If you have a Pixel phone, there’s a good chance that you have the camera locked from the lock screen. To open it, just slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen and tap on the camera icon.


Thankfully, Android devices feature a few different methods for quickly launching the camera. Google Pixel devices are no different. The lock screen shortcut was handy, but it’s not actually the fastest method. There’s something even better.

RELATED: The Fastest Way to Open Your Camera on Android

A quick recap: Google Pixel devices with Android 12 have two shortcuts on the lock screen—smart home device controls and the wallet. Previously, those two shortcuts were for the phone and the camera.

To launch the camera without the lock screen shortcut, simply double-press the power button. The camera will immediately open.

This works from anywhere. That includes the lock screen and when the display isn’t even on. Just double-press the power button and the camera will launch. Easy peasy.

There: No more worrying about missing a moment because you couldn’t get your camera out fast enough. It’s a little strange that Google would remove this shortcut, but it does make sense with the ability to launch the camera with the power button.

RELATED: Google Photos Loses Its Free Storage: What You Need to Know