We are all well-acquainted with the iPhone and how it’s changed over the years. But even though the device has just three places to press, the iPhone volume buttons aren’t limited to just managing sound. These buttons hide a range of functions beyond their simple, surface-level role.¹ Let’s explore the untapped potential and discover how these buttons can be used for a multitude of tasks.

1. Taking Photos and Videos

Your iPhone’s volume buttons serve as an alternative shutter release. Pressing either button can capture photos in various modes, including portrait, traditional, and panorama. Moreover, the same trick applies to recording videos—press to start, press again to stop. For burst shots on newer models, holding the volume up button does the trick.¹