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LiDAR Camera

How to use a self-timer on iPhone to delay a photo

Apple's Camera app has no built-in countdown, even though the feature has been standard on other cameras for decades. In LiDAR Camera, tap Timer in the tool row to cycle through Off, 3, 5 and 10 seconds; it counts down with beeps and haptics before the photo fires. PRO feature, free for everyone during the first 7 days.

2 min read · Updated 2026-09-16

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Does the iPhone camera have a timer?

The built-in Camera app only gets a countdown if you go build a Shortcut for it, which is more setup than most people bother with. LiDAR Camera puts one right in the camera screen instead: tap Timer, cycle to the delay you want, done.

Set a delay before the shutter fires

  1. Open LiDAR Camera and choose PHOTO under the shutter (the timer only applies to photos, not video).
  2. Tap Timer in the tool row above the shutter once for Timer: 3s, again for Timer: 5s, again for Timer: 10s, and once more for Timer OFF.
  3. Set the phone down or brace it, frame the shot, then tap the round shutter.
  4. The countdown beeps and taps until the photo is taken; the picture uses whatever look and mode you already have set.

Which delay to pick

Timer options
DelayGood for
OffNormal handheld shots
3sA quick steady shot right after you let go of the phone
5sGetting into frame for a group or self-portrait nearby
10sBracing the phone on a ledge or tripod and stepping back, or a longer exposure in low light

Why it helps in the dark

Normal mode already uses the longest exposure the camera format allows. The slightest shake while your finger is still on the shutter blurs that right away. A timer lets you brace the phone, take your hand off it entirely, and let the countdown fire the shutter instead.

Questions and answers

Is the self-timer free?
It is a PRO feature, open to everyone for the first 7 days after install. After that it needs a subscription or the lifetime purchase.
Can I use the timer for video?
No. The Timer counts down to a photo only; video starts as soon as you tap the shutter.
Does the timer work in LiDAR or TrueDepth mode?
Yes, it counts down before taking a photo in any mode; only video recording is limited to Normal mode.

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