When you download the Pixel Camera app from the Play Store on your watch, you can control your phone’s camera with your watch remotely. Learn how to download apps on your watch.
Important:
- This feature is only available on watches running OS Wear 3 and above.
- Availability of the specific functionality outlined below may depend on the model of the Wear OS watch and paired Pixel phone.
- The following features are available on select models of the paired Pixel phone:
- Photo mode: Photo, Portrait, Night Sight, and Astro
- Video mode: Video, Time Lapse, Slow Motion, and Portrait
- Countdown timer: 3 sec, 5 sec, and 10 sec
- This feature is only available depending on the model of the Wear OS watch:
- Gestures: Double pinch to trigger capture
- The following features are available on select models of the paired Pixel phone:
- To use your Wear OS watch as a remote shutter to control your Pixel phone camera, you need to install Pixel Camera app on the watch.
Take a photo or video
- If you can't find your watch screen, wake up the watch.
- To find your apps, swipe up.
- Tap Camera.
- Select photo or video mode.
- To take a photo or video, tap the Shutter icon.
Photo modes
- Photo: Captures still images.
- Portrait: Focuses on your subject with a background blur.
- Night Sight: Takes bright and detailed photos in low-light conditions.
- Astro: Captures images of the night sky, such as stars and constellations.
Video modes
- Video: Records video footage.
- Time Lapse: To record changes that take place slowly over time, like a sunset.
- Slow Motion: Records videos to play them back slowly.
- Portrait: Records videos on a subject with focus and blurred background.
Tip: These features may vary based on the model of the paired Pixel phone.
Zoom in & out
- To adjust the zoom level, drag the zoom slider up or down on your watch screen.
- Or, rotate the Watch crown button on the side of your watch.
Use the countdown timer
To set a countdown timer before you take a photo:
- In the Pixel wear camera app, tap the Menu
Timer
.
- To select a countdown duration, tap 3 sec, 5 sec, or 10 sec.
- To turn off the timer, select Off.
Timer Tip: This feature may vary based on the model of the Wear OS watch.
Switch camera facing
To remotely switch to rear or front camera on your paired Pixel phone:
- In the Pixel wear camera app, tap the Menu
- Select Front or Back.
- Or, you can double-tap in your Pixel camera app for the same effect.
Use one-handed gestures
To trigger the shutter on your watch, use a double pinch gesture to:
- Take photos
- Record videos
- Take night sight photos
Tips:
- If the countdown timer is set before taking photos, double pinch could also be used to start and stop the countdown timer.
- This feature may vary based on the model of the Wear OS watch.
