Learn how to set the iPhone 16’s dedicated Camera Control capture button to open a compatible app like Halide, Instagram, or Snapchat instead of the built-in Camera app.
The Camera Control button opens Apple’s Camera app by default, but you can assign it to a compatible third-party app that uses the built-in cameras.
If you post lots of social media stories, for example, you may want to configure Camera Control to open the Instagram or Snapchat camera. Similarly, iPhone photographers who work in Halide, Blackmagic Cam, or similar pro apps will want to configure Camera Control to open their designated camera app. And folks with poor eyesight can even assign Camera Control to the built-in Magnifier feature to read small text in an instant.
Open a designated camera app with the Camera Control button
- Download a compatible third-party app like Instagram, Snapchat, or Halide.
- Open the app and be sure to pass the onboarding process and give camera permission.
- Head to the Settings app and choose Camera in the main list.
- Tap Camera Control at the top.
- Select a compatible third-party app or choose the built-in Magnifier or Code Scanner feature. Selecting None will disable Camera Control.
Hitting the Camera Control button on the Lock Screen will now open your designated app instead of the built-in one. The nice thing about Camera Control is that it takes you directly to the camera functionality. For instance, setting Camera Control to Instagram will open the Instagram camera rather than the default Home tab with your timeline.
Choose between single click or double click
To set the number of Camera Control clicks required to launch a camera app, go to Settings > Camera > Camera Control and choose either Single Click or Double Click in the Launch Camera section. Single click is the fastest way to open your iPhone’s camera, but if you find yourself accidentally triggering the button, choose the double-click action instead.
If you have difficulty double-pressing the Camera Control, go to Settings > Camera > Camera Control > Accessibility and set Double Click Speed to Slow or Slower. Camera Control should now register double clicks even if you don’t press the button twice in rapid succession.
Fix camera apps grayed out in the Camera Control settings
Apps without camera permission appear grayed out in the Camera Control settings and cannot be selected. To fix this, open the app in question and try taking a picture to trigger the permission dialog but be sure to choose Allow.
Or, go to Settings > Apps, select a camera app, and turn on the Camera switch.
If the problem persists, try these quick fixes:
- Open the App Store and update the app to its latest version.
- Delete and reinstall the app, then open it and allow camera access.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
App developers have to add Camera Control support
Not all camera apps are compatible with Camera Control. Developers must update their apps with support for Camera Control. If your favorite app doesn’t work with Camera Control, reach out to its developer and request this feature.
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