How to open different iPhone camera modes fast or by default

When you need to take a video like right now, your default camera mode doesn't cut it. The moment has passed and you didn't capture it.

It's that feeling when stumbling for the video button once you've managed to open your iPhone's camera. Somehow you can't get to it fast enough and the funny song your baby niece was singing has deteriorated into whining. But you can get to that video speedy quick next time.

Instead of opening the camera just give the camera icon a long push. You can do the same thing with the camera icon in the control center. That'll pull up a hidden list of options like video, slo-mo, or even selfie mode. Click on what you want and it'll open up the camera ready to go in that mode.

Credit: Sasha Lekach / Mashable

Credit: Sasha Lekach / Mashable

If other camera settings like changing your photo aspect ratio or exposure time or the damn flash keep resetting too often, then you need to think about switching up your default settings.

I recently discovered that the way I prefer to set up my camera (on photo mode with no filters, no Live settings, no flash) can always appear as soon as I open the built-in Camera app. For those more video-inclined, you can set the video recorder as the default mode. And for those who are always Instagram-ready, keep the square setting for every camera moment.

It's just a few settings away:

1. Open Settings

2. Head to the Camera menu

3. In the top section click on "Preserve Settings"

4. Toggle on the settings for "Camera Mode," "Filter," and "Live Photo"

Credit: Sasha Lekach / Mashable

Credit: Sasha Lekach / Mashable

If you just want video or another camera mode to show up, only click Camera Mode to pull up the last settings used. Other settings will reset to the default.

The newest iOS 15 has even more camera settings and features to explore. Once you find what you want to show up ASAP on your camera screen, preserve it and never let the moment escape again.