The Easy Way to Use the Timer on Your iPhone Camera (2023)

By Rheanne Taylor Updated 04/17/2023

What to Know

Set up the perfect shot first, then get in it yourself, thanks to the iPhone camera timer!
Select the perfect camera delay to give you plenty of time to get into position.

It's easy to put yourself in the picture using the self-timer on your iPhone's native Camera app. The iPhone photo timer lets you choose a delay of either three or ten seconds, perfect for squeezing into a group photo with friends. Let's start learning how to put a timer on your iPhone camera!

How to Set Timer on iPhone Camera

Your iPhone picture timer can be great for when you want to include yourself in a group shot without trying to smoosh everyone into a selfie, or for self-portraits, solo shots while traveling, and more. To learn more iPhone camera tips and tricks, like how to make a watermark on an iPhone, check out our Tip of the Day newsletter. Here's how to use the photo timer on your iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or earlier model:

Open the Camera app. Set up the shot you'd like to take, making sure to leave room for yourself!
Tap the arrow at the top of your screen.

Tap on the timer icon.
You’ll be able to choose between a 3-second or 10-second timer. Select the delay time you prefer.

Then tap the shutter button, hurry into position, and wait for the countdown to finish (your iPhone camera's flash will blink as the timer counts down).
This should allow you time to get yourself in the picture or stabilize your phone to avoid shaky images!

That's all it takes! Now you know how to use the self-timer on your iPhone and can take all the family photos you want without feeling left out ever again. To take things to the next (and potentially more professional) level, learn how to take ProRAW photos. This can be used with the iPhone delayed photo timer and lets you enjoy more editing abilities!

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Author Details

Rheanne Taylor

Rheanne Taylor is the Video Production Manager of iPhone Life. In her 9+ years at the company, she has produced hundreds of educational videos showing people how to get the most out of their iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. Rheanne holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature & Writing and has 10+ years of experience in photography and video work, which she enjoys utilizing in her how-to videos.

When she isn’t overseeing video content, Rheanne loves drinking tea, taking lots of photos, and hanging out with her Instagram famous cat Wesley (IG: wesley_the_pirate_cat)

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