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    3 min read 4 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Use the iPhone Camera Timer and Burst Mode

    The iPhone camera's self-timer lets you be in your own photos, and Burst Mode takes dozens of shots per second to capture the perfect moment.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Tips & Tricks
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    iphone
    camera
    timer
    burst mode
    self-timer
    action shots

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Set the Self-Timer
    2. 2.Take a Self-Timer Photo
    3. 3.Use Burst Mode for Action Shots (iPhone 11 and Newer)
    4. 4.Pick the Best Burst Shot
    1

    Set the Self-Timer

    ~32s
    Open the Camera app in Photo mode. Look at the row of icons at the top of the screen (or tap the small arrow at the top on some models). Tap the clock/timer icon (it looks like a stopwatch). Choose 3 seconds or 10 seconds. A small 3 or 10 appears on the timer icon confirming it is set.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: After setting the timer, prop your phone against a surface or use a small tripod. Frame the shot first. Once the timer is set and you tap the shutter, you have 3 or 10 seconds to get into position.

    2

    Take a Self-Timer Photo

    ~18s
    With the timer set, tap the shutter button. The camera shows a 3 or 10 second countdown on screen and beeps each second (getting faster near the end). At 0, the camera takes a burst of 10 rapid photos to capture you at the best moment. Pick the best shot from the burst in Photos.
    3

    Use Burst Mode for Action Shots (iPhone 11 and Newer)

    ~31s
    Open Camera in Photo mode. When something exciting is happening — a pet running, a child jumping — press and hold the Volume Up button on the side of the phone. The camera fires continuous shots at 10 frames per second as long as you hold the button. Release when done.

    Warning

    On iPhone 11 and newer, holding the shutter button on screen now creates a video (QuickTake mode). To take a burst, use the Volume Up button instead. On iPhone XS and older, hold the on-screen shutter button for a burst.

    4

    Pick the Best Burst Shot

    ~24s
    After a burst, your Photos app shows the burst as a single item with a burst indicator. Tap the burst to open it. Tap "Select..." at the bottom. Swipe through all the frames — your best bets are highlighted with a dot below them. Tap the circle on the frame you want to keep. Tap "Done." Choose "Keep Only 1 Favorite" to delete the rest, or "Keep Everything" to save all frames.

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    Two of the most useful but often overlooked iPhone camera features are the self-timer and Burst Mode.

    The self-timer delays the shutter. You tap the button and the camera counts down 3 or 10 seconds before taking the photo. This gives you time to set the phone down on a surface or tripod, walk into the frame, and be in the photo yourself. It is also useful for reducing camera shake: prop the phone up, set a 3-second timer, and let the vibration from tapping settle before the shot fires.

    Burst Mode takes a rapid series of photos — usually 10 per second — as long as you hold the shutter button. This is excellent for action shots (kids at play, sports, pets chasing toys) where a single tap might miss the exact moment. After shooting, you pick the best frame from the burst.

    On iPhone 11 and newer, you activate Burst Mode differently than older iPhones: press the Volume Up button while pointing in Photo mode, or slide the shutter button to the left. On older iPhones, holding the shutter button starts a burst.

    Both features work in standard Photo mode — no need to switch to a special mode.

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    iphone
    camera
    timer
    burst mode
    self-timer
    action shots

    Official Resources

    How-To GeekAARP Technology TipsTom's Guide — Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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