Taking a hands-free Snapchat photo is easy with a few tricks! There are a couple different ways to capture a Snap without physically pressing the camera button on your phone. Here are the main options for taking a Snapchat picture without tapping the screen:
Use Voice Control
The simplest hands-free way to take a Snapchat picture is by using your phone’s built-in voice control features. Most modern smartphones have access to voice commands that can activate the camera shutter for you. Here’s how it works:
On an iPhone, you can enable Voice Control in your Settings app and then say phrases like “Take a picture” to snap a photo. On some Android phones, you can say “Take a selfie” or “Take a picture” to an assistant app like Bixby or Google Assistant to automatically take a photo.
Just make sure Voice Control or your chosen assistant app is enabled before opening up Snapchat. Then frame your shot in the Snapchat app, and use the voice command to have your phone take the picture for you without pressing anything. It may take a try or two to get the timing right, but using voice commands is a handy hands-free way to capture Snapchat pictures.
Use the Volume Buttons
Another easy option is using your volume buttons to take the Snapchat picture. On most phones, you can set up the volume keys to act as camera shutter buttons with just a quick settings tweak.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Use Volume Up for Burst. This makes it so holding down your iPhone’s Volume Up button will snap multiple photos. Then in Snapchat, just hold the Volume Up button to take a burst Snapchat picture. Release after a second to just capture one photo.
On Android phones, go to Camera > Settings > Volume key function. Choose Volume key to take pics, then the Volume Up or Down key will act as the shutter release button in your Camera and Snapchat apps.
The volume button method is great because you don’t have to touch the screen at all to take the picture. Just frame your shot in Snapchat, then push your Volume Up or Down key to capture your Snap hands-free.
Use a Timer
Enabling a self-timer is another easy way to take Snapchat pictures without touching the screen. Here’s how to set it up:
Open Snapchat and go to the Camera screen where you take pictures. Look for the small Timer icon at the top and tap on it – it looks like a small stopwatch inside a circle. This enables Snapchat’s 3 second self-timer.
After you tap the icon, the Timer will count down 3…2…1 and then automatically take the picture for you. You don’t have to press anything! The Timer allows you to set up your shot, then step away to capture the Snap hands-free.
One tip with the Timer is to make sure to hold your camera steady. You don’t want a shaky picture. Consider propping your phone against something while you use the Timer if needed.
Use a Bluetooth Remote Shutter Release
A more advanced option is to use a Bluetooth remote shutter release. These wireless camera remotes connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and allow you to snap pictures from a distance.
There are various Bluetooth camera remotes available from photography brands like Joby and Zhiyun. Choose one that is made for iPhone or Android compatibility. The remote connects wirelessly to your phone and has a button that activates the camera shutter.
With a Bluetooth remote paired to your phone, open Snapchat then press the remote’s button from afar to take hands-free Snapchat pictures. This gives you complete control without having to be near the phone.
Use Third-Party Apps
Some third party apps in the App Store and Google Play Store can extend the capabilities of Snapchat as well. Apps like Snap Timer allow you to set a custom self-timer length before automatically taking the picture.
There are also apps that use the proximity sensor on your phone to detect hand gestures. These let you take a picture by waving your hand over the phone. Helpful for truly hands-free selfies!
Be sure to check reviews before downloading any third party apps. And allow app permissions if requested by Snapchat to integrate properly. The right apps can add even more hands-free ways to capture Snapchat photos.
Use an External Camera Shutter Release
For iPhone users, another option is using a hardware iPhone camera shutter release. These plug into the iPhone’s charging port and communicate directly with your iPhone camera to activate the shutter.
Brands like Apple, Native Union, and Miops make external iPhone shutter releases. With one connected, you can press the button on the shutter release while in Snapchat to take a hands-free picture.
One thing to note is that you will likely need to take off any protective case on your iPhone to plug in the shutter release. But it can be a handy tool for precisely timed shots from a distance.
Use Snapchat Spectacles
Of course, the most dedicated hands-free Snapchat accessory is Spectacles – Snapchat’s own photo-taking sunglasses with a built-in camera.
Spectacles wirelessly connect to your Snapchat app and allow you to take photos just by tapping the frame. This lets you capture pictures completely hands-free without even needing your phone in hand.
Spectacles are also designed to take quick short videos, making them perfect for Snapchat. So if you’re really looking for a phone-free Snapchat experience, Snap’s Spectacles are built specifically for that purpose.
Set Up an External Tripod Mount
For group shots, you can also look into accessories like smartphone tripod mounts. These allow you to attach your phone to a tripod or other mount and take hands-free Snapchat pictures.
Tripod mounts like the Arkon Tripod Mount secure your phone and angle the camera as needed. Use the volume button or a Bluetooth remote to activate the Snapchat camera from a distance.
Getting creative with tripods and mounts allows you to set up the perfect group Snap without having to be behind the phone holding it. The camera can be positioned and triggered from afar.
Use a Smartwatch as a Remote
If you have a smartwatch like an Apple Watch or Wear OS watch, this can act as a remote control for your iPhone or Android phone camera.
For Apple Watch, there is an app called WatchCam that connects your iPhone and Watch, allowing you to remotely view the Camera screen and tap the Watch display to take a picture.
And Android smartwatches have similar apps like Camera for Wear OS that let you control your phone’s camera from your wrist. Very handy for hands-free selfies and Snapchat pics.
Conclusion
Taking Snapchat pictures without pressing any buttons is easy with the right tools and tricks. Options like using voice commands, volume buttons, self-timers, Bluetooth camera remotes, external shutter releases, Spectacles, tripod mounts, and smartwatches allow you to capture hands-free Snapchat photos.
Figuring out which method works best for you depends on your phone type and whether you want to take selfies or group shots. But the ability to snap Snapchats without laying a finger on your phone gives you a lot more flexibility!
So explore the various hands-free camera tools and start taking creative Snapchat pictures from new angles. Your friends will be wondering how you got that epic Snap without even holding your phone!
| Method | How it Works | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Control | Use phone voice commands like “Take a picture” to snap photo | Selfies |
| Volume Buttons | Press Volume Up or Down button to capture photo | Selfies or group pics |
| Timer | Set 3 second timer to take automatic hands-free picture | Selfies |
| Bluetooth Remote | Push Bluetooth remote button to take photo from afar | Group pics |
| External Shutter | Plug shutter release into iPhone and push button | Group pics |
| Spectacles | Tap button on Snapchat glasses to take photo | Selfies or group pics |
| Tripod Mount | Attach phone to tripod and trigger camera remotely | Group pics |
| Smartwatch | Use smartwatch app as remote control for iPhone camera | Selfies |
Looking for more tips on taking great Snapchat photos? Here are a few handy Snapchat photography tricks:
Use the Rear Camera Instead of the Selfie Cam
For higher photo quality, switch to the rear/outward facing camera in Snapchat instead of using the selfie cam. Tap the camera flip icon to swap cameras.
Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure
Tapping the screen in Snapchat camera mode will focus on that spot and adjust the lighting. Use this to properly expose your shots.
Turn On Camera Flash for Brighter Pictures
Tap the flash icon to turn on the front or rear flash when taking Snapchat pictures in low light. Just watch out for overexposing faces!
Try Instagram-Like Filters
Along with Snapchat’s own filters, you can enable Instagram-like filters for a different look. Just swipe right or left at the bottom of the camera screen.
Use the ‘Lenses’ Tab for Fun Effects
Snapchat’s Lenses offer all kinds of wacky effects and alterations you can apply to your selfies for a funny or weird look before taking a picture.
Adjust Your Camera’s Aspect Ratio
Don’t like the fullscreen 16:9 camera zoom? Pinch to zoom out for a 4:3 ratio. Or expand for 9:16 – play around with it!
Save Storage Space By Adjusting Your Settings
Have Snapchat save photos to Memories rather than automatically save everything to your camera roll. Manage in Settings > Memories.
Draw or Add Text to Your Snapchat Pictures
Doodle on your Snapchats or annotate with text using the creative tools before sending to friends. Personalize them!
Send a Snap to Your Story to Share With All Friends
Alternatively, share one-off Snaps to your Story where friends can view them for 24 hours rather than sending individually.
Pin Your Favorite Friends to the Top of Your Conversations
Keep your closest friends easily accessible by pinning their profiles to the top of your Snapchat messages list.
Hide Alerts From Specific Friends
Mute notifications from some friends for times when you don’t want to be distracted by certain Snapchats.
We covered how to capture Snapchat photos without touching your phone. Now you have some great tips for taking your Snapchat picture and video skills to the next level!
Let us know if we can clarify or expand on anything covered here. We’re happy to chat more about Snapchat photography. Have fun snapping!