The iPhone Camera app features a hidden “Burst Mode” that allows you to capture a rapid-fire sequence of photos (up to 10 frames per second) by holding down the shutter button. This is fantastic for capturing fast-moving sports or unpredictable pets. However, Apple recently changed the way Burst Mode is triggered. On modern iPhones, you activate it by either sliding the on-screen shutter button to the left, or by holding down the physical Volume Up button. Many users accidentally press and hold the volume button when trying to take a single photo, resulting in hundreds of unwanted burst photos cluttering their camera roll. You can disable this physical button shortcut.
How to Stop the Volume Button from Taking Burst Photos
You can detach Burst Mode from the physical volume buttons in the main iOS settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down the main list until you find the Camera settings (it is grouped with Photos and other media apps).
- Tap on Camera.
- Look under the very top “Composition” or general settings section.
- Locate the toggle switch labelled Use Volume Up for Burst.
- Tap the switch to move it to the Off position (the green background will turn to grey).
From now on, pressing and holding the physical Volume Up button while in the Camera app will simply start recording a standard video, rather than taking hundreds of rapid-fire burst photos. You can still intentionally take a burst photo by sliding the digital, on-screen shutter button to the left.