Android doesn't need its own Camera Control button when this hidden feature exists — here's how to set it up

How To
By published

The power button's double-tap gesture is seriously underrated

Google Pixel 10 pro moonstone review images
(Image credit: Future)

There are a lot of hidden features on your phone that allow you to do a bunch of cool and interesting things that you otherwise wouldn't have known about. One of my favorites is one that I use so often that I completely forgot it wasn't more widely known. Some phones even have the gesture switched on by default, though that isn't helpful if you don't know about it.

I am, of course, talking about the ability to launch the camera by double-tapping the power button. A feature that is so convenient, I can't believe Apple hasn't stolen it for the best iPhones yet.

delorean on a flatbed truck going down the m4

It's going back to... somewhere. Probably not 1985. (Image credit: Future)

Plus, there's something immensely satisfying about double-tapping the power button and launching right into a camera app. And your hand is usually well situated to tap the volume buttons right away, and take advantage of the fact that they can double as shutter controls. The more I think about it, the more I like how everything has been set up.

Granted, I have accidentally locked my phone by mistake on occasion. That does suppress some features, like access to the gallery, but for the most part, it has never proven to be a particularly big deal. Certainly not compared to the prospect of not being able to capture time-sensitive photos.

Short of a dedicated camera button, like Apple's Camera control button, I have yet to find a better way of opening my camera app quickly — and I encourage you all to start taking advantage of it where you can. Here's how to make sure it's all set up.

How to set up Android's double-press power button gesture

1. Open Settings and tap System

The first thing to do is open up the Settings menu, then scroll down until you find System. Tap it to continue.

2. Tap to open the Gestures menu

Next up you'll need to open the Gestures menu a third of the way down the page.

3. Open the Double-press power button menu

The second option down is the Double-press power button feature. Tap this to continue on.

4. Switch the gesture on, then select Camera

Here you need to make sue that the gesture is switched on by toggling the option under the image. Then you need to choose between the Camera and Wallet option. Personally I feel like the camera is the better of the two.

There you have it. If the gesture wasn't switched on before, it certainly is now. Be sure to grab those photos before they're lost forever.

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Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

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