We all know the volume buttons on your smartphone adjust sound — but they can actually do much more. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, these physical buttons have secret shortcuts that make your life easier, faster, and more efficient. Let’s uncover six underrated features hiding in plain sight on the side of your phone.
🔐 1. Quickly Launch Your Camera
No need to fumble through apps when you need to snap a photo in a hurry.
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iPhone: From the lock screen, swipe left to open the camera. Then press the volume up or down button to take a photo — just like a shutter button.
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Android: On many models (Samsung, Pixel), double-press the volume or power button (configurable in settings) to instantly launch the camera, even when the screen is off.
📸 Pro Tip: You can use the volume buttons as a shutter — especially helpful when taking selfies or holding the phone at an angle.
🎥 2. Start/Stop Video Recording Hands-Free
Recording a video? You don’t need to touch the screen.
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Once in the camera’s video mode, just press either volume button to start or stop recording.
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This trick is perfect for vlogging, action shots, or tripod use, where tapping the screen could shake the camera.
🎙️ 3. Silence Incoming Calls Instantly
Phone ringing at the worst time?
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iPhone & Android: Pressing the volume (or power) button once while the phone is ringing silences the ringer — without rejecting the call.
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The caller won’t know you silenced it — perfect for discreet situations like meetings or classes.
🎧 4. Control Music and Audio Playback
Your volume buttons double as audio controllers when your screen is off or locked:
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Single press: Adjusts volume as usual.
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Long press (customizable on Android): Skip to the next or previous track.
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Some apps and Android ROMs allow remapping buttons for even more functionality (e.g., pause, shuffle, voice assistant).
🎶 iPhone users: In iOS settings, under Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap, you can also program shortcuts using tap gestures in addition to volume controls.
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