Pixel 2 Lock Screen Camera Shortcut: Quick Open

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To quickly open the camera on a Pixel 2 from the lock screen, double-press the power button. This works even when the screen is off, and it launches the camera directly to the viewfinder so you can capture a shot in about a second.

How the Double-Press Power Shortcut Works

The Pixel 2 runs Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, and that version introduced the double-press power button camera shortcut as a system-wide gesture. It is not a Pixel-exclusive feature; it is part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and appears on many Android phones. The gesture is designed to work from any state: screen off, lock screen, or inside another app. When you press the power button twice quickly, the system intercepts the second press and launches the default camera app instead of toggling the screen.

On the Pixel 2 specifically, the shortcut is enabled by default. You do not need to configure anything. The camera app opens to the rear camera viewfinder, and you can take a photo immediately. If you want to switch to the front camera, you swipe or tap the switch icon after the app opens.

Why Google Chose the Power Button Over a Swipe

Before Android 8.0, many phones used a swipe gesture on the lock screen to open the camera. The Pixel 2 still has that swipe option, but Google moved the primary shortcut to the power button for a practical reason: speed and reliability. A swipe requires you to wake the screen first, then perform a precise gesture. The power button double-press works even when the screen is completely off, so you can go from pocket to photo without ever looking at the display. This is especially useful for capturing fleeting moments like a child’s first steps or a pet doing something funny.

The gesture also works when the phone is locked with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. You do not need to unlock the phone to take a photo; the camera opens in a limited mode that only lets you view and capture photos. You cannot access the gallery or other apps until you unlock the device.

How to Enable or Disable the Shortcut

If the double-press power button shortcut is not working on your Pixel 2, or if you want to turn it off, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app.
Tap System.
Tap Gestures.
Tap Jump to camera.
Toggle the switch to turn it on or off.

The setting is named “Jump to camera� on stock Android. If you are running a custom ROM or a different launcher, the menu path may vary slightly, but the gesture is still controlled by the system settings. On some older builds of Android 8.0, the setting was under System > Gestures > Power button. The exact wording may differ, but the function is the same.

What to Do If the Shortcut Isn’t Working

If you press the power button twice and nothing happens, try these troubleshooting steps:

Check the gesture setting: Make sure “Jump to camera� is enabled in Settings > System > Gestures.
Restart your phone: A temporary software glitch can sometimes disable the gesture. A reboot usually fixes it.
Update the camera app: Go to the Google Play Store, search for “Google Camera,� and update it if a newer version is available.
Check for system updates: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update. Install any pending updates, as they may include bug fixes for the gesture.
Clear the camera app’s cache: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Camera > Storage > Clear cache. This does not delete your photos.

If none of these work, the issue may be with the power button hardware itself. A worn or faulty power button might not register the double-press reliably. In that case, you can still use the lock screen swipe shortcut: swipe up from the bottom-right corner of the lock screen to open the camera.

Alternative Ways to Open the Camera on Pixel 2

The double-press power button is the fastest method, but there are other ways to launch the camera on a Pixel 2:

Lock screen swipe: On the lock screen, swipe from the bottom-right corner inward. This works even if the screen is off but requires you to wake the screen first.
Voice command: Say “OK Google, take a picture� or “OK Google, open camera� when the phone is unlocked. This requires the Google Assistant to be enabled and the screen to be on.
Quick Settings tile: Some Android versions have a camera tile in the Quick Settings panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the camera icon if it is present.
Third-party launchers: Some launchers let you assign a gesture (like double-tap on the home screen) to open the camera. This only works when you are on the home screen.

For the fastest possible access, the power button double-press remains the best option because it works from any state and does not require the screen to be on.

Common Misconceptions About the Shortcut

One common misconception is that the double-press power button shortcut only works when the screen is off. In reality, it works in any state: screen off, lock screen, or even when you are using another app. It will always launch the camera, not just when the phone is locked.

Another misconception is that the shortcut is a Pixel-only feature. While it is prominent on Pixel phones, it is a standard Android feature since Oreo. Many other Android phones from Samsung, OnePlus, and others also include it, though some manufacturers may change the default behavior.

A third misconception is that you need to unlock the phone to use the camera after the shortcut. You do not. The camera opens in a secure mode that lets you take photos, but you cannot access the gallery or other apps until you unlock the device. This is a privacy feature to prevent someone from picking up your phone and viewing your photos.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Because the double-press power button opens the camera without unlocking the phone, anyone who picks up your Pixel 2 can take photos. This is generally harmless, but it could be a privacy concern if you are in a sensitive environment. If you want to prevent this, you can disable the “Jump to camera� gesture in Settings > System > Gestures. You will still be able to open the camera after unlocking the phone.

Also note that the camera app opened via the shortcut does not have access to your photos or other personal data. It is a sandboxed mode. If you take a photo, it is saved to the device’s storage, but the person taking the photo cannot view it without unlocking the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the double-press power button shortcut work when the screen is off?

Yes, it works even when the screen is completely off. That is the primary advantage of the gesture. You do not need to wake the screen first; just double-press the power button and the camera opens.

Can I change the shortcut to open a different app?

No, on stock Android the double-press power button is hardwired to open the default camera app. You cannot remap it to open another app without using a third-party app or a custom ROM. Some launchers offer similar gestures, but those only work on the home screen.

Why does my Pixel 2 sometimes open the camera when I press the power button once?

This is likely because you are pressing the button twice quickly without realizing it. The system registers two presses as a double-press. If the button is worn, it may register two presses from a single physical press. Try pressing the button more deliberately and slowly.

Will the shortcut work if I have a case on my phone?

Yes, as long as the case does not obstruct the power button. Most cases have a cutout or a covered button that still allows the press to register. If the case makes the button stiff, the double-press may be harder to execute, but it should still work.

Does the shortcut work when the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode?

Yes, Do Not Disturb mode does not affect the camera shortcut. It only silences notifications and calls. The camera will still open normally.

Can I use the shortcut to take a selfie directly?

No, the shortcut opens the camera to the rear camera by default. To take a selfie, you need to switch to the front camera after the app opens, which takes an extra tap or swipe. There is no built-in way to open directly to the front camera on the Pixel 2.

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