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 the standard mode the Bluetooth button does not function, the 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
The selfie stick is a modified monopod for a camera, a device for a smartphone that allows you to take selfies at a distance of 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 one meter. At the top of the monopod is a smartphone mount.
The classic monopod is easy to use and minimal in its functionality To take a selfie using this device, you need to install the 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 all, 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 via the audio jack - this is the nuance that was used to create the next type of 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, which 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; in addition to the usual "Take a picture" button on the handle, there is the 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 wirelessly, install the phone on a special mount, and 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 the standard photo program does not allow changing the function 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:
As an option, you can also offer SelfiShop Camera - a common application that will take up a small amount of 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 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 OS malfunctions.
Not so long ago, we have a tradition of taking pictures of ourselves, capturing not only special moments, but also ordinary weekdays. The easiest way to take a selfie is to press the device button at arm's length. However, this method is no longer so relevant, since with it the viewing angle is limited by the long arm. Today, to take a good shot, they use a selfie stick. It has several advantages over traditional photography:
- allows you to take a photo at a distance of about one and a half meters;
- removes defects in pictures caused by hand shake.
This invention, also referred to as a monopod, is presented in numerous versions, due to which it can be selected for any gadget.
To know how to properly use a selfie stick, you need to know about the operation of each device separately. The general rules for using a monopod directly depend on its model, despite the fact that they all have a similar design: on one side of the stick for easy grip there is a handle, on the opposite side there is a fastening device in which a smartphone or other gadget is placed. Any stick has a telescopic structure that allows it to be extended to the required length.
How to use a selfie stick with a wire?
This type of monopod provides for connecting a tripod with a photographing device using a wire. This option is convenient to use due to the location of the start button on the handle. This stick does not need charging.
To take a photo, you must do the following:
- Install the smartphone by attaching it to the monopod socket.
- Insert the plug of the device into the headphone hole on the phone.
- Turn on the phone camera.
- Extend the tripod to the desired length.
- Aim the video finder at the desired object or at yourself. Take a picture by pressing the button.
How to use a selfie stick without a button?
There is also a model that, due to the inconvenience of the absence of a button, is generally available due to a lower price. In order to take a picture using a monopod without a button, the photographer must also place the phone in the socket, turn on the camera, and also pre-set the timer on the smartphone, then move the tripod apart and wait for the picture to be taken in automatic mode. It should be noted that this device should be handled with care, since these sticks are not securely fastened. In case of careless or sweeping movements, the smartphone may fall out of the slot.
How to use a selfie stick with a remote control?
This monopod is similar in its mechanism to the above, only it has a separate button to start the camera. To take a picture, you need to do the following: put the phone in the jack, turn on the camera, extend the tripod, direct the video finder to the desired object, press a button on the remote control. For all its ease of use, this stick still has drawbacks: the remote control is easy to lose, and without it this device will become an ordinary monopod that requires a preset timer.
How to use a selfie stick with bluetooth?
Using a monopod with built-in bluetooth, you can quickly and easily take high-quality photos. Its principle of operation is not complicated. It is important to check that both devices are charged before shooting. To take a selfie 
you need to follow 4 simple steps:
- Turn on bluetooth on stick and smartphone. After the device is found, connect to it.
- Attach the phone to the nest of the stick by extending the tripod to the desired length.
- Select the desired angle.
- Press the button and get a high-quality shot.
Is there a person among your acquaintances who would not know what a selfie is? At a time when all social networks are packed with selfie photos! Therefore, let's say simply: selfies are photographing yourself.
Usually, a selfie on a smartphone is taken either with the front camera from the hand, or they take a picture of their reflection with the main camera. Agree, both ways are not ideal. In the first case, the background is not always visible, and the person does not completely enter the frame. In the second case, the phone is in the frame, the eyes are looking in the wrong direction, and outside the premises, such a frame cannot be taken.
And here the Japanese appear, who remember their invention of 1995 (by the way, then ranked on the list of the most useless inventions). As a result, TIME magazine recognizes the selfie stick as one of the best inventions of 2014. If just a year before that everyone was making fun of strange people with some kind of short fishing rods, then by 2015 there came a realization of how useful this accessory can be.
Indeed, how can you even more easily capture yourself or the whole company without outside help, from the most unusual angles?
In fact, a classic monopod for a camera is used as a stick, but slightly modified. Let's try to understand all the variety of options that exist at the moment.
What kind of selfie sticks are there?
Now you can find a wide variety of selfie monopods, ranging from a simple telescopic stick to clever devices with a built-in battery and connection to the phone via Bluetooth.
Let's take a look at the most popular ones.
1. Classic telescopic monopod for phone and action cameras.
Perhaps this monopod was one of the first to appear massively on the market. It is understandable - what could be simpler than an ordinary steel telescopic pole that can be expanded from 23cm to 109cm? At the end of the monopod, the manufacturer added a phone mount, and voila - the selfie stick is ready.
It should be noted that the length of 109cm is quite enough to take a full-length selfie.
1 x monopod
How does a selfie stick work?
- fix the smartphone in a special mount
Advantages: low price, low weight, great length.
Flaws: does not have phone control buttons (however, this drawback can be eliminated by purchasing a Bluetooth remote control for the phone); it is possible to turn the phone when shaking.
2. Selfie stick with audio connection
Smartphone manufacturers have provided the ability to release the camera using a cable connected through the audio jack. This was used by the inventors of the next version of the monopod.
This selfie stick connects to your phone via a 3.5mm audio jack and does not require any additional steps to start taking pictures of yourself. When folded, this stick is more compact - its length is 20cm. It should be noted that the maximum length in the unfolded state is "only" 90 cm, which, in other words, is quite enough for most situations.
The big advantage is that the monopod has a ball mount at the end. This allows you to fix the phone not only at any angle of inclination, but also turn it to the side.
What's included in the selfie stick kit?
1 x Phone mount
How does a selfie stick work?
- insert the wire on the selfie stick into the audio jack of the phone.
- choose the desired angle
- press the button on the monopod.
Advantages: low weight; the presence of a button; low price.
Flaws: the audio jack is busy; an adapter is required to connect to a phone that has a connector other than 3.5mm; it is possible to turn the phone when shaking.
3. Telescopic selfie stick with a button
Probably the most popular selfie stick currently. It looks almost the same as the first model, but it has a number of advantages.
This monopod has a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, thanks to which a photo on the phone is taken by pressing a button on the stick itself. Built-in battery recharges from USB in less than 1 hour
Also, the selfie monopod is equipped with a more reliable mount for the phone, fixing it on both sides.
The telescopic stick has the same extended length as the previous version - 90cm.
What's included in the selfie stick kit?
1 x Flip-out phone monopod
1 x Phone mount
1 x USB wire
How does a selfie stick work?
- fix the smartphone in a special mount on a stick.
- open the Camera or Camera 360 application on your phone.
- choose the desired angle
- press the button on the monopod.
Advantages: relatively low price, low weight, presence of a button.
Flaws: requires recharging, Bluetooth is busy.
4. Multifunctional selfie stick (Bluetooth remote, monopod, tripod)
It would seem that nothing new can be invented, but we came across another very interesting specimen.
This is not just a selfie stick that you can hold in your hands, it can also be installed permanently and controlled remotely.
This selfie stick consists of 4 parts: a phone mount, a grip with control buttons, a telescopic stick, and a tripod (tripod) for placing the stick on a flat surface.
Despite the large number of sections, the monopod is quite lightweight.
The Selfie Monopod has a built-in rechargeable battery and Bluetooth transmitter. In addition to the standard "photo" button, the handle also contains the "+" and "-" zoom control buttons. This very handle with control buttons can be used as a separate, independent remote control for your smartphone.
The attachment points of the selfie stick sections are made of sufficient quality and did not cause us fears that the monopod will disintegrate
The phone mounts in a standard way, like most selfie sticks.
In order to install the monopod permanently, it is enough to unfold the tripod included in the kit, and fix either one of the sections in it, or immediately the mount for the phone. A telephone mounted on such a tripod can be controlled from a distance of up to 10 meters.
The unfolded length of the selfie stick is 80cm.
What's included in the selfie stick kit?
1 x Handle with Bluetooth and buttons
1 x Telescopic monopod
1 x Phone mount
1 x Tripod
1 x Storage pouch
1 x USB wire
How does a selfie stick work?
- turn on the selfie stick using the switch on the bottom.
- turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
- find a selfie stick in the list of available devices.
- connect with selfie monopod.
- fix the smartphone in a special mount on a stick
- open the Camera or Camera 360 application on your phone.
- choose the desired angle
- press the button on the monopod.
Advantages: versatility; the presence of additional buttons; stylish design; real distance.
Flaws: requires recharging; the price is above average; the volume of the entire set; The Bluetooth channel is busy.
5. Large telescopic monopod for phone and action cameras.
Finally, we would like to consider another monopod model, which is equipped with neither a wire nor a Bluetooth module. This is because it was originally created for action cameras. However, this model has several significant advantages for use as a selfie stick with a smartphone.
Firstly, its length in the unfolded state is 123 cm, which makes it possible to capture a much larger scene in the frame.
Secondly, each other segment is fixed with a clamp, which prevents arbitrary folding / unfolding
Thirdly, the strength of its elements allows you to install not only a phone, but even a mirrorless camera on a stick, which makes this monopod the most versatile of those we have reviewed.
And the problem of the lack of a button is solved quite simply by purchasing a Bluetooth remote control.
What's included in the selfie stick kit?
1 x monopod
1 x Mount for Phone or GoPro
How does a selfie stick work?
In order to take a selfie with this monopod you need:
- fix the smartphone in a special mount
- enable timer photo mode on your phone
- choose the best angle for a selfie and wait for the phone to take a picture of you
If you have purchased a special Bluetooth remote control for your phone, then the steps will be as follows:
- fix the smartphone in a special mount
- link the phone with the wireless remote control for the smartphone
- choose the best angle for selfie
- press a button on the remote to capture yourself
Advantages: very long length; strong hold; versatility.
Flaws: does not have phone control buttons (however, this drawback can be eliminated by purchasing a Bluetooth remote control for the phone); tangible weight; price.
In recent years, the world has been overwhelmed by the desire to photograph yourself. 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, among the common people, a selfie stick. 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 on one end and a button for photographing on the other. On the body of the device there may be additional buttons, for example, zoom, focus, activation of additional modes.
According to 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 connector on it, and the other to the headphone jack on your smartphone. If they are compatible, the headset icon will be displayed 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 networks - Bluetooth, wait until the available devices are scanned.
- We select our monopod and wait until the devices are connected to each other. A monopod is defined as a Bluetooth keyboard.
Fixing Selfie Stick Issues
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 give out the wrong 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 set up the selfie stick correctly to work with your Android device.
Wired monopods
The least moody is a wired monopod. Usually all buttons on it work as expected and are defined correctly. The only possible problem is 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 turned up 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 the 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 the Play Store has 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, in the general settings there is an item "Volume key functions". 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-enabled models will work without issue. In case of incorrect detection, use the BT Shutter software.
Windows Phone
How to connect a monopod on this system? Link your devices and the built-in Lumia Camera app syncs seamlessly with your tripod. Unfortunately, there are no other third-party applications, but the standard tools are enough.
- The monopod does not connect to the smartphone. Try to turn off Bluetooth and then turn it back on. There may have been a slight 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 will 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.
Until a few decades ago, many of us did not even know that pictures can be taken with something else besides a traditional camera. Fortunately, progress does not stand still. The rapid development of technology has led to the fact that today almost all of us have mobile phones, to which a selfie stick (monopod) is easily selected. How to connect this device, how it works, you can find out by reading this article.
What is this device?
The telescopic selfie monopod can be safely considered an improved version of the camera tripod. The overwhelming majority of today's young people have already appreciated this device, which greatly facilitates the process of photographing. This tool is convenient because it allows you to take a picture of yourself against the background of some picturesque area or an interesting monument without outside interference. In fact, a selfie monopod is a regular phone or camera, securely fixed on a tripod equipped with a remote control. With the remote control, you can easily capture yourself from different angles.
Those who are interested in how to connect a selfie stick to the phone should find out what to look for when buying this accessory. Despite the external similarity, each of the models on sale has its own pros and cons. The most convenient, and therefore the most popular, is a stick with a button on the handle. A more cumbersome and less convenient option is an ordinary tripod. In the process of using it, you have to periodically set the timer to capture the next frame. Models without a button are suitable for those who want to save money.
The most durable are expensive tripods with reliable camera mounts. It is known that the maximum length of this two-kilogram monopod is about 200 cm.
How to assemble and configure the device?
Before connecting the selfie stick to the phone, you must carefully read the instructions attached to it. Having studied all the subtleties in advance, later you can easily assemble and connect it. First of all, you should choose reliable mounts of the right size for this modern device that facilitates the process of photography. Having installed the mount on the tripod of the stick, you need to place the camera on it more comfortably and fix it well.
After that, you need to enter the settings of the activated camera and replace the function of the key that regulates the volume level with the key of the camera itself. These manipulations should be carried out with smartphones. On the iPhone, they are completely unnecessary, since there will be an automatic change of settings.
How to charge a monopod?
We are considering how to connect a selfie stick with a button, but first you need to recharge it. Before starting another photo session, it is recommended to make sure that the monopod is fully charged. The indicator of the selfie stick connected to the USB connector should flash red. The average charging time is about one hour. The end of the process is indicated by an extinguished light.
How to connect a selfie stick to the phone?
To connect the phone to a wired telescopic tripod, connect one end of the wire to the audio jack of the mobile phone, and the other to the jack on the monopod.
Before connecting the selfie stick to the Lenovo phone, you need to activate the device itself, and then, opening the phone settings, find Bluetooth and start a search for devices. After waiting for the phone to find the monopod, you need to connect to it. Then you can activate the camera and take pictures.
For those who do not yet know how to connect a selfie stick to the Nokia Lumiya, you need to exactly repeat the procedure described above.
Existing types of devices
Modern manufacturers produce several varieties of these monopods. Therefore, for those who have already understood how to connect a selfie stick to the phone, it will not hurt to deal with this issue. The simplest, and therefore the most budgetary option, is considered to be a regular selfie tripod. Its inconvenience lies in the need to set a timer on the phone or smartphone. And you will have to do this before each photograph. In addition, the monopod is equipped with not very strong mounts, which are not designed for long-term use.
The next variation is the selfie stick with a Bluetooth remote. This more advanced model has a remote control that has two buttons at once. Both hands will be involved in the process of taking pictures. One of them will have a remote control, the other will have a tripod. As you can see, this also does not add convenience. In addition, this model is not designed for all types of smartphones.
Another rather popular device is a selfie stick with a button and a wire, which is needed to communicate with the camera. One of the main advantages of such a model is the presence of a button to release the shutter. It is located on the tripod itself.
But the most popular model is a monopod with a Bluetooth button on a tripod. When folded, the length of this device is only 23 cm. During operation, the length of the telescopic stick can be increased to one meter. The device is equipped with a sturdy steel phone holder. Charging such a device is sufficient for a 100-hour survey. The main advantages of this monopod include ease of use and long service life.
How to use the device?
The rules for operating a monopod depend on its type. So, the owners of an ordinary selfie stick must first attach a phone to it. The next step is to turn on the phone camera and set the timer. After that, you can safely adjust the length of the monopod and take a picture.
Before using the Bluetooth selfie stick, it needs to be recharged. This process will take at least one hour. After that, you need to attach a clip-holder to the monopod. Now you can turn on the remote control and the monopod itself. By installing Bluetooth - connection between the selfie device and the phone, you need to place the smartphone in the clip holder. After that, all you have to do is adjust the tripod length and press a button. Despite the fact that this algorithm is similar for all similar devices, the actions may vary slightly depending on the model of the device. Therefore, in order to obtain high-quality pictures, it is recommended to carefully study the instructions attached to a particular monopod. This will not only affect the quality of the captured frames, but also significantly extend the life of the device.
Why isn't the selfie stick working?
Some monopod owners are familiar with the problem when, due to a non-working device, it is impossible to capture a unique frame. When faced with such a situation, you need to make sure that the steps for connecting and recharging the device are performed in full accordance with the instructions. After that, you should check the tightness of the connection of the contacts. It is likely that the Bluetooth button is not working. A similar failure often occurs in case of insufficient charging of the monopod. In addition, manufacturers could remove some very important and necessary settings from the phone's firmware. And this will greatly affect the quality. In this case, a way out of the situation can be photographing using a timer.
