This neat iPhone camera trick will let you take pictures using nothing but your voice

iPhone 14 Pro Max on a pink background
The iPhone 14 Pro Max rear camera array (Image credit: Future / Apple)

If you’ve ever used your iPhone’s camera timer, you’ll know the pain of awkwardly rushing into position before counting down the seconds, attempting to smile at the perfect moment, then being ultimately disappointed by the downright unusable pictures you’re greeted with upon your return to the camera (trust us: we’ve all been there).

But what if I told you there was a way to take pictures with your iPhone using nothing but your voice? Apple’s Voice Control system is primarily intended for users with limited mobility; you can use it to remotely open and close apps, for instance, or remotely long-press menus. But Voice Control can be also customized to work for your own specific needs, and in this day and age, there’s no more important need than the need to capture the perfect picture of yourself (right?).

Incidentally, the trick we’re about to share with you is pretty redundant if you’re a regular Apple Watch wearer, since all Apple Watch models can double as remote camera shutters and self-timers, which allow you to check your framing before snapping the picture. For everyone else, though, read on for a walkthrough on how to take pictures using nothing but your voice.

First, head into Settings, then tap Accessibility. Next, select Voice Control, then enable Voice Control via the toggle at the top of the screen (you may see Set Up Voice Control instead, depending on which version of iOS your iPhone is running). Tap Commands, then Create New Command.

Voice Commands interface

(Image credit: Future)

Next, you’ll want to choose the custom word or phrase that’s going to trigger the taking of a photo and type it in the Phrase box (“photo” or “snap” could work, for example). Bear in mind that – when you’re out and about – you’ll need to say this word or phrase loud enough for your iPhone to hear it, so we’d advise against choosing something embarrassing.

Voice Commands interface

(Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve done that, click Action, then Run Custom Gesture. Now, you’ll want to recreate the same gesture you use to activate Burst mode in your iPhone’s camera (if you need a reminder, you simply hold down the Shutter button and swipe it to the left). This is important, because you want your custom voice command to trigger the taking of a few photos, rather than just one (unless you’re keen on experiencing more of that aforementioned photo frustration.) Tap Save in the top-right corner of the screen.

Next, tap New Command to return to the previous screen, then Application. Scroll down to Camera, tap it, then return to the previous screen and tap Save.

And that’s all there is to it. Now, when you open the camera app and say your phrase of choice, your iPhone will automatically trigger a Burst shot. You’ll still only get about a second of time between saying your phrase and the photos being taken, but at least you’ll have all the time in the world to properly frame yourself in front of the camera.

You’ll also still have to reckon with the challenge of positioning your iPhone perfectly – no amount of Voice Commands will make it levitate, unless you happen to be Anakin Skywalker – so we’d advise checking our best phone tripods guide for a detailed look at some top-tier, camera-friendly accessories. 

For more hidden iPhone tricks, check out our guides to the iOS features that will make your iPhone feel twice as fast, save you loads of precious Safari swiping time, and change the way you screenshot.

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Axel Metz
Phones Editor

Axel is TechRadar's UK-based Phones Editor, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site's Mobile Computing vertical. Having previously written for publications including Esquire and FourFourTwo, Axel is well-versed in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and his coverage extends from general reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion.  Axel studied for a degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick before joining TechRadar in 2020, where he then earned an NCTJ qualification as part of the company’s inaugural digital training scheme.

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