The Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is an exciting feature, but it can be a little daunting to decide what to use it for with so many options.
In this blog post we’ll walk through some of the customizations available so you can choose what works best for you.
Once you learn how to customize the Action Button, the next move is to pick the best way to use it. There are several Apple built-in options and the Shortcuts app allows you to create many more.
Open the Camera App With the Action Button
The Action Button finally made it easy to open the Camera App so you never miss a special moment.
- Open the Settings App
- Tap Action Button
- Scroll to the Camera option
- Tap the arrow buttons
- Choose the camera action you want to use.
Enable Your Favorite Accessibility Feature
The Action Button can become your very own accessibility button. Following the previous instructions locate Accessibility and tap choose a feature. You’ll find many options to choose from.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Action Button
- Swipe to locate Accessibility
- Tap Choose a feature
- Select your feature and trigger it with the Action Button
Turn the Pages of Your Digital Book
When you read books on the iPhone you have to swipe or tap the page to turn it. With the Action Button you can create a Shortcut to turn the page and then use the Shortcuts option and choose turn page. Next time you read in the Books app, you can press and hold the Action Button turn to the next page.
Create a Shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Tap the Plus Sign
- Select Add Action
- Search for Turn Page
- Tap Done
To trigger this action:
- Open Settings
- Tap Action Button
- Select Shortcuts
- Find the Turn Page Shortcut
Add a Calendar Event Using the Action Button
Creating a calendar even can take several minutes. Open the Calendar app, create a new event, input all the details. Now you can create a New Event Shortcut and use the Actions Button to trigger it. You’ll never have to unlock your iPhone or become distracted with something else.
Create a Shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Tap the Plus Sign
- Add Action
- Search For Add New Event
- Tap Done
Trigger the Action:
- Open Settings
- Tap Action Button
- Select Shortcuts
- Find the Add New Event Shortcut
- Push and hold on the Action Button to Trigger
ChatGPT
I’m sure you’ve heard about ChatGPT where people get the answers to questions or learn new things using AI. Download the free ChatGPT app and create an Ask ChatGPT Shortcut. Use the Action Button to trigger it. ChatGPT allows you to input more complex prompts and get tailored advice on almost anything.
You’ll need to download the ChatGPT app from the App Store.
Create the Shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Tap the Plus Sign
- Search for Ask ChatGPT
- Tap Done
Trigger the Action:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Action Button
- Select Shortcuts
- Find the Ask ChatGPT Shortcut
- Push and hold on the Action Button to trigger
Turn your Flashlight on and off With the Action Button
You can turn your flashlight on from the Control Center, but the Action Button makes it convenient. This is a much faster way to turn it off and on.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Action Button
- Swipe to locate Flashlight
- Trigger by pushing the Action Button
Get Translations when traveling abroad
If you travel abroad and need quick access to a translation the Action Button can speed up the process. Create a Translate Shortcut and use the Action button as the trigger.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Action Button
- Swipe to locate Translate
- Trigger by pushing the Action Button
Conclusion
There are so many Action Button options available. Shortcuts creates even more. For instance activating Siri, viewing your reminders, starting a timer, opening a folder of all of your shortcuts. You get the idea! Let me know in the comments what you’ve used the new Action Button for.
Need help with your device? I’m always available for a Free Consult.
Like Video instead? Head to my YouTube channel for more great tips. Here’s the link for an easy to follow video that explains the Action Button
