How to use an Apple Watch as a camera remote for an iPhone

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open the Camera Remote app on the watch. The iPhone camera opens, and the watch shows its picture. Place the iPhone, frame the shot on the watch and tap the shutter button. By default the photo is taken after a three-second countdown.

Camera Remote turns the watch into a viewfinder and shutter release for the iPhone camera. It is the easy way to take a group photo with yourself in it, or a sharp picture with the better rear camera without touching the phone.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. AppsActivityAlarmsCamera RemoteCompass

    Open Camera Remote on the watch

    Press the Digital Crown and tap the Camera Remote app. The Camera app opens on the iPhone by itself.

  2. Stay within range

    The watch has to be within normal Bluetooth range of the iPhone, about 10 metres.

  3. Place the iPhone and frame the shot

    Lean the iPhone against something or use a tripod. The watch shows what the camera sees.

  4. Zoom and set the exposure

    Turn the Digital Crown to zoom. Tap the most important part of the picture on the watch to set focus and exposure there.

  5. Tap the shutter button

    The countdown runs for three seconds, with flashes from the iPhone, which gives you time to lower your arm and look at the camera.

  6. Change the settings

    Tap the More Options button to switch the timer off, choose the front or rear camera, and set flash and Live Photo.

  7. Record video

    Touch and hold the shutter button until the recording starts. Tap the stop button to end it.

  8. Look at the result

    Tap the thumbnail at the bottom left. Swipe to see other shots and turn the Digital Crown to zoom in.

Good to know

The photos are stored on the iPhone, not on the watch.

With the rear camera pointing at you, the watch is the only way to see the picture. That is what makes selfies with the main camera possible.

When the iPhone camera is opened, the watch shows a hint at the bottom of the watch face that takes you to Camera Remote.

More that the watch can do with the phone: how to find your iPhone using your Apple Watch.

In short: Camera Remote app, iPhone within 10 metres, frame on the watch, Digital Crown to zoom, shutter button, three-second timer.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Use Camera Remote on Apple Watch

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