How to Set a Camera Timer (Self-Timer) on Your Phone

Tap a platform to see how to set it up.

iPhone

Tap the arrow (or timer icon) at the top of the Camera app, select Timer, and choose either a 3-second or 10-second delay.

Android

Open the settings icon in the Camera app, select Timer, and choose the delay you want before the shutter fires.

Why It's Useful

A timer is handy when you've propped your phone on a tripod or ledge for a group photo, or when you want a steady, blur-free selfie without holding the phone in one hand.

Pairing It With Burst Mode

Some phones let you combine the timer with burst shooting, so the camera fires off several shots in a row once the countdown ends and you can simply pick the best one afterward.

Get Everyone in the Photo, Blur-Free

A self-timer means no one has to be left out holding the phone, and because your hand isn't touching the phone the moment the shutter fires, the shot comes out noticeably sharper than a rushed one-handed photo.

A Stable Surface Matters More Than the Timer Itself

The timer only solves half the problem β€” propping your phone against a stack of books, a wall, or an actual tripod removes hand shake entirely, so the delay is really there to give you time to get into position, not to fix a shaky grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel the countdown once it's started?

Yes, tapping the screen again while the countdown is running cancels the shot on most phones.

Does the timer work with the front-facing camera too?

Yes, switching to the front camera keeps the same timer setting active, so it works the same way for selfies.