How to Use the Action Button on iPhone in iOS 26
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Quick answer: On a supported iPhone, go to Settings → Action Button, swipe to the action you want, choose any additional option shown underneath, then press and hold the physical Action button to run it. Silent Mode is the default assignment on supported models.
Updated August 29, 2026
Which iPhones Have an Action Button?
The Action button replaced the Ring/Silent switch on iPhone 15 Pro models and is also used on newer supported iPhones, including iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro models, and iPhone 17e. Exact hardware controls vary by model, so check Apple’s model guide if you are unsure.
Apple’s current control overview is available at Use the Action button, side button, and other controls on iPhone.
How to Customize the Action Button
- Open Settings.
- Tap Action Button.
- Swipe left or right until the action you want is selected.
- If a menu appears below the action, tap it and choose the specific option.
- Exit Settings.
- Press and hold the Action button to perform the assigned action.
For Controls, Shortcut, and Accessibility, Apple notes that you must choose a specific control, shortcut, or accessibility feature underneath the main action or the button will not perform that function.
What Can You Assign?
Options vary with software and model, but Apple’s current iOS 26 documentation includes actions such as:
| Action | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Silent Mode | Switch between ring and silent behavior |
| Focus | Turn a selected Focus on or off |
| Camera | Open a chosen camera mode |
| Flashlight | Turn the flashlight on or off |
| Voice Memo | Start or stop a recording workflow |
| Recognize Music | Identify music |
| Translate | Open a translation action where supported |
| Magnifier | Open Magnifier |
| Controls | Run a selected Control Center control |
| Shortcut | Run a selected Shortcuts action |
| Accessibility | Run a selected accessibility feature |
See Apple’s iOS 26 Action button guide for the current list.
Use Silent Mode
If Silent Mode is assigned, press and hold the Action button to turn Silent Mode on. Press and hold it again to turn Silent Mode off. Remember that Clock alarms still sound in Silent Mode.
Launch a Camera Mode
Select Camera in Settings → Action Button, then choose the camera option shown below it. The Action button is useful when you want a physical shortcut to a particular capture mode.
On newer models that also have Camera Control, decide which physical control you want to dedicate to camera access so the Action button can be used for something else.
Run a Shortcut
The Shortcut option is the most flexible because it can launch a shortcut you have created in Apple’s Shortcuts app.
- Open Settings → Action Button.
- Select Shortcut.
- Tap the option below it.
- Choose the shortcut you want.
Use shortcuts you understand and trust. A shortcut can perform multiple actions depending on how it was built.
Why Press-and-Hold?
Apple’s documented trigger is a press and hold. Do not rely on old claims about separate customizable single-press and double-press actions unless Apple adds and documents those options for your current software.
If the Action Button Does Nothing
- Open Settings → Action Button.
- Confirm an action is selected.
- If you selected Controls, Shortcut, or Accessibility, confirm you chose the item underneath.
- Press and hold rather than briefly tapping.
- If the interface is not responding normally, restart the iPhone and check for an iOS update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Action button settings?
Go to Settings → Action Button.
Do I tap or hold the Action button?
Apple’s documented gesture is press and hold.
Can it run a Shortcut?
Yes. Select Shortcut, then choose the specific shortcut below the action.
What is the default action?
Apple documents Silent Mode as the default on supported models.
Bottom Line
The Action button is simple once you separate the physical trigger from the assigned function: choose the function in Settings → Action Button, then press and hold the button. There is no need for invented “60-hour lab testing” or unsupported battery/performance claims to explain how it works.