The iPhone Camera can take a burst of photos so you can choose the best frame from fast action. On supported iOS versions, the Volume Up button can be configured for burst capture, while holding a volume button may otherwise start QuickTake video depending on the mode and software version.
Enable Volume Up for Burst
- Open Settings.
- Select Camera.
- Turn on Use Volume Up for Burst.
- Open the Camera app and select Photo mode.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button to capture a burst.
Review the burst afterward
Open the burst in Photos and use the selection controls to mark the frames you want to keep. You can preserve selected favorites and remove unwanted frames to reduce storage use.
Volume Down can behave differently
Do not assume both volume buttons perform the same hold action. Apple’s Camera controls distinguish between burst and QuickTake behaviors on supported iPhone/iOS combinations. A quick press can still take an ordinary photo.
Older iPhones and iOS versions may use another burst gesture
On some versions, burst capture is performed by dragging the on-screen shutter button rather than configuring Volume Up. If the setting is missing, check the iPhone model and installed iOS version instead of looking for an unsupported toggle.
Burst photography can create many images in seconds, so check available storage before long sessions. It is especially useful for sports, pets, children, and other moving subjects, but an ordinary single photo is easier to manage when timing is not critical.
To keep only the best shots, see how to manage burst photos on iPhone.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.