Turn Off Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Camera Shutter Sound

If you want to take photos on your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 without the audible shutter click—perhaps in a quiet setting or to avoid drawing attention—this guide shows you how to disable the camera shutter sound. The method depends on your region and the camera app you use; most users can do it in the camera settings, while others may need to switch the phone to silent mode. No root access or special tools are required.

What You’ll Need

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (any carrier or model)
Access to the Camera app and phone settings
Optional: a SIM card (if you want to check region-specific behavior)

Step-by-Step

Open the Camera app. Tap the camera icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Access camera settings. Tap the gear icon (Settings) located in the top-left corner of the viewfinder (or top-right if you’re in landscape).
Look for the shutter sound option. Scroll through the settings list. Look for an option labeled “Shutter sound” or “Camera sounds.” It may be under a “General” or “Sound” submenu.
Toggle it off. Tap the switch next to “Shutter sound” to turn it off. The switch should no longer be blue/green.
If the option is missing: Some Note 5 units (especially those sold in South Korea, Japan, or certain other regions) do not show this setting. In that case, use the phone’s sound mode to silence it.
Set phone to Silent or Vibrate. Press the volume down key until the phone enters Vibrate or Silent mode. You can also pull down the notification shade and tap the “Sound” icon until it shows “Vibrate” or “Silent.”
Test it. Take a test photo. If the shutter sound is gone, you’re done. If it still plays, proceed to the Troubleshooting section.

Common Mistakes

Looking for a setting that doesn’t exist: Many users search for “Shutter sound” in the camera settings, but on some Note 5 models, the option is simply not present. Don’t waste time—check your region and use silent mode instead.
Only lowering media volume: The shutter sound is tied to the system volume, not media volume. Pressing the volume down button while in the camera app may not affect it; use the side keys to lower system volume or use the quick settings toggle.
Forgetting to re-enable sound: If you use silent mode, remember that your phone will be silent for calls and notifications too. After taking photos, switch back to sound mode.

Tips

Use third-party camera apps: Apps like Google Camera or Open Camera often have their own shutter sound toggle, which can be turned off independently of the system.
Check your region: In many countries, disabling the shutter sound is prohibited by law to prevent privacy violations. Samsung follows these regulations, so if you don’t see the option, it’s likely because of your region.
Use the volume buttons as shutter: You can set the volume keys to take photos, and if the phone is on silent, the sound may be suppressed (though not guaranteed).
Keep the phone on silent for all camera sounds: This also disables focus sounds and video recording start/stop sounds.

Troubleshooting

If the shutter sound still plays after following the steps:

Check if the camera app is in “Pro” mode: Some modes may override the shutter sound setting. Switch back to Auto mode and try again.
Restart the camera app: Close the camera app completely (swipe it away from recent apps) and reopen it.
Restart the phone: A simple reboot can clear any glitches that may be causing the sound to persist.
Check the system volume: Make sure the system volume is not at maximum. Even if the shutter sound is off, a high system volume might cause a faint click.
If all else fails: Use a third-party camera app with its own shutter sound toggle, or cover the speaker with your finger while taking the photo (not ideal but works in a pinch).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there no “Shutter sound” option in my camera settings?
A: This is likely due to your phone’s region. In countries where disabling the shutter sound is not allowed by law (e.g., South Korea, Japan), Samsung removes the option.

Q: Will putting my phone on silent mode always disable the shutter sound?
A: Yes, on the Galaxy Note 5, the shutter sound follows the system sound mode. If the phone is on Silent or Vibrate, the shutter sound should be muted.

Q: Can I disable the shutter sound without muting my phone’s notifications?
A: If your phone has the “Shutter sound” toggle, you can turn it off independently. If not, the only way is to use silent mode, which also silences notifications.

Q: Does the shutter sound come back after a software update?
A: Sometimes, system updates can reset camera settings. Check the setting again after an update and re-disable it if needed.

Q: Is it legal to disable the camera shutter sound?
A: In most countries, yes. However, in some regions (like South Korea and Japan), it’s illegal to take photos silently due to privacy concerns. Always respect local laws.

Q: Can I use the volume buttons to take photos without sound?
A: Yes, you can set the volume keys to act as the shutter button in the camera settings. If the phone is on silent, the sound may be muted, but it’s not guaranteed on all models.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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