How do I set the self-timer?

Open the Camera app in Photo mode. Look at the row of icons at the top of the screen (or tap the small arrow at the top on some models). Tap the clock/timer icon (it looks like a stopwatch). Choose 3 seconds or 10 seconds. A small 3 or 10 appears on the timer icon confirming it is set.

How do I take a self-timer photo?

With the timer set, tap the shutter button. The camera shows a 3 or 10 second countdown on screen and beeps each second (getting faster near the end). At 0, the camera takes a burst of 10 rapid photos to capture you at the best moment. Pick the best shot from the burst in Photos.

How do I use burst mode for action shots (iphone 11 and newer)?

Open Camera in Photo mode. When something exciting is happening — a pet running, a child jumping — press and hold the Volume Up button on the side of the phone. The camera fires continuous shots at 10 frames per second as long as you hold the button. Release when done.

How do I pick the best burst shot?

After a burst, your Photos app shows the burst as a single item with a burst indicator. Tap the burst to open it. Tap "Select..." at the bottom. Swipe through all the frames — your best bets are highlighted with a dot below them. Tap the circle on the frame you want to keep. Tap "Done." Choose "Keep Only 1 Favorite" to delete the rest, or "Keep Everything" to save all frames.

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Two of the most useful but often overlooked iPhone camera features are the self-timer and Burst Mode.

The self-timer delays the shutter — you tap the button and the camera counts down 3 or 10 seconds before taking the photo. This gives you time to set the phone down on a surface or tripod, walk into the frame, and be in the photo yourself. It is also useful for reducing camera shake: prop the phone up, set a 3-second timer, and let the vibration from tapping settle before the shot fires.

Burst Mode takes a rapid series of photos — typically 10 per second — as long as you hold the shutter button. This is excellent for action shots (kids at play, sports, pets chasing toys) where a single tap might miss the exact moment. After shooting, you pick the best frame from the burst.

On iPhone 11 and newer, you activate Burst Mode differently than older iPhones: press the Volume Up button while pointing in Photo mode, or slide the shutter button to the left. On older iPhones, holding the shutter button starts a burst.

Both features work in standard Photo mode — no need to switch to a special mode.

How to Use the iPhone Camera Timer and Burst Mode

Set the Self-Timer

Take a Self-Timer Photo

Use Burst Mode for Action Shots (iPhone 11 and Newer)

Pick the Best Burst Shot

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