Most iPhone users know the volume buttons as simple controls for sound. But those two little keys on the side of your device do far more than just turn audio up or down. Even though there are only a few physical buttons on an iPhone, the volume controls are tied to a surprising number of shortcuts and hidden functions. Here’s how they can help you do much more than you might expect.
1. Taking Photos and Videos
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Your volume buttons can double as a physical camera shutter. Pressing either button lets you:
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Snap photos in standard, portrait, or panorama modes
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Start and stop video recording with a quick press
On newer models, holding down the volume up button can trigger burst mode, capturing a rapid series of shots so you don’t miss the perfect moment.
2. Scanning Documents More Easily
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When you’re scanning documents with built-in apps like Files, Mail, Notes, or Reminders, you don’t have to rely solely on on-screen controls. While using the document scanner, you can press a volume button to capture the scan quickly. This makes it easier to steady the phone with both hands and still get a crisp, clear document image.
3. Managing Alarms Without Looking at the Screen
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Your volume buttons can also interact with your alarms. Depending on how your settings are configured, pressing a volume button can snooze or silence an alarm, giving you a few extra minutes without fumbling for the right spot on the touchscreen. It’s a small tweak that can make mornings a bit less chaotic.
Read More: 10 Hidden Functions On Your Phone You Didn’t Know Existed
4. Quick Access to Emergency Services
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In an emergency, every second matters. Your iPhone allows you to contact help quickly using the side and volume buttons:
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Press and hold the side lock button and either volume button
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The Emergency SOS slider appears
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Swipe the SOS icon to place an emergency call, even if the phone is locked
This hardware shortcut ensures you can still reach emergency services if navigating the screen is difficult or unsafe.
5. Forcing a Restart When Your Phone Freezes
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If your iPhone becomes unresponsive, the volume buttons are key to performing a forced restart. The standard sequence is:
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Quickly press and release volume up
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Quickly press and release volume down
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Press and hold the side lock button until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears
This type of restart operates at the hardware level and can often resolve issues that a regular restart can’t fix.
6. Temporarily Disabling Face ID or Touch ID
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If you ever need to temporarily disable biometric unlocking for added security, your volume buttons can help with that too. By holding the side lock button and either volume button for about two seconds, you trigger a screen that requires your passcode the next time you unlock the device.
This is useful in situations where you don’t want Face ID or Touch ID to be used, but still want your phone secured.
7. Silencing Calls in an Instant
When a call comes in at the wrong moment—during a meeting, in a quiet room, or on public transport—you can discreetly silence it by pressing a volume button. This works for both regular calls and FaceTime, and also stops vibrations if your phone is in silent mode. It’s a subtle way to manage interruptions without drawing attention.
Read More: Woman Tells Story About How Her Smartphone ‘Ruined Her Life’
A Multifunctional Control You Probably Overlooked
The iPhone’s volume buttons are far more powerful than they appear at first glance. Beyond simple audio control, they:
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Act as camera shutters and video controls
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Help you scan documents more comfortably
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Manage alarms without waking you fully
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Provide shortcuts for Emergency SOS
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Enable forced restarts when your phone freezes
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Temporarily disable biometric security
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Instantly silence incoming calls
Once you get used to these shortcuts, the volume buttons feel less like simple sound keys and more like a versatile control hub built into the side of your device. Exploring and using these hidden functions can make everyday tasks smoother, help you react faster in emergencies, and ultimately give you more control over how you interact with your iPhone.
