Every wannabe photographer knows how an in-built timer in your Camera app can do wonders for you. Whether it’s to take a group photo with everyone included, a quick outfit check, or a zoomed out picture of yourself when there’s no one around, the list of timer uses is endless.

Fortunately, Apple has a built-in timer for iPhone camera. You can turn it on or off anytime you want. It even lets you choose how long you want to set the timer for. So without further ado, here’s how to set a timer on your iPhone camera.

How to Set a Timer on iPhone Camera

The feature is built into the Camera app and just requires a few taps. Follow these steps to turn it on:

  1. Open the Camera app and swipe to choose the iPhone camera mode you want.
  2. Tap on the arrow at the top of your screen. This will show a list of options at the bottom.
  3. Tap on the icon with the clock on it.
  4. You will see three options: Timer Off, 3s, and 10s. Choose how long you want your timer to be turned on from the two options.
  5. Tap on the white shutter button to start the timer. You will see a countdown in the corner of your screen, along with brief flashes. At the end of the timer, your iPhone will snap a photo.
photo options
timer options
timer turned on

Your timer will remain on until you follow the same steps and tap on Timer Off. This also includes when you shut down your app and open it again. An icon in the corner of your screen saying 3s or 10s will indicate if the timer is on. If the icon is absent, that means your timer is off.

What Camera Modes Does the Timer Work With?

The iPhone’s camera timer only works with photos, not videos. This means that timer can be used on Photo Mode, Portrait Mode, and even with Live Photos. Panorama is the exception, as you need your device in hand at all times to take a panoramic photo. You also can’t use the timer with Video Mode, Slo-Mo, or Time-Lapse.

Capture the Perfect Picture With a Timer

The timer in the Camera app lets you take pictures with the front or back camera after a waiting period of 3 or 10 seconds. If the iPhone timer is new to you, there might be other fun Camera features you haven’t explored yet. So make sure you take some time to explore all the different options and improve your photography game in the process.