![The iPhone volume buttons can be used to call for help with the Emergency SOS tool](/upload/news/2023/08/03/81753.jpg)
For all the software bells and whistles that iOS gives the iPhone, it's easy to take the simplest features—such as the volume buttons—for granted. Millions of iPhone users press these buttons every day just to change the volume on their devices.
But these unassuming buttons can do much more than that. In fact, they are designed to give iPhone users control over more than eight powerful features on the device, from taking photos and capturing videos to turning off an alarm.
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What's more, one of these features could even save your life one day. Yes, with a simple press of the volume switch an SOS text can be sent to contacts should you find yourself in a spot of bother and in need of help.
Knowing what the volume buttons can do could save you time and even your life so it's worth remembering all of the features. To help you get to know more about the functions Mirror Online has put together a handy guide and you'll find some features below.
Send an SOS text message: Just hold down the power button and either of the volume buttons and your phone will send an SOS text to your emergency contact as well as the police or ambulance
Turn off your alarm: There's nothing more frustrating than waking up in the morning to an alarm you can't turn off. But you don't have to use the touchscreen to deactivate it—just press the volume buttons and the alarm will go into Snooze for nine minutes.
'Hard restart' your iPhone: Press, hold, then release the 'volume up' button then do the same with the 'volume down' key. This should manually restart your iPhone and is a great fix for when your device freezes.
Capture photos and videos: All you have to do here is open your Camera app then tap either volume button to take a photo with your rear camera. You can also film a video by simply switching to video mode.
Scanning documents: This works in exactly the same way as using the camera, but you also have the option of tapping the Shutter button then dragging the corners until they fit the photograph you've taken of the page. Simply tap 'Keep scan' and you're done.