The Action Button replaced the traditional mute switch on iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 lineup. It still toggles Silent Mode by default, but you can make a press-and-hold run a different Apple action or any Shortcut you build.
This applies to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models running iOS 17 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if the button above the volume buttons only switches Silent Mode and you want it to open Camera, Flashlight, Focus, Translate, Magnifier, an accessibility feature, or a custom Shortcut.
Reassign the Action Button
- Open Settings.
- Tap Action Button.
- Swipe through the large preview to choose an action such as Silent Mode, Focus, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Magnifier, Shortcut, Accessibility, or Translate.
- Adjust any extra option shown below the preview, such as which Focus mode or camera mode to use.
- Press and hold the Action Button to test it. A quick tap is ignored by design.
Run a Custom Shortcut
- Open Settings > Action Button.
- Swipe to Shortcut.
- Tap Choose a Shortcut.
- Pick an existing shortcut or create a new one in Shortcuts.
- Test the button by pressing and holding it.
A Shortcut can combine multiple steps, such as turning on Do Not Disturb, starting a workout, opening an app, and playing a playlist from one button press.
More Action Button Options
Accessibility
The Accessibility option can trigger tools such as Zoom, VoiceOver, Magnifier, or Detection Mode, which is useful if you rely on those features often.
Only One Assignment
The Action Button supports one assigned action at a time. It does not have separate double-press or multiple hold-length actions, so use a Shortcut with conditions if you want more flexible behavior.
Use Back Tap Too
If you want another physical gesture, set up Back Tap separately under Accessibility. That can give you a second shortcut without changing the Action Button.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use the Action button on iPhone
- Apple Support: Create shortcuts with the Shortcuts app on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Focus on iPhone