Guide

6 ways to take a photo without touching your phone

Touch-free photos give you sharper long exposures, group shots that include you, and selfies that don't look like selfies. Here's every method, ranked by how hands-free it really is.

Updated · 2 min read

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1. Voice command (most hands-free)

Say a phrase and the camera fires. With Phone Take A Photo the phrase is “take a photo,” and “start recording” / “stop recording” for video. It doesn't need a device or a countdown, and the speech recognition runs offline.

Best for: selfies, group photos, tripod shots, creators.

2. Clap or sound trigger

A sound-reactive shutter fires on a sharp sound like a clap. Phone Take A Photo includes one. It's great where talking feels awkward, but avoid it near other loud noises.

3. Self-timer

Built into every camera app. It's simple and always available, but it gives you one shot per run and a fixed 3 or 10 seconds.

4. Bluetooth shutter remote

A small clicker that pairs with your phone. It's reliable, but it's extra hardware to buy, charge and lose, and it's visible in your hand in the shot.

5. Smartwatch camera remote

Apple Watch and many Wear OS watches can preview and trigger the phone's camera. It works well, but it needs a paired watch, and tapping your wrist changes your pose.

6. Volume buttons or wired earphones

Many phones fire the shutter with a volume button, and older wired earphones with volume controls work as a cable remote. You still need to touch something, and the cable length limits how far you can stand.

Comparison

MethodExtra gearRepeat shotsHands in shot are free
Voice commandNoYesYes
Clap triggerNoYesMostly
Self-timerNoNoYes
Bluetooth remoteYesYesNo
SmartwatchYesYesMostly
Volume button / cableSometimesYesNo
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FAQ

Can I take a picture without pressing the button?

Yes. You can use a voice command, a clap trigger, the self-timer, a Bluetooth remote or a smartwatch. A voice camera like Phone Take A Photo needs no extra hardware.

What is the easiest hands-free way to take a photo?

A voice shutter: prop the phone up and say “take a photo.” There's no countdown and you can repeat it as often as you like.

Keep reading

Put your phone down. Say “take a photo.”

Free to download for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro and Android. Works offline — your voice never leaves your device.

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