Taking pictures can be a fun way to preserve and share memories, but getting a good photo that everyone is happy with isn’t always easy. For group selfies, for example, it may be difficult to get everyone in the picture while still being able to press the shutter button The iPhone. The good news? When Apple was released iOS 26 in the middle Septemberthe company has made it possible to use your own AirPods taking pictures, so all you have to worry about is getting the best angle for everyone.
The iOS 26 update introduced a number of new features to your iPhone, including call test and a Liquid Glass redesign. It also introduced the Camera Remote for AirPods, which lets you take a photo with a press on your AirPods. But you have to turn on this feature and it only works with AirPods with the H2 chip, like the new AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4.
If you have compatible AirPods, here’s where to find the camera remote control option and how to use it.
How to open the camera remote control
1. Connect your compatible AirPods to your iPhone.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap your AirPods in the Settings menu.
Your AirPods will be named something different.
4. Tap Camera remote control under Camera Control.
In the new menu, you can choose anywhere Press Once or Press and Hold. This refers to how you will press the stem on your AirPods to take a photo. Tap whatever you want.
Now you can use your AirPods to take a photo or shoot a video with the camera.
All you need to know about using your AirPods is to take a photo
Once Camera Remote is enabled, you can use your AirPods to take a photo or shoot a video in any camera mode, such as portrait and time-lapse.
If you’re using your AirPods to take a photo in portrait mode, such as portrait or portrait, you’ll see a countdown from three in the upper left corner of your photo frame. Your iPhone’s flash will also light up during the countdown to let you know the picture is about to be taken. When you take a selfie, you will only see a countdown on your screen.
The three second countdown is enabled by default and I can’t find a way to disable it. You can extend the countdown on your Camera by tapping the grid of dots in the upper right corner of your screen, by tapping Time and tap about 5 or 10. You can tap 3s, but this will not change the countdown.
When you take a video using your AirPods, you won’t see a timer or anything. Pressing your AirPods is just like pressing the record button on your iPhone. You can also press your AirPods to stop recording.
It’s important to note that Camera Remote only works when at least one AirPods is connected to your iPhone. The easiest way to do this is to put one AirPod in your ear. If you want to take a photo but don’t want your AirPods to be visible in the photo, you can open the photo process with the camera’s remote control, remove the AirPods from your ear during the three-second countdown and hold it in your hand or pocket until your iPhone takes a photo.
For more iOS news, here’s what you need to know iOS 26.4 again iOS 26.3. You can also check our iOS 26 cheat sheet for more tips and tricks.
Watch this: iPhone Secret Camera Feature: Taking Pictures with Your AirPods
