Tag: Selfie

Access Selfie, Video, and Portrait Modes Instantly

In iOS 26, the Camera app’s controls are hidden, complicating mode selection. A useful tip allows users to open the Camera in desired modes (Selfie, Video, Portrait) directly from the Home Screen via a long press. This method saves time and enhances usability for capturing moments.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
September 9, 2025 – 3 minutes read time

Overview

In iOS 26, the Camera app controls have been tucked away, making the display cleaner but making it more challenging to find the camera mode (like selfie, video, or portrait) you want. We all know that taking the perfect photo can require lightning reflexes, so here’s how to launch into your camera mode of choice right from your Home Screen, bypassing your in-app controls altogether.

Why You Will Like This Tip

  • Open your Camera in the exact mode you’re looking for, whether Selfie, Video, or Portrait.
  • Save time by not swiping between modes.
  • Avoid confusion with the iOS 26 Camera layout.

System Requirements

This tip can be performed on an iPhone running iOS 26 to be available in September 2025. This tip works on earlier OS versions as well such as iOS 18.6.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

Accessing the Hidden Selfie Shortcut

Did you know you can open your Camera app to a specific mode right from your Home Screen? No need to swipe to find the right one. All you have to do is long-press on your Camera icon and then select either Selfie, Video, Portrait, or Portrait Selfie.

Note! This only works from your Home Screen, not from a Lock Screen shortcut.

First, on your Home Screen, long-press on your Camera app icon. Refer to the image below:

Selfie 1
Selecting the Camera app

Next, tap Selfie, Video, Portrait, or Portrait Selfie from the menu. See the image below:

Selfie 2
Selecting a camera option

Now, yourCamera app will open in your selected mode, ready to shoot. Tap the Capture/Record icon , and you are set! See the following image:

Selfie 3
Selecting the icon to take a selfie

Say cheese! Your photos will capture as usual, and if you want to switch modes, you can do it in the now-open Camera app.

Disclaimer

Technology is constantly evolving, and smartphone and desktop tech rarely remains static. Therefore, the information in this post is only accurate as of the date it was written. Blog posts that are older than six months may contain instructions that are no longer compatible with your device or operating system. We hope that the content from previous posts continues to function as intended. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life, where technology works for you.

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 – Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble

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Author’s eBook

Author’s eBook

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The author’s Vietnam eBook on the Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath