Google reminds Pixel owners that the handy ‘Palm Timer’ works with the rear camera

Ben Schoon | Mar 27 2025 - 8:05 am PT

In a new community post, Google is reminding Pixel owners of an often-forgotten feature of their cameras, the “Palm Timer.”

The March 2025 Feature Drop for Pixel devices adds a handful of new features, and also now tells users that the “Palm Timer” feature works with the rear camera.

While the feature has always worked with the rear-facing cameras on Pixel phones, Google has mostly talked about the feature only in conjunction with the front-facing camera, at least outside of the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In Google Camera 9.8 which rolled out earlier this month alongside the latest Feature Drop, Google clarifies that “Palm Timer” now works with the “front or rear cameras” on Pixel phones. The feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer Pixel devices.

“Palm Timer” is able to recognize when someone in the frame holds up their palm to then start a short timer for taking a picture. It’s a useful tool for selfies so you don’t have to fiddle with settings to get the shot.

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In a post on its forums this week, Google reminds Pixel owners that this functionality is available, including how to disable it and how to use it.

Say goodbye to awkward selfie sticks and the stress of racing to beat the timer. With Google Pixel’s Palm timer, you can easily capture everyone in your selfies or your group from a distance. Not only does it work with the front camera, but you can also use it with the rear camera. When you’re ready, simply raise your palm to start the countdown. Easy peasy!

How to enable or disable Palm timer

Note: This feature is enabled by default.

Open the Camera app Google Camera .

Select Settings More settings Palm timer.

Turn the toggle on/off.

How to use Palm timer

When you’re ready to take your picture, hold up your hand with your palm facing the camera, almost like you’re waving at it. From there, lower your hand to trigger the timer – and of course, strike a pose!

This functionality is obviously a bit tougher to use on a normal Pixel device when trying to use the rear camera as there’s no way to preview the shot’s framing, but it’s still a handy option to have. Combined with a preview on the Pixel Watch, it could be a useful tool for group shots in much higher quality than the front-facing cameras can currently deliver.