The fashion for taking pictures of oneself arose relatively recently, firmly strengthening its leading position in social networks... As a result, now the vast majority of your friends take pictures on their own, holding the camera (or smartphone) at arm's length.
Selfie stick purpose
If you've ever taken a selfie (“self-shot”), then you know how inconvenient it is to capture all the people standing next to you with the camera. Moreover, the photograph must be made so that you yourself get into the frame at the most favorable angle. The length of the hand of the person holding the photographing device does not allow taking a photo at a sufficient distance, which is why this whole fashion for selfie sticks arose. Previously, people asked each other to take a photo with them, but now this task has been greatly simplified due to a single gadget. Read about how this device works and what may be the reason for its malfunction, read this article.
A task
So let's start with what purpose this device serves. As mentioned above, for a better picture you need the distance between the subject (people who take “selfies”) and the camera itself to be slightly more than the length of the average hand. The function of such an “extension cord” is performed by a selfie stick. How does the whole mechanism work, forcing your smartphone to take a photo at the right time? It's very simple - using a remote switch or a Bluetooth transmitter (depending on the type of monopod, more on that later).
That is, the principle of operation of the device is very simple: first, you need to fix the smartphone at a certain distance from those who will be photographed; secondly, you need to give the phone a signal when to take a photo. This is a principle, and its implementation is carried out by different means. Read more about them below.
Mechanism types. Tripod
There are dozens of types of selfie sticks in electronics and gadgets stores. They are different colors, made of different materialsfunctioning in different ways. For example, there are the simplest sticks, holders. Their task is simply elementary - there is a tripod handle and there is a device for attaching a smartphone to its end. The user must install the phone in this mount, set up the option of self-photo in it by gesture, whistle or after a certain period of time and point the stick.
Mechanism types. The wire
A more complex design is the "wired" selfie stick. How such a gadget works can be guessed by its name, which we have given above. The design of the “tripod with a smartphone mount” is retained, but now a special wire is connected to the phone (a 3.5 mm headphone jack). With it, your stick will signal the phone to take a picture. There is a button on the user's side (on the other end of the tripod) - by pressing it, you will take a photo using your mobile device.
Mechanism types. Bluetooth
Wireless connection is the second type, through which a selfie stick transmits a signal to a smartphone. How this device works is also easy to guess: it connects to the phone like a headset, via the Bluetooth protocol. Naturally, no wires are required for this: the user simply presses a button and the monopod takes a photo. The downside is that (unlike all others) requires a power source. Therefore, a battery will be provided in such a stick.
Compatibility
Users have a question why the selfie stick does not work. After all, it would seem that in order to take a picture, one does not need to apply any complex technologies or innovative solutions. However, one of the biggest issues with selfie sticks is compatibility. As it turned out, not all of them are universal solution for both of the most popular mobile platforms. Sometimes a device can function with iOS but ignore Android.
Therefore, if the selfie stick does not work for you on Android, you should try it on an iOS gadget - and vice versa. Such checks will make it possible to understand exactly what the cause of the problem is: some technical problem, software or simple device incompatibility. In the latter case, you will have to think about selling this gadget and buying a new one.
Also, incompatibility can manifest itself in the inconsistency of individual models. For example, you can often observe a situation when a selfie stick does not work on Lenovo. For some reason, some models of this brand are not adapted to interact with a monopod, which is why such problems are observed. It's amazing that on other devices, everything can work great.
Mechanical damage
You already roughly know how a selfie stick works. As it turned out, there is nothing super complicated in this. The mechanism here is quite simple, but at the same time effective and functional. Although this does not mean that in practice you can never break a monopod. On the contrary, the cause of falls and other mechanical breakdowns is most likely to "separate" the owner from his devices. In such situations, as a rule, the question arises: why does the selfie stick not work?
If you are sure that the device used to function normally and there were no problems with it, you should know, most likely, its further work prevented mechanical damage... It can destroy simple plastic “camera holders” quickly enough, while more expensive metal monopods can last longer.
In this case, if the selfie stick does not work (on "Android" or not - there is no difference), you need to try to fix it yourself. It is necessary to figure out what exactly caused the failure, and eliminate this reason. Perhaps there is nothing serious - and this is just contact closure. On the other hand, there are more serious situations: when an electronics breaks down (for example, a Bluetooth adapter), then nothing can help this gadget - you need to purchase a new one.
Software
What to do if the selfie stick does not work, but it has not been mechanically damaged? Well, in this case, the software on your device is to blame. This could be, for example, an incorrectly configured camera. In such situations, when taking pictures with a stick, it is better to use the dedicated Camera application, rather than the standard one - you will get access to more settings. For example, has a good reputation
For further work, you should enter the program and set the parameters with which you would like to take pictures. Some of them are adapted for photography from a monopod.
If you find that the problem is in the "software", try to configure the application to interact with a selfie stick from another vendor, download a different version from the store Google play... In this case, there is a chance that everything will work for you.
conclusions
So, you learned about how a selfie stick works with and without a button. In fact, you can understand how this or that selfie stick works if you just spend some time with it, looking at the device. There is nothing complicated here: the more budgetary ones are just a tube with a mount, while the more expensive modifications are also a convenient button for taking pictures and even a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone in order to take a photo.
In fact, the designs of sticks are different, although it all comes down to one thing - taking a picture and uploading it to social networks.
If your selfie stick doesn't work, check the cause of the problem. We remind you that this could be the lack of necessary software, incompatibility of the device with the telephone, orientation to another operating systemdifferent from the OS of your smartphone. There are many reasons, but there is only one solution - it is necessary to determine what is wrong and solve the problem. If it cannot be resolved, you can purchase a new monopod. Depending on its characteristics, you can find 700-800 rubles in the transition. On the Internet, on a site with fake gadgets, its price tag is set at between 700 and 2000 rubles (again, it depends on the build quality and materials).
Buy carefully!
Also important is how the selfie stick works in extreme conditions. Choosing this accessory in the store, you don’t think about what tests the gadget may face. You are not going to take pictures exclusively at home, are you?
Therefore, make sure that the monopod has a reinforced structure, has a secure fixation and takes pictures at your request. After all, the safety of your phone or camera depends on how securely the mobile device is installed on your stick. Especially, I repeat, this applies not to domestic conditions, but to outdoor and “wild” conditions (somewhere in the field, in the forest and in the mountains, the photos are especially attractive).
- Insert the wire from the monopod (3.5 jack) into the headphone jack on your smartphone. Place your phone in the smart clip. On most models, this mount is a sliding clip with springs inside. You just need to pull back the top of the clip to make room for the phone. After you have secured your smartphone to the smart clip, make sure it is firmly fixed.
- Then we turn on the camera on the smartphone and go to its settings. Change the volume keys to the camera key. The monopod is ready to use! This setting is suitable for smartphones with Android mobile operating system.
For apple smartphones iPhone on iOS system the connection to the selfie stick is done without settings. By the way, if you use a monopod with a wire, then it does not need to be charged.
If your monopod with a Bluetooth button
The Bluetooth button can be either built into the handle of the monopod or used separately. In some models, the button is immediately included in the kit, and in some it must be purchased separately. Battery powered Bluetooth button (typically CR2032) are sold separately and come in various designs.
If the bluetooth button is built into the monopod, then at the bottom of the handle you will find a connector for the charging cable. Depending on the battery capacity of your selfie stick, the charging time will range from 40 minutes to 2 hours. Most models of monopods with a built-in rechargeable battery are designed for 500 recharge cycles.
How to connect Bluetooth monopod to Apple iPhone?
- Fully charge your monopod. By the way, one hour of charging is enough for 100 hours of standby time. If the button is separate, then check that it has a good, new battery. Now we press / move the monopod power button (from the bottom of the handle or on the button itself).
- We go into the iPhone in "Settings", then in the "Bluetooth" tab. Turn on Bluetooth. The name of your monopod or bluetooth button should also appear here. Click on the name of the new bluetooth device to establish a connection with it and your iPhone will remember it. Subsequently, you will already select it from the list of "My devices". As soon as the smartphone establishes a connection with the bluetooth button, the message "Connected" will appear opposite the name of the new device.
Your monopod is now ready to go. All that remains is to insert the smartphone into the smart clip. Do not forget to charge it in time or change the battery in the button.
From experience: I drew attention to the fact that sometimes the remote control (bluetooth button) turns off periodically and I have to reconnect it. Then the connection is restored quickly and without problems. I think this is done to save energy.
If the button on the monopod doesn't work or doesn't work correctly?
If your smartphone shows the volume up slider and Zoom when you press the monopod button, this means that the button is working correctly, now you just need to adjust the camera settings. We talked about them at the very beginning of the publication. If this does not help, then just download a special application for connecting a monopod, for example MoMax Cam. You can also take photos using the Delayed Start function.
With the advent of good front camera on the smartphone has become widespread. To take a beautiful photo without anyone's help, a selfie stick was invented, thanks to which you can capture not only the face, but also the surrounding landscapes in the frame. It is important to know how to use a selfie stick as there are a number of interesting nuances.
What does a selfie stick look like?
The correct name for this device is "monopod" or "tripod". It looks like an assembled fishing rod and has a rubberized handle on one end and a 360 ° swivel smartphone mount on the other. If you are wondering how to choose a selfie stick, it is worth pointing out that some models have a loop on the handle for easy transportation. It can have a release button to take pictures, but it can also be removable.
It is important to know not only how to use a selfie stick, but also how to choose the right device:
- Examine the device from all sides to make sure that the material is of good quality, there are no scratches, glue residues, and so on. It is best to choose devices with a metal holder. Be sure to appreciate the locking mechanism of the phone, which should hold the smartphone well so that it does not fall.
- If you plan to use a monopod with different smartphones, then the best solution is a device whose holder will move apart and adapt to different models... For people who plan to take pictures with the main camera, selfie sticks with a holder are suitable. Another useful bonus is the rotation of the mount, thanks to which it will be possible to find the optimal angle for good shots.
- If you don't want to think about how to use a short-handled selfie stick, then be sure to check its length. For the largest shooting angle, options from 90 cm are needed, and 30-40 cm will be enough for portraits. Note that the longer the stick, the stronger the mount should be.
How does a selfie stick work?
To understand how to use the monopod, note that in addition to the button for taking pictures on the body, there may be additional keys for focusing, zooming and turning on additional modes... Describing how a selfie stick works, it is worth pointing out that there are two types of it: wireless, working via Bluetooth, and wired, which connects to the phone through a wire. It is important to make sure that it is compatible with your smartphone before purchasing a device.
The selfie stick without a button, which is called a "tripod", is worth mentioning separately. It is used extremely rarely, since it cannot be called convenient. Using such a selfie stick is very simple: you need to set up your smartphone by setting a timer on it. After the photo is taken, you will have to turn on the timer again, and so on. Such devices are cheap, but even this does not make them popular, since they are completely inconvenient to use.
How does a wireless selfie stick work?
This option is more popular, and is based on transmitting a signal to a smartphone from a monopod. How the selfie stick works through bluetooth is easy to guess, as it connects to the phone like a headset. In this case, no wires are used and after simple connection you can start taking photos right away. The disadvantage of this option is that such a gadget needs a power source, so the design assumes a battery.
How does a selfie stick with a wire work?
Devices of this group are distinguished by a more complex design, since it is necessary not only to install the phone, but also to insert the existing wire into the headphone jack. Talking about how the selfie stick works, it is worth pointing out that after connecting the smartphone, a signal will be sent to it when a button is pressed, indicating that you need to take a picture.
How to connect a selfie stick?
At first glance, everything looks simple: you perform the connection and you can take a photo for your pleasure, but this is not so. It is important to know how to connect a selfie stick to your phone and make settings. It should be borne in mind that different models of monopods have their own characteristics, which can be found in the attached instructions. Another important point to dwell on is that each operating system has its own characteristics.
How to connect a selfie stick to an iPhone?
If the device has a wire, then the process of connecting the device is very simple. You just need to insert it and that's it, the iPhone will carry out the setup itself and you don't need to make any additional changes. If you are interested in how to use a monopod via Bluetooth, then the connection process is identical to other operating systems and it has the following stages: turning on the power of the selfie stick, searching and pairing devices. It remains only to go to standard application Camera and start shooting.
How to connect a selfie stick to Windows Phone?
The monopod can be used with wired and wireless connections. In the first case, there should be no problems, but if the connection is not made, then check the charging of the device and the serviceability of the plug. It's important to figure out how to connect the selfie stick to your phone via Bluetooth. Here you will need to install a special application, and this is explained by the fact that with standard firmware Windows Phone the connection will be interrupted.
Understanding the topic - how to use a selfie stick correctly, it is worth noting that starting from version 8.1, the operating system is available special program to work properly with a selfie stick, and it is called Lumia Camera 5. You can also use a program such as Lumia Selfie, which not only helps you synchronize, but also has the ability to add different effects.
How to connect a selfie stick to an Android phone?
In order to use the monopod, you need to reconfigure some button functions. For this purpose, follow the instructions on how to use the selfie stick:
- Turn on the Camera app on your phone. Go to the general settings, where you need to find the sub-item "Setting the volume keys".
- Change the settings based on how the monopod works.
- It should be borne in mind that not all devices have the ability to customize control keys. The best solution in this case, use third-party applications. Camera FV-5 has a paid and free version... Thanks to the numerous settings of the application, you can take high quality pictures like a DSLR. Go to "Options" and make all the necessary changes there.
When figuring out how to connect a selfie stick to Lenovo and other phones, it is worth considering the main applications available in the Play Market:
- SelfieShop Camera.The application not only simplifies shooting, but also helps to eliminate some problems, for example, the lack of communication between the monopod and the smartphone. You cannot shoot videos or edit photos using this application.
- Retrica. Many people like this application due to the large number of filters that can be applied in real time.
How to set up a selfie stick?
If, after connecting the monopod, you cannot use it, then you need to look for the reason. There are several recommendations on how to set up a selfie stick on your phone:
- If the button does not respond when pressed, then this may indicate no signal. It is recommended to install a dedicated monopod app or SelfieShop Camera. The application has an item "Testing devices" and after selecting it, press the photo button, which will help the application to fix the device.
- If the device is correctly connected and initialized, but still cannot take a photo, then you should go to the settings of the camera itself. Select the item there, which may be called "Shooting key action", there set the following order: shooting, shutter and photo.
- The problem may lie in the smartphone itself, for example, the version of the operating system may not be suitable, so before buying it is important to check that the device fits the OS mobile phone... Another reason has to do with the lack of the required trigger. This could be a manufacturer's mistake.
How to use the monopod correctly?
First, you need to check the charging of the selfie stick, if it is not enough, then the indicator connected to the USB connector will flash red. The average charging time is about an hour. To start shooting, the smartphone must be fixed, for which place it in a special stand. If the phone is too wide, the top of the latch should be pulled back and placed between the rubber pads.
Narrow devices just need to be inserted into the mount. It is better to check beforehand whether the phone fits the stand or not. The rules for how to use the selfie stick correctly differ depending on the wired or wireless connection... There are tons of tips on how to get a good angle to get great shots, but that's another story.
How to use a selfie stick with a wire?
For owners of such a product, the following tips are useful.
- In the instructions on how to use the selfie stick, it is indicated that after installing the smartphone in the mount, you must insert the plug into the headphone jack.
- After that, a special headset icon will appear at the top of the phone screen.
- The next step is to open the "Camera" application and press the button to connect.
- All that remains is to choose a timer, take a beautiful pose and start taking selfies.
How to use a selfie stick with bluetooth?
More convenient to use are monopods, which do not require any wires to connect. If you are interested in how to take pictures with a selfie stick, then consider the following rules:
- Turn on the device by pressing the button, and after that you can see a blue indicator on it.
- After that, go to the settings on your phone, open the Bluetooth section there and turn it on.
- Activate "Search for devices" and find a selfie stick, which will be identified by the keyboard icon and the manufacturer's name.
- The next step in the instructions is how to use a selfie stick, as follows: click to connect to the dropped name, and after synchronization, the indicator will quickly blink and then go out.
- All that remains is to set the timer on the camera and you can start taking photos.
A selfie stick (monopod) is a modern accessory that can be universal or created for a specific gadget manufacturer. However, owners of smartphones with the Android operating system very often have problems - in standard mode, the Bluetooth button does not function, volume is added instead of taking pictures, there is a photo sound, but there is no photo. There is a solution for every problem you encounter.
Selfie stick and its types
A selfie stick is a modified camera monopod, a device for a smartphone that allows you to take selfies at a distance of more than an arm's length. What types of this invention exist at the moment?
Classic fold-out selfie stick
The classic type of monopod was the very first to enter the consumer market. This is due to the simplicity and availability of the device, which can be expanded in length from 20 centimeters to a meter. At the top of the monopod is the smartphone mount.
The classic monopod is easy to use and minimal in functionality. To take a selfie using this device, you need to install your phone in a special mount, turn on the timer shooting mode, choose a good angle and wait for the automatic release of the shutter button. That's it, the selfie is ready! If you buy a remote control for your phone, you can take a photo using a special button on it.
Monopod via headphone jack
The developers of modern phones have provided for the function of releasing the camera using a cord connected through the audio jack - this is precisely the nuance that was used when creating of the following kind monopod.
Wired monopod connects to smartphone via headphone jack
The monopod is connected to the phone via a 3.5 mm jack, and no additional steps are required to start using the device. When folded, its length is 20 cm, and when unfolded, it is 90 cm. The main advantage of the monopod is the ball mount on the top, which allows you to install the smartphone at any angle or tilt to the side.
Wireless monopod with button
A wireless device is the most common, it looks like the very first type of monopod, but it has several features:
To start a photo session, you need to turn on the monopod, establish a connection via Bluetooth, fix the phone, activate the Camera application, select a frame and press a special button on the selfie stick.
The presence of a Bluetooth sensor on the wireless monopod allows you to take selfies with no extra effort The monopod was invented by the Japanese in 1995, who also considered it the most useless invention. However, in 2014, the selfie stick was recognized as one of the best gadgets.
Multifunctional monopod
It would seem that nothing new can be found, but a multifunctional monopod has appeared that can be installed permanently, as well as controlled remotely. This device consists of four parts:
The gadget has a Bluetooth transmitter and a built-in battery, on the handle, in addition to the usual "Take a picture" button, there is a possibility of zoom control (+/-). A knob with buttons can be used as a remote control for a telephone. The smartphone is installed as standard, as on other monopods.
Using the supplied tripod, you can install the selfie stick permanently. And to control the phone, which is installed on the tripod, you need to use the remote control (handle) at a distance of up to ten meters.
Using the supplied tripod, you can install the selfie stick permanently To start taking pictures of yourself using a monopod, you need to turn on Bluetooth on your phone, connect the devices via wireless, install the phone on a special mount, launch the Camera application. And you can start creating a selfie.
Connecting a selfie stick to an Android phone
Connecting a selfie stick to a phone differs depending on its type. Wired and wireless monopods have their own connection nuances.
How to connect a wired monopod
To connect a wired selfi stick on Android, you need to change the functionality of the volume buttons:
If a standard program for photographing does not allow you to change the functionality of the keys for shooting, then you need to replace it with others. For example, Camera FV-5 - there are a lot of settings in the application. But to install a monopod, you need to do the following:
Alternatively, you can offer another SelfiShop Camera - normal applicationwhich will take a small amount internal memory... A big plus is ease of use, you just need to install the application, by default all the keys are set to take selfies.
Video: how to connect a wired monopod
How to connect a wireless selfie stick
Setting up a wireless monopod is much easier:
It is better to rename the monopod on the phone so that later it can be easier to identify.
Video: how to connect a wireless monopod
Problems during the operation of the monopod and ways to solve them
During the process of connecting and configuring the monopod, as well as during its operation, problems or errors may occur. They are easy enough to eliminate.
Table: possible problems when working with a selfie stick and their solutions
It is worth considering that if the message “The PIN code (PIN-code) or password was entered incorrectly” appears when pairing the devices, then the monopod is not suitable for use on your smartphone. The problem rarely occurs, but it is recommended to check the monopod for compatibility with the phone, since the problem can provoke the OS to malfunction.
In recent years, the world has been overwhelmed by the desire to photograph oneself. Such pictures are usually called the fashionable word "selfie". Lovers of "crossbows" can be seen almost everywhere. And if earlier it was possible only in front of a mirror or by asking a friend, now it is enough to use the second camera on your device.
Selfies are taken by photographing not only themselves, but entire companies.
But it is much more convenient to use a fashionable device with a monopod or a selfie stick among the common people. You can use this device with any mobile device on all operating systems, including Android, iOS or Windows Phone. Let's take a look at how to connect a monopod and set it up to work with different mobile devices.
How selfie sticks work and what they are
The monopod is an elongated stick with a smartphone mount at one end and a button for photographing at the other. On the body of the device there may be additional buttons, for example, zoom, focus, activation of additional modes.
By the type of connection, monopods are of two types: wired, when they are connected to the phone using a wire that is inserted into the headphone jack, and wireless, connecting via Bluetooth. When choosing a selfie stick, make sure it is compatible with your device.
Monopod connection
Wired
When connecting a selfie stick of this type, connect one end to the corresponding jack on it, and the other to the headphone jack on your smartphone. If they are compatible, the headset icon will appear in the notification panel.
Bluetooth
To make the selfie stick work via Bluetooth, you need to pair it with your phone. For this:
- Turn on the selfie stick and Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- On Android go to Settings - Wireless network - Bluetooth, we are waiting for the available devices to be scanned.
- We select our monopod and wait until the devices are connected to each other. The monopod is defined as a Bluetooth keyboard.
Fixing problems with the selfie stick
At first glance, everything is simple, but the owners of brand new selfie sticks may be faced with the fact that the phone displays an incompatibility message or the buttons do not give the actions that are expected of them. For example, instead of taking a picture, the volume rises or the zoom changes. Fear not, you just need to properly set up the selfie stick to work with your Android device.
Wired monopods
The least capricious is the wired monopod. Usually all buttons on it work as expected and are defined correctly. The only one possible problem - incorrect identification by the phone. This may be due to a poor quality nest. Try changing the position of the plug in the socket. In addition, with a wired connection, the order of connecting the contacts in the plug of the stick and the phone connector may differ. In this case, you can look for an adapter.
Wireless monopods
The thing is that being defined as a Bluetooth keyboard, the monopod sends a signal to the phone. Therefore, if you increased the volume by pressing the shutter button, then everything is correct. In the camera application, you need to set the volume keys to activate the shutter.
Android
Many manufacturers using the Android operating system on their devices equip the standard camera application with the ability to customize the volume buttons. This is especially true for those who install a clean version of Android on their phones without a proprietary shell.
To check if your camera has such an option, go to the main camera window in its settings. The main settings tab may contain the "Volume keys" section. You can set them to change volume, zoom, or take a picture. Select the latter, and then check the tripod performance.
If the standard camera application does not allow you to adjust the volume buttons, then in Play Store there are a sufficient number of applications that allow you to work with a selfie stick. Here are some of them:
Camera FV-5. This is the most sophisticated program for Android in terms of settings. It seems that we are not holding a smartphone, but a professional camera. Go to Settings, under general settings there is an item "Functions of volume keys". Select "Shutter / Focus" and check the selfie stick.
SelfiShop Camera. This program takes. The default settings allow you to use any monopod button for a snapshot. You can customize each button individually. To do this, start the "Monopod Connection Wizard" in the program menu, press all the buttons on it one by one and save the settings.
The Cellfie -the best option for the ratio of size and capabilities. It looks very elegant, all functions are displayed on the screen, so you don't need to study the menu for a long time. Most monopods are great friends with her. You can also use it as your main Android camera.
iOS
Most iOS models will work without issue. In case of incorrect detection, please use BT Shutter.
Windows Phone
How to connect a monopod on this system? Link your devices together, and the built-in Lumia Camera app syncs seamlessly with your tripod. Unfortunately others third party applications doesn't exist, but standard tools quite enough.
- The monopod does not connect to the smartphone. Try turning Bluetooth off and then back on. There may have been a small glitch.
- Keep in mind that the tripod battery is of low capacity, it is unlikely to last more than an hour, so do not forget to turn it off.
- To use the tripod on another device, disconnect it from the current one.
- The wireless stick cannot be made to work on Android versions below 4.2.2.
- In extreme cases, you have to root your phone and reassign. But it's easier to test the tripod when you buy it.
Conclusion
Although from the outside people clinging the phone to a stick and taking pictures of themselves look pretty funny, such a device significantly expands your boundaries and gives additional charm to the pictures. Knowing how to connect a monopod will expand your army of selfie fans.
Do you use a selfie stick? Do you like her work? Write reviews in the comments.
