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On an iPhone with an Action button, open Settings > Action Button, swipe to the action you want, choose any required option, then press and hold the button to run it.

Check whether your iPhone has an Action button

The Action button replaces the Ring/Silent switch on supported iPhone models; it is not available on every iPhone. Apple’s current model overview identifies which iPhones have an Action button and which use the Ring/Silent switch. Check your exact model in Apple’s iPhone controls overview if you do not see the setting.

Change the Action button assignment

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Action Button.

  3. Swipe through the available actions until the one you want is selected. Its name appears beneath the row of dots.

  4. If the selection presents another menu, choose the specific option you want. For Controls, Shortcut, and Accessibility, you must select a control, shortcut, or accessibility feature; leaving that choice unconfigured means the button does nothing.

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    #1 Best Overall
    Yojaro 4Pack Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount, Silicon Adhesive Smartphones Stand Sticky, Hands-Free Phone Accessories Holder for Selfies and Videos (Black & White & Translucent & Light Pink)
    • 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
    • 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
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  5. Press and hold the physical Action button to perform the assigned action.

Choose the action that fits what you need

Apple lists these assignments in its Action button guide. The best choice depends on whether you want a quick setting, an app or capture tool, or a specific function.

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Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
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What you want to do Choose What it does
Switch call and alert behavior Silent Mode Switches between Silent and Ring for calls and alerts. Holding the button again reverses the toggle.
Turn on a focus setting Focus Turns on a Focus.
Open the camera quickly Camera Opens Camera.
Get information about nearby things Visual Intelligence Provides information about nearby places and objects. Requires Apple Intelligence; availability varies by device, region, and language.
Turn on the light Flashlight Activates the flashlight.
Record audio Voice Memo Opens Voice Memo.
Identify a song Recognize Music Uses Shazam to identify music.
Translate speech or text Translate Opens the Translate function.
Magnify something Magnifier Opens Magnifier.
Use one chosen control Controls Provides quick access to a control you select in the additional options.
Run a shortcut or open an app Shortcut Runs the shortcut you select; a shortcut can also open an app.
Quickly use an accessibility feature Accessibility Activates the accessibility feature you select in the additional options.
Leave the button unassigned No Action Does not perform an assigned action.

Assign a Shortcut

  1. Go to Settings > Action Button.

  2. Swipe to Shortcut.

  3. Tap Choose a Shortcut, then select the shortcut you want to run. Apple describes these steps in its guide to running shortcuts with the Action button.

  4. Press and hold the Action button to run the selected shortcut.

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    Rank #3
    PopSockets Adhesive Phone Grip, Holder- Black
    • Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
    • Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
    • Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
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If the button does not do what you expect

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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