To set a timer on the iPhone SE camera, open the Camera app in Photo mode, tap the arrow at the top of the screen (or swipe up above the shutter button) to show more controls, tap the Timer icon, and choose 3s or 10s. Then tap the shutter button. The iPhone counts down with a flashing light and takes the picture automatically.
These steps work on the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and other iPhones running iOS 14 or later. Below you’ll also learn how to take several shots with the timer and other hands-free options.
How to use the camera timer
- Open the Camera app and make sure Photo or Portrait is selected.
- Tap the arrow (^) at the top center of the screen. A row of controls appears above the shutter button.
- Tap the Timer icon (a stopwatch).
- Choose 3s or 10s.
- Set up your shot and tap the shutter button. The countdown starts.
The timer stays on until you turn it off or close the Camera app for a while. To turn it off, tap the Timer icon again and choose Off.
Take a burst of photos with the timer
With Live Photos turned off (tap the circles icon at the top so it has a slash through it), the timer takes a burst of 10 photos instead of one. Open the burst in Photos, tap Select, and keep your favorites. With Live Photos on, you get one Live Photo.
When you are holding the phone yourself, it is often quicker to shoot a burst by holding Volume Up once that option is turned on in Settings.
Other hands-free ways to take a photo
- Volume button: Press either volume button to take a photo, which is handy with a phone stand.
- Wired or Bluetooth headphones: Press the volume up button on compatible earbuds.
- Apple Watch: Open the Camera Remote app on your watch to see a preview and take the photo from your wrist, with its own timer option.
- Siri: Say “Take a selfie” or “Take a photo” to open the camera, then use the timer or volume button.
Tips for better timer photos
- Use a tripod or lean the phone against something steady.
- Choose 10 seconds for group shots so everyone can get into place.
- Tap on your subject before starting the timer to lock focus.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the Timer icon?
It only appears in Photo and Portrait modes. Tap the arrow at the top to show the controls row.
Can I set a timer for video?
The built-in Camera timer is for photos. For video, start recording and trim the beginning in Photos, or use the Apple Watch Camera Remote.
Can I set a longer timer?
The Camera app only offers 3 and 10 seconds. Some third-party camera apps offer longer options.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.