Your Apple Watch can act as a remote viewfinder and shutter for your iPhone’s camera. It’s perfect for group photos with you in them, tripod shots, or photographing from an angle where you can’t see the iPhone screen. The Camera Remote app is built into every Apple Watch. This guide shows how to use it, switch cameras, use the timer, change flash and other options, record video, and fix connection problems.
Quick Answer
Press the Digital Crown and open Camera Remote (the camera icon) on your Apple Watch. The Camera app opens on your iPhone and shows a live preview on your wrist. Frame the shot, then tap the shutter button. By default, a 3-second countdown runs before the photo is taken. Photos save to the iPhone’s Photos app.
Before You Start
- Your Apple Watch must be paired with the iPhone and within Bluetooth range (about 33 feet or 10 meters).
- Unlock the iPhone and prop it up, ideally on a small tripod or stand.
- Camera Remote needs your iPhone’s Camera app, so don’t lock the iPhone with a passcode screen covering it.
Take a Photo with Your Apple Watch
- On the Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown and tap Camera Remote. You can also ask Siri, “Open Camera Remote.”
- The iPhone Camera app opens automatically, and the preview appears on the watch.
- Tap the area of the preview you want to focus on. Exposure adjusts too.
- Turn the Digital Crown to zoom.
- Tap the shutter button. With the timer on, the iPhone flashes during the 3-second countdown.
Change Camera Options
Tap the More button (⋯) on the watch to change:
| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Timer | Off or 3 seconds (on by default) |
| Camera | Rear or Front |
| Flash | Auto, On, or Off |
| Live Photo | Auto, On, or Off |
| HDR | On or Off (on supported models) |
Record Video
Switch the iPhone’s Camera app to Video mode first, or change the mode on the watch in versions that allow it. Then tap the record button on the watch to start, and tap it again to stop. Other modes such as Portrait or Time-lapse are available depending on your iPhone and watchOS version.
View Your Photos
Tap the thumbnail in the lower-left corner of Camera Remote to review the latest shots. All photos and videos are saved on the iPhone, not the watch.
Troubleshooting
Camera Remote says “Connecting” or shows nothing
Move closer to the iPhone, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, unlock the iPhone, and open the Camera app on it. Restart both devices if it still won’t connect.
Camera Remote is missing from the watch
It’s built in and can’t be deleted, but it may be hidden in the app list. Use Siri or search the app list. Check that Camera isn’t restricted in Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps on the iPhone.
The preview lags
Some delay is normal over Bluetooth. Stay close to the iPhone and avoid obstacles between the devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Camera Remote with third-party camera apps?
The built-in Camera Remote only works with Apple’s Camera app. Some third-party camera apps have their own Apple Watch apps.
Does the watch store the photos?
No. Photos are taken and saved by the iPhone. You can view recent ones on the watch in the Photos app if photo syncing is on.
Summary
- Open Camera Remote on your Apple Watch.
- Frame the shot on your wrist, tap to focus, and turn the Digital Crown to zoom.
- Tap the shutter. The 3-second timer gives you time to pose.
- Use the More button to switch cameras, flash, and Live Photo.
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.