How to Set Timer on iPhone 15 Camera

The camera timer on your iPhone 15 gives you a few seconds to get into the shot, which is perfect for group photos, full-body pictures and steady low-light shots. Where the timer lives depends on your iOS version, because Apple redesigned the Camera app in iOS 26 and moved most settings into a menu.

This guide covers both layouts, explains how the timer works with Live Photos and burst shots, and shows a few hands-free alternatives.

How to Set the Camera Timer on iPhone 15 (iOS 26 and Later)

Step 1: Open Camera

Tap the Camera app, swipe left on the Lock Screen, or press the Action button if you’ve assigned it to Camera.

Step 2: Open the settings menu

Tap the menu button in the top-right corner of the viewfinder (it looks like a grid of six dots). A row of camera settings appears.

Step 3: Tap Timer and choose a delay

Tap Timer, then choose 3s, 5s or 10s. The timer icon stays highlighted so you know it’s on.

Step 4: Frame the shot and tap the shutter

Prop the phone up or mount it, tap the shutter button, and get into position. A countdown appears on screen and the flash blinks so people in front of the camera know when the photo is coming.

How to Set the Timer on iOS 17 or iOS 18

1. Open Camera in Photo or Portrait mode.
2. Tap the small arrow (chevron) at the top of the screen, or swipe up just above the shutter button, to show extra controls.
3. Tap the timer icon (a stopwatch) in the row above the shutter.
4. Choose 3s or 10s, then tap the shutter.

Not sure which version you have? Check Settings > General > About > iOS Version.

How the Timer Works with Other Camera Features

• Burst photos: with the timer on, iPhone takes a quick burst of about 10 shots when the countdown ends, as long as Live Photos is off. Pick the best one in the Photos app.
• Live Photos: when Live Photo is on, the timer captures a single Live Photo instead of a burst.
• Portrait mode: the timer works in Portrait mode, so you can get a blurred background in self-timed shots.
• Front camera: the timer works with the selfie camera, which is handy for arm-length group shots.

How to Turn the Timer Off

The timer stays on for the next shot, so turn it off when you’re done. Open the same menu, tap Timer and choose Off. On iOS 17 and 18, tap the timer icon and select Off.

Other Hands-Free Ways to Take a Photo

• Apple Watch: open the Camera Remote app on your watch to see the iPhone’s view and trigger the shutter, with an optional 3-second countdown.
• Volume buttons on wired or Bluetooth headphones: pressing volume up on many headsets takes the picture.
• Siri: say “Take a photo” to open Camera, then use the timer for a hands-free shot.
• Bluetooth remote: inexpensive shutter remotes pair with the iPhone and act as a volume-up button.

Apple’s guide to iPhone camera basics covers the rest of the Camera app’s controls.

Troubleshooting

• The timer option is missing. On iOS 26, it’s in the six-dot menu, not on the main screen. On iOS 17 and 18, tap the arrow at the top to reveal it. Some modes, like Pano and Slo-mo, don’t offer a timer.
• Only one photo was taken. Live Photos is on. Turn it off for a burst.
• The photo is blurry. The phone moved when you tapped the shutter. Use a tripod, lean it against something stable, or use an Apple Watch as a remote.
• The flash didn’t blink. The countdown flash is a visual cue only and may be harder to see in bright light. Watch the on-screen countdown instead.
• The timer keeps turning on. iPhone can keep the last timer setting between shots. Turn it off from the same menu when you’re done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What timer lengths are available?

On iOS 26 and later you can choose 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Earlier versions offer 3 or 10 seconds.

Can I set a longer timer?

Not in the built-in Camera app. Use an Apple Watch remote or a third-party camera app if you need more time.

Does the timer work on all iPhones?

Yes. Every recent iPhone has a camera timer, though its location depends on the iOS version.

Can I use the timer for screenshots?

No. The camera timer only applies to photos and video. For capturing the screen, see how to take a screenshot on iPhone 15.

Wrapping Up

On iOS 26 and later, tap the six-dot menu, choose Timer and pick 3, 5 or 10 seconds. On older versions, tap the arrow at the top and then the timer icon. Turn off Live Photos if you want a burst, and remember to switch the timer off when you’re finished. While you have Camera open, you can also scan a QR code on iPhone.