Most people use their phone’s volume buttons for exactly what they’re labeled for — turning sound up or down. But those small buttons are far more powerful than they seem. Built into many smartphones are shortcut features that make everyday tasks faster and easier, if you know how to use them.
For example, volume buttons can often be used to quickly take photos, especially when using the camera app. This makes snapping pictures easier with one hand and helps avoid blurry shots. In some cases, they can also be used to start or stop video recording without touching the screen.
