When trying to capture a group photo or a perfectly framed landscape shot where you want to be in the picture, the traditional method involves setting the 10-second timer on your iPhone, sprinting into the frame, and hoping for the best. This often results in blurry photos, awkward poses, or people blinking at the wrong moment.
If you own an Apple Watch, this frustrating sprint is completely unnecessary. Apple has integrated a powerful Camera Remote application into watchOS that allows you to view a live feed from your iPhone’s camera directly on your wrist, adjust settings, and trigger the shutter remotely from up to 33 feet (10 metres) away.
How to Open the Camera Remote
Using the remote feature requires no setup or third-party applications; it is built into the core operating system of both devices.
- Set up your iPhone on a tripod, lean it against a rock, or prop it up on a table, ensuring the camera is pointing at your desired subject.
- Raise your wrist to wake your Apple Watch.
- Press the Digital Crown (the circular dial on the side) to open your app grid or list.
- Find and tap the Camera Remote app. The icon looks exactly like the Camera app on your iPhone (a grey camera on a dark background).
When you open the app on your Watch, it will automatically wake your iPhone and launch the Camera app. After a brief loading circle, your Watch screen will act as a live viewfinder, displaying exactly what your iPhone camera sees.
Taking the Photo
The interface on the Apple Watch is remarkably simple.
- Focus and Exposure: Tap anywhere on your Apple Watch screen to set the focus point and adjust the exposure automatically, exactly as you would tap the screen of your iPhone.
- Immediate Shutter: To take a photo instantly, tap the large white circle at the bottom centre of the screen.
- Timer Shutter (Recommended): To avoid looking down at your wrist in the final photo, tap the button with the “3s” icon. This starts a 3-second countdown. Your iPhone flash will blink three times to alert everyone to look at the lens, and then capture the image.
After the photo is taken, a small preview thumbnail will appear in the bottom left corner of your Watch screen. You can tap this to review the shot immediately to ensure nobody blinked, saving you from having to walk over to the iPhone to check.
How to Change Camera Settings from Your Wrist
You are not limited to just pressing the shutter button. The Camera Remote app allows you to manipulate several key features of the iPhone camera without touching the phone.
Tap the More button (three horizontal dots) located in the bottom right corner of the Apple Watch screen. This opens a menu of options:
- Switch Cameras: Toggle between the high-quality rear-facing camera and the front-facing “selfie” camera. (For the best results, always use the rear camera when using a tripod).
- Flash: Set the camera flash to Auto, On, or Off.
- Live Photo: Turn the Live Photo feature on or off.
- HDR: Enable or disable High Dynamic Range for better contrast in bright sunlight.
Additionally, if you want to switch from taking photos to recording a video, simply press and hold the main shutter button on your Apple Watch. The button will turn red, and the iPhone will begin recording video for as long as you hold the button down. When you release it, the recording stops.