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Instant Camera: Access Directly From The Lock Screen | iOS 17 Guide

Did you know there’s a shortcut on the Lock screen to quickly open the camera? Two, in fact?

Shortcut one: swipe from right to left across the Lock screen to open the camera. Bear in mind you can’t return to the Lock screen by swiping back the other way – you’ll need to swipe on the Home bar or press the Home button instead.

Shortcut two: open the camera by long-pressing on the Camera icon in the bottom right of the Lock screen. Note that nothing happens if you quickly press it – this is to stop it activating by mistake.

For security, if the Camera app is opened from the Lock Screen, only the photos just taken can be seen. You’ll need to unlock the device to view older snaps.