enable the setting, grab a tripod, and take three photos without touching your phone. 

If this saved you time, leave a comment, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter, and share this Cool Tip with your team, family, and friends.

READ MORE

• Hear This: How Your AirPods Pro Can Double as Hearing Aids
  
• How to Use Apple's New Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness for AirPods Pro
  
• Most Popular iPhone Cool Tips of 2025
  
• MORE iPhone Cool Tips

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!

📬 Subscribe: Get the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

💡 Support the Site: Chip in through TIPJAR to keep the Cool Tips coming.

Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#iPhonePhotography #AirPodsTips #AppleHiddenFeatures @AppleSupport #AirPods #iPhone 

#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved