Wireless Connection

The camera creates its own wireless network — no internet or external router is needed.

How to Connect

  1. Open Shutter and tap Add Camera.
  2. Choose Wireless as the connection method.
  3. Grant the permissions the app requests (see below).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable Wi-Fi on your camera.
  5. Shutter will find and connect to the camera automatically.

Some cameras also support Bluetooth, NFC or QR code pairing as an alternative way to start the connection. These don’t add any extra functionality — they just simplify the initial setup.

Once connected, the camera appears on your home screen for quick reconnection next time.

Required Permissions

Shutter needs some iOS permissions to operate:

  • Location — iOS requires Location access to read the Wi-Fi network name (SSID). This is an Apple platform requirement. Shutter does not store or track your actual location.
  • Local Network — allows the app to discover cameras on the wireless network generated by the camera.
  • Photos — only required for importing photos. Full access is required for Shutter to create photo albums to organize imported photos. Shutter does not read any other photos from your library.
  • Bluetooth — some cameras require Bluetooth to initialize wireless connection. Additionally, Shutter monitors Bluetooth state to optimize wireless performance.
  • Camera access - allows the app to scan a connection QR code (some Sony cameras) or discover cameras connected over an USB cable.

If either permission is denied, functionality will be limited or Shutter will be unable to connect. You can re-enable missing permissions in iOS Settings > Shutter section.

Brand-Specific Instructions

The exact steps to enable Wi-Fi differ between Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras. The Add Camera screen in the app provides step-by-step instructions for your specific camera.

Troubleshooting

If the connection fails, see Unable to Join the Network and Connection Stuck on Initializing.