Remote Control Android Smartphone to Take Pictures: Ultimate Guide

Remote camera controls for smartphones have been around since early 2010. Now with the rise of Bluetooth technology and smartphone advancements, you no longer need fancy equipment to capture perfect shots from a distance.

So if your Android phone is mounted on a tripod for a family photo or you’re trying to snap a creative selfie hands-free, remote control makes it all possible. You can take pictures from your Android phone without touching it using devices like a smartwatch, remote camera apps, or another phone. Most of these methods are completely free of charge, and that’s the best part!

This guide shows you simple and free ways to remotely control your Android phone camera. So that you can take pictures without any hassle.

Part 1. What is Remote Camera Control

Remote camera control allows users to take pictures and videos using their smartphone cameras while at a distance without actually touching the device. It is convenient and it opens up endless possibilities for capturing photos, recording videos, adjusting camera settings, or even monitoring a location in real time.

For example, if you go hiking and would like to take some wide-angle shots while standing against the mountains, a remote camera control can help you achieve that. You can place your Android smartphone on a rock or tripod and use a second device (like a watch or Bluetooth remote) to take the picture. No need to rush into position before the timer runs out!

Remote camera control is not merely for casual photography but also for professionals. A parent with a baby sleeping in another room can use this feature to monitor the child through the camera of the smartphone. This is convenient and effortless to use!

Part 2. 4 Methods to Remotely Control Your Android Smartphone Camera

There is no doubt that you can easily remotely control your Android smartphone camera. Let’s now learn about four ways you can remotely control an Android Smartphone Camera. These methods are simple to use; you can easily set them up, and they’ll let you take the best shot.

Method 1. Using Bluetooth remote shutter devices

Bluetooth remote shutter devices are small, portable gadgets. They allow you to take a photo or record a video without touching your phone. So you can take pictures using Bluetooth remote shutter devices easily. They’re cheap, easy to use and don’t require the internet.

For example, the CamKix Bluetooth Remote Shutter can be found online easily and works with most Android devices.

Say you have gone to a beautiful park during sunset, and you have fixed a tripod on your phone to capture the colors in the sky while standing in the frame. With the help of the CamKix remote, you can click the photo without rushing back to beat a timer or shake the camera.

Follow these steps to use a Bluetooth remote shutter device to remotely control your Android phone’s camera:

Step 1. You can find options like CamKix for around $10-$15 on Amazon or local electronics stores.

Step 2. Most remotes use standard CR2032 button batteries, which are often included.

Step 3. Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone, search for the remote under available devices, and connect.

Step 4. Place your phone on a tripod or stable surface, ensuring it’s framed how you like.

Step 5. Press the button on the remote to trigger the shutter.

Method 2. Using camera remote control apps for Android

Camera remote control apps offer more flexibility and additional features compared to Bluetooth remotes. These apps transform another device, like a laptop or a second smartphone, into a controller for your Android camera.

For instance, while you're recording a recipe video for social media. To avoid touching the phone and interfering with the setup, you can use a tablet running a remote camera app to start and stop recording, change zoom, or switch perspectives while your phone is positioned overhead to take pictures of the ingredients.

Here is how to use a camera remote control app to take pictures and remotely operate an Android phone camera:

Step 1. Download a remote camera app like Splashtop, or TeamViewer on your Android device and the controlling device.

Step 2. Ensure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or paired via Bluetooth if the app supports it.

Step 3. Open the app on both devices and link them as instructed.

Step 4. Set your phone in the desired spot, such as a tripod or mount, for the perfect shot.

Step 5. Use the secondary device to take photos, adjust settings, or even preview the live feed.

Method 3. Using Smartwatches for camera control

Smartwatches can be used to control an Android phone's camera. Smartwatches enable you to take photos or record videos without physically touching your phone. If, for instance, you have a Google Pixel Watch or some other Wear OS watch, you can remotely snap pictures on your Android phone.

Here is how to take pictures remotely on your Android using a Google Pixel Watch,

Step 1. Download and install the app on both your smartwatch and phone from the Play Store.

Step 2. If your watch screen is off, just press the button or tap it to wake the watch.

Step 3. Simply swipe up on your watch and select the Camera app shown in the images.

Step 4. Get your phone into place. That can either be on a tripod or some other hard surface.

Step 5. Activate the camera by tapping the Shutter button on the screen of your watch to take a picture after three seconds.

Method 4. Internet-based remote control

For long-distance control, you have to make use of remote camera apps that operate over the internet. You can use these apps to control the camera of your phone from anywhere if it is connected to the net. Apps like Alfred Camera are great for this.

Follow these steps to use an Internet-Based Remote Control to control your Android phone’s camera remotely.

Step 1. Download a program like TeamViewer on your Android phone and the controlling gadget.

Step 2. Sign into the app on both devices with the same account and link them to internet access.

Step 3. Place your phone in the desired location and launch the app.

Step 4. Use the secondary device to view the camera feed, adjust settings, and take photos or record videos.

Part 3. Is It Possible to Remote Control Someone's Android Phone to Take Pictures & Videos

Yes, it is possible to remotely control someone’s Android phone to take pictures and videos. This functionality is primarily achieved through spy apps or remote camera control applications.

However, it’s important to understand the ethical and legal implications of using such tools before proceeding. Let’s discuss “Msafely”, one popular tool, its features, and how it works.

3.1. What is Msafely

Msafely is a modern tool that can help you monitor and control someone's device whether they are using an Android or iOS device. It provides a variety of functions for monitoring what someone does on their social media accounts or on their phone, including listening in on them with the camera.

The app runs secretly in the background and gives valuable information about the usage of the target device in real time. You can remotely turn on the camera, see the location of the phone, and view an overview of its digital usage with the easy-to-use control panel.

3.2. Big advantages of Msafely for remote camera control on Android

Msafely offers a wide range of advantages for those looking to remotely control an Android phone’s camera. Below are the key advantages in greater detail:

• Comprehensive remote control

Msafely gives you complete control over the target phone. You can use the app to remotely take pictures and videos by enabling the camera. You can also switch on the microphone to listen to the surroundings. It can even help you capture live photos or videos.

• User-friendly interface

Msafely has designed the controller panel with features that are easy to understand and use for everyone. The dashboard is easy to use, clean, intuitive, and offers quick access to all monitoring and remote control features. You may easily reach customer support for assistance with technical difficulties or installation problems.

• Data encryption

Msafely prioritizes privacy and security. All information that is sent from the target phone to your panel is encrypted. It prevents a third party from intercepting or using the data.

• Stealth mode

Msafely runs invisibly on the target phone without showing any notifications, icons, or alerts. It runs secretly in the background.

• Simple setup process

Msafely’s installation process is straightforward and tailored for users without technical expertise. Once the app is installed and configured, you can begin monitoring and controlling the target device almost immediately.

3.3. Steps to use Msafely to control someone's Android camera remotely

Step 1. Register a free account on Msafely’s website using your email address.

Step 2. Select the phone’s operating system (Android or iOS), and here you choose Android.

Step 3. Once the setup is complete, log into your Msafely account to access the dashboard. From here, you can remotely activate the camera to take photos or videos without the phone owner knowing.

3.4. Other activities Msafely can monitor

Msafely goes far beyond simple remote camera control, offering a comprehensive suite of monitoring features for various phone activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of its capabilities:

•  Social media monitoring

Msafely is an app that helps you monitor social media activities on the target phone carried out over apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and many more. With this feature, you can access private and group chats, media files exchanged, and deleted messages. This guarantees full access to the targets' information.

•  Call and text message tracking

Msafely keeps a record of every call and text on the target phone, whether they were sent or received, deleted or not. You can check information like date, time, contact person, and message.

•  Location tracking

Msafely utilizes the target phone's GPS to track the real-time location of the device along with the history of visited locations. Utilize the geo-fencing feature to alert you when the phone enters or leaves a location to ensure the safety of the phone’s user.

•  Photo and video viewing

The app lets you view all the photos and videos on the target phone with the help of the phone’s gallery. You can see everything the phone has stored including what has been downloaded or shared on apps. You can even download these files right on your dashboard to review them later.

•  Browser history tracking

You can see a person’s complete internet browsing history, which also includes his/her searches along with the time when done.

•  App usage monitoring

With Msafely, you can monitor all installed apps on the target device. It shows how long you have used an app, its size, and its version. You may remotely prevent or uninstall certain apps from your phone if it’s required.

•  Email monitoring

With msafely you can monitor emails on the target device. You can check sent and received emails with sender and receiver information with timestamps. This can be useful for parents, or employers, who want to keep an eye on email usage.

Part 4. [Bonus]How to Remotely Turn On Camera For iPhone

Do you want to take photos from a distance with your iPhone? No need to be anxious, you can remotely activate the iPhone camera. Let's discuss three ways to remotely turn on your camera on your iPhone

Method 1. Use an Apple Watch to snap photos seamlessly

An Apple Watch is perfect for snapping photos of your iPhone easily. You can easily connect your iPhone perfectly & control the camera and take pictures with it.

Follow these steps to control and turn on your iPhone camera to shoot pictures remotely using your Apple Watch:

Step 1. Put your phone where you want to take the photo, and make sure it’s stable and facing the right angle.

Step 2. Go to the pre-installed Camera app on your Apple Watch.

Step 3. Adjust options such as Live Photo, Flash, HDR, and zoom directly from your watch.

Step 4. Tap the shutter button on your watch to capture the image.

Method 2. Let Siri help you capture moments effortlessly

Siri can help you take a photo without using your hands. To set up your iPhone to take pictures with your voice, you need to set up the shortcuts app.

This method is perfect for those who prefer voice commands and minimal physical interaction with their device.

Follow these steps to use Siri for remote photo capturing:

Step 1. Activate Siri in the settings app.

Step 2. Get into the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and go to the gallery of shortcuts that you already have.

Step 3. After this, create a shortcut by clicking the Add a Shortcut button. Tap "Add Action", search "camera," select a camera mode to add it, then tap the mode name to choose from the dropdown list.

Step 4. In this way, Siri will now ask permission to use your camera and access your photos, so whenever prompted, say yes.

Step 5. Go to the camera app and set the voice command “Hey Siri, or say Cheese” to activate the assist.

Method 3. Use earpods to click pictures hands-free

EarPods or AirPods don’t just let you listen to music but they also allow you to control your camera. This technique is especially handy if you’re wearing them and your hands are busy.

Here are the steps to turn your camera to snap photos using EarPods or AirPods:

Step 1. Make sure your iPhone’s Camera app is active and ready to shoot.

Step 2. Press the volume up or down button on your AirPods or EarPods to capture a photo.

This method works effortlessly and doesn’t require any additional setup. Simply ensure your Bluetooth connection is active, and you’re good to go.

Part 5. FAQs

Q1. Can I take pictures remotely using Google Assistant?

Yes! Just say, “Hey Google, take a picture,” and it will open the camera and snap a photo hands-free.

Q2. How can I take photos remotely without downloading extra apps?

You can use built-in features like voice commands or a second device to access your phone’s camera for free.

Q3. Is it possible to use a second phone to control my Android camera?

Yes, apps like Msafely can let you control your Android camera remotely from another phone.

Q4. Can I schedule photos on my Android for remote photography?

Absolutely! Apps like Open Camera allow you to set a timer or schedule a shot for hands-free photography.

Q5. What’s the easiest way to take remote photos without downloading apps?

Use the built-in voice command feature on your Android phone to trigger the camera with phrases like “Take a selfie.”

Part 6. Conclusion

Remote control options for your Android smartphone’s camera are now more accessible than ever. You have a variety of methods to capture photos without touching your phone. You can use simple Bluetooth remotes or advanced apps and internet-based tools.

So if you’re taking family portraits, or filming creative content, these techniques offer convenience and flexibility. For personal or professional use, free methods like smartwatches or apps make this process easy and cost-effective. Msafely is the most recommended app to remotely control someone's Android phone to take pictures and videos.

Remember to choose the approach that best suits your needs while respecting privacy and ethical considerations when controlling another person’s device.