Use Google Camera

1. Open the Google Camera app

   You can open the Google Camera app in several ways:

   • On your lock screen: Swipe from right to left or swipe away from the camera icon in the bottom right corner.
   • On your Home screen, touch the Google Camera app .
   • Open the app from the All Apps menu .
   • If you have a Nexus device running Android 6.0+: Press your device's power button twice quickly.

   If you don't have Google Camera, you can get it from the Google Play Store.

   Choose a photo or video mode

   Note: The steps for choosing a mode vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings  > Apps > Camera. 

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   Note: Camera features vary by device. 

   When you open Google Camera, you’re in Camera mode. For Video mode, swipe from right to left on your screen.

   For more photo modes, touch the menu icon at the top left . Choose a mode:

   •  Photo Sphere: Capture 360-degree spherical photos.
   •  Panorama: Take panoramic, wide-angle, or fisheye photos.
   •  Lens Blur: Blur the background of a photo.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   In Google Camera, swipe from left to right to choose a mode:

   • Camera: Take photos.
   • Video: Record videos.
   •  Panorama: Take panoramic, wide-angle, or fisheye photos.
   •  Photo Sphere: Capture 360-degree spherical photos.
   •  Lens Blur: Blur the background of a photo.

    

2. Take photos and videos

   Note: The steps for taking photos and videos vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera.

   First, learn camera gestures

   When taking a photo or video, use these techniques to change your photo's focus.

   Zoom in, zoom out, and change focus

   • Zoom in: Spread two fingers apart on the screen.
   • Zoom out: Pinch two fingers together on the screen.
   • Change focus: The camera will automatically focus, but you can touch another part of the screen to move the focus there.

   Tip: Left-handed? Turn your device sideways to reposition the camera buttons.

   Take a photo

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. To take a photo, touch the capture button. Or press one of your device’s volume buttons. There might be a slight delay as the camera auto-focuses.

   Tip: To switch between the front and back cameras, touch Switch Camera . Learn more about camera features.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Camera.
   2. To take a photo, touch Camera . Or press one of your device's volume buttons. There might be a slight delay as the camera auto-focuses.

   Tip: To capture greater detail in bright or dark areas of a photo, try HDR+ mode. Learn more about camera features.

   Android Wear

   You can use your watch as a remote control to take photos with Google Camera on your phone. This is helpful for group and self-photos.

   1. In Google Camera on your phone, select Camera mode.
   2. On your watch, you’ll see a card for your camera that says "Remote." You might have to swipe through your cards to see it.
   3. Touch the camera card and a shutter button will appear.
   4. To take the photo, touch the shutter button on your watch to start the countdown.
   5. When the countdown reaches 0, your watch will vibrate and flash its screen as the camera on your phone takes a photo. There may be a slight delay while the camera auto-focuses.
   6. Your watch will show a thumbnail of the photo for a few seconds until your screen dims. Then you can you view the photo in the Google Camera app on your phone.

   Take a burst of photos

   Note: This feature is only available on Nexus 6P. 

   Capture the perfect shot by taking a rapid series of photos.

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. Touch and hold the capture button, then release after a few seconds.

   To view your photo burst, touch the round preview image in the lower right corner.

   Learn about photo burst settings.

   Take a photo on a timer

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. At the top right, you'll see the Timer . To set the timer for 3 seconds, touch the timer icon. For 10 seconds, touch again. 
   3. To start the timer, touch the capture button. Or press one of your device's volume buttons. 

   The photo will be taken after 3 or 10 seconds.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Camera. 
   2. In the lower right, touch Options .
   3. To set the timer for 3 seconds, touch the Timer . For 10 seconds, touch again.
   4. To start the timer, touch Camera .  Or press one of your device's volume buttons.

   The photo will be taken after 3 or 10 seconds.

   Record a video

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. For Video mode, swipe from right to left.
   3. To start recording, touch the capture button.
   4. To stop recording, touch the Stop .

   Learn about video features.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Video.
   2. To start recording, touch the Video .
   3. To stop recording, touch the Stop .

   Learn about video features.

   Take a photo while recording a video

   Note: This feature isn't available on all devices. 

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Video.
   2. To start recording, touch the Video .
   3. To take a photo, touch anywhere on the screen. The video will keep recording.
   4. To stop recording, touch the Stop .

   To view your videos and photos, swipe from right to left on the screen.

    

3. Take a panorama, wide-angle, or fisheye photo

   Capture panoramic photos, including wide-angle and fisheye photos, using Panorama mode.

   Note:

   •  Your device needs to have a gyroscope and at least 1 gigabyte of memory to use this feature.
   • The steps for takings photos vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera. 

   Take a panoramic photo

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. In the top left corner, touch Menu  > Panorama.
   3. In the top right, choose a type of panorama by touching the icon:
      •  Horizontal: Take a horizontal 360-degree panoramic photo. Tip: Hold your device horizontally.
      •  Vertical: Take a vertical 360-degree panoramic photo. 
      •  Wide-angle: Take a photo that captures a wide view.
      •  Fisheye: Take a 180-degree fisheye photo.
   4. To start your panorama, touch the capture button.
   5. You'll see gray dots on the screen. Slowly swivel your phone and hold the target over each dot until it turns blue.
   6. Continue until all the dots are blue. When finished, touch the check mark at the bottom of the screen. You may see a progress bar while Google Camera saves the image.

   To view your photos, swipe from right to left. To return to the camera, touch the arrow in the top left. 

    

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Panorama.
   2. In the lower right corner, touch Options .
   3. To choose a type of panorama, touch the icon:
      •  Horizontal: Take a horizontal 360-degree panoramic photo. Tip: Hold your device horizontally.
      •  Vertical: Take a vertical 360-degree panoramic photo.
      •  Wide-angle: Take a photo that captures a wide view.
      •  Fisheye: Take a 180-degree fisheye photo.
   4. To start your panorama, touch Panorama .
   5. You'll see grey dots on the screen. Slowly swivel the phone and hold the target over each dot until it turns blue.
   6. Continue until all the dots are blue. When finished, touch the check mark at the bottom of the screen. You may see a progress bar while Google Camera saves the image.

   To view your photos, swipe from right to left. To return to the camera, touch the arrow in the top left.

4. Create a photo sphere

   You can create a 360° panoramic image, called a photo sphere, from your Android device.

   Note:

   • Your device needs to have at least 1 gigabyte of memory to use this feature.
   • The steps for creating a photo sphere vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera. 

   Create a photo sphere

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. At the top left, touch Menu  > Photo Sphere.
   3. Hold your device vertically, close to your body.
   4. Adjust the camera angle so the blue dot is centered inside the circle. Hold the camera steady until a frame of the scene appears.
   5. Rotate yourself and your camera slowly, following the dots through the area you want to capture.
   6. Optional: To undo a single shot in your photo sphere, touch the undo button in the bottom left corner.
   7. When you're done, touch the check mark at the bottom of the screen.

   Tip: To view your photos, touch the round preview image in the lower right corner. To return to the camera, touch the arrow at the top left.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7 

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Photo Sphere.
   2. Hold your device vertically, close to your body.
   3. Adjust the camera angle so the blue dot is centered inside the circle. Hold the camera steady until a frame of the scene appears.
   4. Rotate yourself and your camera slowly, following the dots through the area you want to capture.
   5. Optional: To undo a single shot in your photo sphere, touch the undo button in the bottom left corner.
   6. When you're done, touch the check mark at the bottom of the screen.

   Tip: To view your photos, swipe from right to left. To return to the camera, touch the arrow at the top left.

5. Blur the background of a photo

   You can make the subject of your photo stand out by blurring the background. This works with close-ups of people, food, or nature. 

   Note:

   • Your device needs to have at least 1 gigabyte of memory to use this feature.
   • The steps for blurring the background of a photo vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera. 

   Take a photo using Lens Blur

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. At the top left, touch Menu  > Lens Blur.
   2. To start the photo, aim the camera at your subject, then touch the capture button.
   3. When prompted, slowly raise your device, keeping the subject centered.

   To view your photos, touch the round preview image in the lower right corner. To return to the camera, touch the arrow at the top left. 

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Lens Blur.
   2. To start the photo, aim the camera at your subject, then touch Lens Blur .
   3. When prompted, slowly raise your device, keeping the subject centered.

   To view your photos, swipe from right to left. To return to the camera, touch the arrow at the top left.

6. View photos and videos

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. Depending on your device, either touch the round preview image in the lower right or swipe from right to left on your screen. 

   Tip: You can also view your photos using the Google Photos app. Go to your device's Apps menu  > Photos .

Manage Google Camera settings

1. Change resolution, quality, or viewfinder aspect ratio

   Note: The steps for changing settings vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera. 

   Resolution and quality

   Get more clarity in your photos and videos by increasing the resolution and image quality.

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. At the top left, touch Menu  > Settings.
   2. Touch Resolution & quality.
   3. Touch a mode to change its resolution or image quality. More pixels means higher image quality.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Settings . 
   2. Touch Resolution & quality.
   3. Touch a mode to change its resolution or image quality. More pixels means higher image quality.

   Viewfinder aspect ratio

   You can change the dimensions of your photos by adjusting the viewfinder aspect ratio.

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. In Google Camera, touch Menu  > Settings > Resolution & quality.
   2. Under "Camera," select Back camera photo or Front camera photo.
   3. To change the viewfinder size, select 4:3 or 16:9 in the parentheses for your preferred resolution. Note: The 16:9 ratio creates photos that are more rectangular. 

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Settings .
   2. Touch Resolution & quality.
   3. Under "Camera," select Back camera photo or Front camera photo.
   4. To change the viewfinder size, select 4:3 or 16:9 in the parentheses for your preferred resolution. Note: The 16:9 ratio creates photos that are more rectangular. 

2. Turn camera and video features on or off

   You can change the features you want to use for Camera and Video modes.

   Note: The steps for turning features on or off vary based on your version of the Google Camera app. To check your version, go to your device's Apps menu > Settings > Apps > Camera. 

   Camera feature settings

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   Open Google Camera . At the top right, touch the icons to turn features on or off:

   •  Timer: Turn on the 3-second or 10-second timer, or turn off the timer.
   •  HDR+: Capture more detail in bright or dark areas of a photo. Turn HDR+ on or off, or set to auto (for auto, you'll see an "A" in the icon). Note: Auto-HDR+ is only available on Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P. 
   •  Flash: Turn flash on or off, or set to auto (for auto, you'll see an "A" in the icon).

   Turn gridlines on or off

   1. At the top left, touch Menu  > Settings.
   2. Next to "Show grid in viewfinder," touch the switch to turn on or off.

   Switch cameras

   To switch between the front and back cameras: At the bottom left, touch Switch Camera .

   Change photo burst settings (Nexus 6P only)

   Learn how to turn burst settings on or off.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Camera.
   2. In the lower right, touch Options .
   3. To turn features on or off, touch the icons:
      •  Timer: Turn on the 3-second or 10-second timer, or turn off the timer.
      •  Grid: Turn viewfinder gridlines on or off.
      •  HDR: Capture more detail in bright or dark areas of a photo. Turn HDR on or off.
      •  Flash mode: Turn flash on or off, or set to auto (for auto, you'll see an "A" in the icon).
      •  Switch cameras: Switch between the front and back cameras.

   Video feature settings

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. Swipe from right to left for Video mode.
   3. In the top right, touch the icons to turn features on or off:
      •  Slow motion: Set slow motion to 120 fps or turn off slow motion.  Note: On Nexus 6P devices, there's an option for 240 fps. 240 fps produces a higher quality slow motion video than 120 fps, but requires more storage space on your device.
      •  Flash: Turn flash on or off, or set to auto (for auto, you'll see an "A" in the icon).

   Switch video cameras

   To switch between the front and back cameras: In the bottom left corner, touch Switch Camera .

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe from left to right, then touch Video.
   2. In the lower right, touch Options .
   3. To turn features on or off, touch the icons:
      •  Grid: Turn viewfinder gridlines on or off.
      •  Flash mode: Turn flash on or off, or set to auto (for auto, you'll see an "A" in the icon).
      •  Switch video cameras: Switch between the front and back cameras.

   Lens Blur settings

   Camera app version 3.0 and up

   Switch cameras

   To switch between the front and back cameras:

   1. At the top left, touch Menu  > Lens Blur.
   2. In the bottom left corner, touch Switch Camera .

   Turn gridlines on or off

   1. At the top left, touch Menu  > Settings.
   2. Next to "Show grid in viewfinder," touch the switch to turn on or off.

   Camera app versions 2.5 and 2.7

   1. In Google Camera, swipe to the right, then touch Lens Blur.
   2. In the lower right, touch Options .
   3. To turn features on or off, touch the icons:
      • ​ Grid: Turn viewfinder gridlines on or off.
      •  Switch cameras: Switch between the front and back cameras.

    

3. Change photo burst settings

   Note: This feature is only available on Nexus 6P.

   You can choose what Google Camera does with your photo bursts. There are two settings you can turn on or off:

   • “SmartBurst”: Automatically save only the best photos in a burst.
   • “Auto-generate creations”: Automatically turn your photo burst into an animation or collage.

   To turn these settings on or off:

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. At the top left, touch Menu  > Settings > Burst settings.
   3. Next to each setting, touch the switch to turn the it on or off.

4. Change photo location settings

   You can choose whether Google Camera stores location information for photos you take.

   1. Open Google Camera .
   2. At the top left, touch Menu  > Settings. If you don't see the menu icon, swipe from right to left, then touch Settings .
   3. Next to "Save location," touch the switch to turn the setting on or off.

Google Camera troubleshooting

1. Try restarting your device

   Rebooting your device gives it a fresh start and is sometimes all you need to fix your issue.

   Steps to restart your device

   1. Press and hold the Power button until you see the menu on your screen.
   2. Touch Power off.
   3. After your device turns off, press and hold the Power button until the device turns back on.
   4. Open the Google Camera app to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Find out if another app is causing the problem

   The problem may be caused by an app that you downloaded. Restart your device in safe mode to see if another app is causing the problem.

   Try using safe mode to pinpoint problem apps

   1. Follow these steps to turn on safe mode.
   2. When you're in safe mode, open Google Camera to see if your issue has been fixed.

   If Google Camera works in safe mode

   1. Restart your device to exit safe mode.
   2. Uninstall recently downloaded apps one by one to see if you can find the app that’s causing issues.
   3. After you remove the app that's causing the problem, you can reinstall the apps you removed in testing.

   If Google Camera doesn't work in safe mode

   Try other ways to fix an app that isn't working properly, such as stopping it or clearing its data.

3. Clean your device's camera lens

   If your photos and videos are a little blurry, it may mean there’s dust and dirt on your camera lens. To clean the surface of your camera lens, gently wipe it with a soft tissue.

   If you have a Nexus 5X, it’s important to keep the laser sensor clean, too. See the camera lens and laser sensor locations on your device.

Accessibility for Google Camera on Android

1. Use TalkBack with Google Camera

   You can use the TalkBack screen reader on Android with Google Camera to take photos and videos and get more help.

   Use TalkBack with Google Camera

   With TalkBack, you can navigate Google Camera using standard navigation gestures and touch exploration. For example, you can:

   • Change the type of photo you want to take by double-tapping Mode list.
   • Navigate to photos taken by double-tapping Filmstrip.
   • Change your Google Camera settings by double-tapping Mode list, then double-tapping the Settings button.

   Turn on TalkBack

   1. On your device, go to Settings .
   2. Under "System," touch Accessibility.

   To find detailed instructions for your device, go to TalkBack setup help.

   Learn more

   Get more information about navigating with TalkBack in these articles:

   • Explore by touch
   • Global and local context menus

   Use TalkBack to get mobile help

   1. Double-tap Mode list.
   2. Double-tap Settings button.
   3. Double-tap Help & feedback.
   4. Select Google Camera help content from the list of suggested articles.

   To learn more about accessibility on Android, go to the Android Accessibility Help Center.