How can I quickly launch my Xperia camera from the lock screen? (Android 9 or higher)

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

This article applies to Xperia smartphones with Android 9 or higher.

Note: The Camera app function has been merged into Photography Pro basic mode for the following premium models:

• Xperia 1 III
• Xperia 5 III
• Xperia PRO-I
• Xperia 1 IV
• Xperia 5 IV
• Xperia 1 V
• Xperia 5 V

To launch the camera from the lock screen

• Press the camera key.
• Swipe the camera icon from the lock screen.
• Press the power key twice.
• Smart launch (for the Xperia 1, Xperia 5 and Xperia XZ3)

To launch the camera by pressing the camera key

If your device has a dedicated camera key, you can use it to quickly launch the camera. This feature is activated by default.

• NOTE: When the screen is in sleep mode or from the lock screen, press and hold down the camera key until the camera launches.

You can adjust this feature to have the camera capture a picture after the camera launches. To turn this feature off, go to: Camera → Settings → Launch with camera key.

To launch the camera by swiping or touching and holding the camera icon

1. To activate the screen, briefly press the power key. 
2. To launch the camera, swipe the camera icon upwards. 

Note: Touch and hold the Camera icon from the lock screen to launch the camera on the following models:

• Xperia 1 IV
• Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 5 IV
• Xperia 1 V
• Xperia 10 V
• Xperia 5V
• Xperia 1 VI
• Xperia 10 VI

To launch the camera by pressing the power key twice

Android 16 or higher

• Find and tap Settings → System → Gestures → Double press power button.
• Tap Camera.

Android 12, 13, 14, and 15

• Find and tap Settings → System → Gestures → Quickly open camera / Jump to camera.
• When the screen is in sleep mode or from the lock screen, press the power key twice.

Android 9, 10, and 11

• Find and tap Settings → System → (Gestures) → Power key behavior → Launch camera.
• When the screen is in sleep mode or from the lock screen, press the power key twice.

To launch the camera via Smart launch

Swiftly lift your phone in landscape mode and aim the camera towards an object.

Check out this article for more information: What is Smart launch?.