How to Use the Camera Control Button for Better Photography

The new Camera Control button is an exciting addition for iPhone photography enthusiasts. It is sometimes called a camera shutter button, but it can be used to do so much more, including zoom in and out, adjust exposure, start recording video, and more. It can be pressed, light-pressed, and swiped, and it is customizable, so you can tweak what it does and how it works.

Jump To:

• How to Use the Camera Control Button
• How to Customize the Camera Control Button
• Troubleshoot the Camera Control Button Not Working
• FAQ

How to Use the Camera Control Button

The new button that can be found on every iPhone 16 model is capacitive, meaning that it has touch-screen controls and can be tapped and swiped as well as pressed like a regular button. If you haven’t customized it yet, here’s how the Camera Control button works by default:

1. Press the Camera Control button to open the Camera app. Make sure to click and release this button, rather than long-pressing it, which will open Visual Intelligence. Clicking the Camera Control button once will work from any app, Home Screen page, and even the Lock Screen.

   
   

2. When you press it a second time, it will take a photo. So pressing it twice in a row is the quickest way to open the Camera app and take a photo.

   
   

3. You can also navigate to a different camera mode and use the Camera Control as a shutter button to take a photo or start and stop recording a video.

   
   

4. If you hold down the Camera Control button once the Camera app is open and in the default photo mode, it will start recording a video for as long as you keep holding the button.

   
   

5. Once the Camera app is open, you can light-press the button to open a user interface (UI) that, by default, lets you zoom in and out by swiping back and forth along the button. It can take a bit to figure out the right pressure for the light-press. It feels almost like a tap but a little harder and not quite a full press.

   
   

6. If you light-press the Camera Control button twice while the Camera app is open, the UI will open, and you’ll be able to swipe up and down to change between camera controls, including exposure, zoom, depth of field, cameras (which lets you pick which zoom lens you wish to select), style, and tone. Once you swipe to the one you wish to use, light-press once to select it. This will show you a new menu where you can swipe across the button to make adjustments. Whatever control you select here will be active the next time you light-press the Camera Control button.

   
   

7. If you struggle to swipe your finger on the Camera Control button due to the small size, you can swipe on your phone screen instead, as long as you swipe over the UI and do not lower down on the screen.

   
   

Now you know how to use the Camera Control button! Even though social media favors vertical photos and videos, this new button works best in horizontal mode, which is more popular with traditional photography. While you can use the new button with your right thumb in horizontal mode, it does not feel very natural, and it may be easier to use previously existing Camera app controls instead. For more Camera app tips, don’t forget to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter!

How to Customize the Camera Control Button

You can customize the Camera Control button to work slightly differently within the Camera app but also to launch a completely different app altogether. Even third-party apps will be able to rework their apps to work with the Camera Control button. Here’s how to customize the Camera Control button:

1. Open Settings.

   
   

2. Tap Camera.

   
   

3. Select Camera Control.

   
   

4. At the very top, Clean Preview is toggled on by default. This means that when you light-press the Camera Control button, your Camera app will hide other icons and controls on the screen for a clearer view with fewer distractions.

   
   

5. Under Launch Camera, you can decide if you wish to launch the Camera app with a single press/click or double. Just select the option you prefer.

   
   

6. Finally, you can pick which app opens when you press the Camera Control button. By default, the Camera app is selected, but you can also select the QR Code Scanner, Magnifier, or None. Depending on what third-party apps you have, you might see third-party apps here, such as Instagram.

   
   

7. Return to Settings and tap Accessibility.

   
   

8. Under Physical and Motor, tap Camera Control.

   
   

9. At the very top, you can completely toggle off the Camera Control button so that none of the features work.

   
   

10. Under Controls Gestures, you can toggle off the ability to Light-Press or Swipe. You would likely only do this if you are physically unable to use this button and you don’t want to accidentally activate it.

    
    

11. Under Light-Press Force, you can pick between Lighter, Default, and Firmer. If you find yourself struggling with the Default option, try going the Lighter or Firmer route to see what works best.

    
    

12. Under Double Light-Press Speed, choose between Default, Slow, and Slower. The Default works well for me, but again, you might prefer to change these settings to find what works best for you.

    
    

Now you know how to customize the Camera Control button! I always suggest trying out the default settings first before making adjustments. It can be overwhelming to make these decisions until you are more familiar with the new button.

Troubleshoot the Camera Control Button Not Working

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why the Camera Control button might not be working. Here are a few things to try first:

1. Make sure your case isn’t interfering with the button. Even a thinner case might make the button harder to access, especially when it comes to light-pressing and swiping. If removing your case fixes your problem, then that’s the culprit.
2. Check for any dirt, debris, or liquid that’s preventing you from pressing down on the button or using the touch-sensitive features. You can safely clean your iPhone with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe.
3. Double-check that you didn’t toggle off the feature when customizing in step 9 above.
4. It would be just a glitch, so try closing the Camera app by swiping up to the app switcher, navigating to the Camera app, then swiping up again to close the app.

   
   

5. Next, try restarting your iPhone by holding in the Side button and Volume Up button, then sliding at the top to Power Off. Wait a few minutes, then turn your phone back on by holding in the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.

   
   

6. Finally, make sure your iPhone is running the latest software. Sometimes, a known software issue exists that can only be fixed by Apple via a software update.

   
   

7. If all else fails, contact Apple Support.

   
   

Now you know how to use the brand new Camera Control button. You’ve also learned how to customize it and troubleshoot the most common issues. Next, learn how to pick the best Camera app settings for better photography.