Apple Watch has become one of the most popular wearable devices in recent years, especially among iPhone users. Apart from its elegance and convenience, it offers a myriad of interesting features that make daily life easier. One of such features is its ability to control the iPhone camera.
Controlling the iPhone camera with the Apple watch enables users to take excellent photos remotely and eliminates the need for a camera timer, assistant, or selfie stick. This blog post highlights the methods of controlling the iPhone camera with Apple watch, what you should prepare beforehand, and additional tips to ensure the best experience.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Controlling iPhone Camera with Apple Watch
By default, the Apple Watch can function as a remote control for the iPhone camera. However, it requires that both devices be connected, and that they be within the Bluetooth range of each other. Once connected, you can view the camera on the Apple Watch and initiate a photo or video from your wrist, without having to touch your iPhone.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods, there are a few things that you should have in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- Ensure that your iPhone and Apple Watch are using the latest iOS and watchOS, respectively, to ensure compatibility.
- Make sure your Bluetooth is on and that both devices are connected.
- Have your iPhone camera open and ready to go.
- Ensure that your watch is securely fastened to your wrist.
Method 1: Via Camera App on your watch
If you are looking to control your iPhone’s camera using the Camera app on your Apple Watch, follow these quick steps:
- Make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are in the Bluetooth range and are up to date.
- Launch the Camera app on your iPhone, and then open the camera app on your Apple Watch.
- Note the camera preview that appears on your Apple Watch.
- You can switch between the photo and video modes on your watch, and then press the button to capture the shot.
Pros:
- It is straightforward to use and requires no additional app.
- You can access all camera modes and features available on your iPhone Camera app.
Cons:
- The preview may be too small for some users to take quality shots remotely.
- In a crowded or noisy environment, it may be challenging to take a shot as intended.
Method 2: Via Watch Camera Remote App
Apple has created an Apple Watch camera remote that enables iPhone users to control their camera remotely from their wrist. This app has a variety of outstanding features to improve your photographic experience.
- Ensure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are in the Bluetooth range and are up to date.
- Download the Apple Watch Camera Remote app located in the Apple Store.
- Launch the app and click on the camera button to access the camera functionality
- You can switch between the photo and video modes on your watch, and then press the button to capture your shot.
Pros:
- You can access extended features such as the option to zoom in and out on the shot, adjust focus and exposure, and view a live preview of the shot while adjusting the camera settings.
- The Additional features make it easier to take a high-quality photo from far away without having to touch your iPhone and disrupt the setup.
Cons:
- It is a third-party app, and you may have to pay to use some extended features.
- It may require a connection to Wi-Fi for some advanced features to function correctly.
Method 3: Via Siri Voice Commands
Siri is a powerful technical blogger that helps iOS users manage their smartphones. With Siri, you can control your iPhone camera using a few voice commands, which makes it easier to take a tricky shot without having to touch the device.
- Ensure that your iPhone and Apple Watch are connected and within the Bluetooth range.
- Activate the Siri app from your Apple Watch by raising your wrist or pressing the digital crown.
- Say, "Hey Siri, take a photo." Siri will ask if you want to use the front or rear camera.
- You can also ask Siri to take a selfie or record a video.
Pros:
- You can use Siri to access the iPhone camera app’s advanced features remotely.
- It eliminates the need for touching the device, making it more convenient to take tricky shots.
Cons:
- The Siri voice command may misinterpret some instructions, leading to a wrong shot.
- It may not work in noisy environments or places with low internet connectivity.
Method 4: Via Watch Camera and Shutter Apps
Some third-party apps, such as Watch Camera and Watch Shutter, are specially designed to control the iPhone camera remotely from the Apple Watch.
- Ensure that both devices are within the Bluetooth range and are updated to the latest OS version.
- Download the Watch Camera and Shutter app from the App Store, and ensure that the app is installed on your iPhone as well.
- Launch the Watch Camera app on your Apple Watch and select the camera mode you want to use.
- You can then focus, zoom, and take the shot remotely from your wrist.
Pros:
- The features are more customizable compared to the default Apple Watch app.
- It is relatively easy to use and hassle-free compared to some other third-party apps.
Cons:
- Some advanced features may not be available in the free version.
- In some cases, the app may suffer from connectivity issues.
Why Can’t I Control My iPhone Camera with Apple Watch?
Even though controlling the iPhone camera with Apple Watch is simple, it may not always work as intended. Here are some issues and fixes you may encounter when trying to control your camera remotely.
Issue 1: Your Apple Watch is not paired with your iPhone.
A fix for this issue is to ensure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are connected and that their Bluetooth is on. Verify that each device is running the latest software versions along with their updates installed.
Issue 2: The app is not working.
If you are having issues with controlling your iPhone camera remotely, it could be due to a problem with the Apple Camera app or a third-party Camera remote app. In this case, ensure that you have the latest version of the app installed, or try resetting the app by deleting and reinstalling it.
Issue 3: Voice command not working
If Voice command is not working, ensure that your watch is listening to Voice command and your phone is not in silent or vibration mode.
Additional Tips
These are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your Apple Watch camera remote.
- Always ensure that your Apple Watch is securely fastened to your wrist before attempting to take a shot.
- Avoid moving your wrist excessively when taking a photo remotely, as this can result in blurry shots.
- It is ideal to use a tripod or a stand to position your iPhone in challenging positions.
5 FAQs about Controlling iPhone Camera with Apple Watch
Q1: What are the requirements for controlling iPhone camera with Apple Watch?
A: Both devices must be within the Bluetooth range, have Bluetooth enabled, and run the latest iOS and watchOS software versions.
Q2: Which Apple Watch models are compatible with controlling the iPhone camera?
A: The feature works with WatchOS 4.0 or later, and with all Apple Watch versions that have Bluetooth connectivity.
Q3: Can I access advanced camera features when controlling the camera with Apple Watch?
A: Yes, depending on the app you are using, you can access advanced camera features such as zooming, adjusting focus and exposure, and live previews.
Q4: Can I control the camera volume remotely using Apple Watch?
A: Unfortunately, this is not a feature available on the current iOS and watchOS software versions. You will need to manually adjust the iPhone’s volume.
Q5: How can I capture the best remote shot using Apple Watch?
A: To capture the best remote shot using the Apple Watch camera remote, ensure that you have a steady hand or use a tripod, focus on your subject, and avoid excessive wrist movements when pressing the shutter button.
In Conclusion
With such simple steps, you can now use your Apple Watch to take excellent shots without risking the quality of the shot. It is convenient, easy, and fun to use, making it an excellent addition to your watching collection. Happy shooting!