Those two small buttons you press mechanically every day to adjust the volume hold far more secrets than meets the eye. Far from being limited to volume control, they unlock a range of handy features—from photography to emergency functions. Discover six little-known capabilities that will revolutionize the way you use your smartphone.
Your iPhone hides handy tricks under the volume buttons: How to make the most of them
It is possible to take a photo or video without touching the screen. To capture a sharp selfie without twisting your wrist, simply press one of the volume buttons, and your iPhone will instantly snap the picture. This trick works in portrait, landscape, and panorama modes. Better yet, holding down the “volume up” button triggers burst mode, capturing a rapid sequence of shots. And that’s not all: when recording video, these same buttons let you start or stop recording without touching the screen—saving time and ensuring greater stability.