Yes—the VLOGARA SAST102 Bluetooth remote is specified for iPhone and Android, controls the photo shutter, and can start or stop video recording. It uses Bluetooth 5.2 and has a nominal range of up to 10 m / 33 ft.
That makes a phone tripod with Bluetooth remote for iPhone useful when you film alone and the phone is out of reach. You can set the frame, step into position, and control the shutter or recording without walking back to touch the screen.
Evidence note: the compatibility, controls, Bluetooth version, and range below are product/manufacturer specifications. They are not a claim that every phone model, operating-system version, camera app, or room will behave identically.
Is this the right remote setup for you?
| Your need | What the published specification supports | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Solo iPhone or Android photos | Remote photo shutter / capture | Pair the remote and test the camera app before the final shot |
| Solo video start and stop | Remote video start / stop after selecting Video mode | Confirm the exact phone, operating system, and app workflow |
| Using TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or another third-party app directly | No universal app-level behavior is promised | Test that app version, or record in a compatible camera app and upload the clip |
| Phone with a case | 65-95 mm / 2.56-3.74 in total holder range | Measure the phone and installed case together |
| Remote editing, zoom, focus, or moving-camera stabilization | Not part of the published remote controls | Choose separate equipment or software for those functions |
Published SAST102 Bluetooth remote facts
| Feature | Published specification | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible phone systems | iPhone / iOS and Android | Specific third-party app behavior can vary |
| Photo control | Shutter / capture | Open a compatible camera app before using the remote |
| Video control | Start and stop recording | Select Video mode first; app and device behavior can vary |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth name and pairing screens can differ by device |
| Remote range | Nominal up to 10 m / 33 ft | Walls, interference, battery condition, and the phone can reduce range |
| Power | Replaceable button-cell battery | Battery life depends on use and storage |
| Phone holder width | 65–95 mm / 2.56–3.74 in | Measure the phone and installed case together |
What the remote controls
For photos, the remote acts as a shutter control. Frame the shot, move into position, and press the remote to capture the photo.
For video, place the phone in Video mode before you move away from the tripod. The remote is specified to start and stop recording, so you can control a solo clip from inside the frame.
This does not mean the remote edits the video, changes camera quality, or stabilizes moving footage. It is a recording-control tool: the tripod holds the frame, while the remote reduces the need to touch the phone.
How to connect and use the remote
- Open the tripod fully on a flat surface.
- Measure the phone and installed case. The combined width should be within 65–95 mm.
- Secure the phone in the holder and choose portrait or landscape framing.
- Turn on the Bluetooth remote.
- Open the phone's Bluetooth settings and pair the remote shown in the device list.
- Open a compatible camera app and choose Photo or Video mode.
- Press the remote once and confirm the phone responds before walking into position.
Test the remote before an important take. Phone models, operating-system versions, camera apps, wireless interference, and battery condition can affect behavior.
Where a remote helps most
| Use case | How the remote helps | Setup note |
|---|---|---|
| Workout or yoga videos | Start or stop from the mat | Keep the tripod outside your movement path |
| Standing and outfit videos | Control a full-body shot from inside the frame | Check headroom before recording |
| Talking-head videos | Start after you are seated and ready | Lock the frame before moving away |
| Cooking and craft clips | Reduce the need to touch the phone between steps | Use countertop or angled top-down framing, not unsupported true overhead rigging |
| Product demonstrations | Control repeated clips without resetting the phone | Keep products and hands clear of the tripod legs |
| Travel photos and clips | Capture the group without asking another person | Use a flat surface and stay within a reliable connection distance |
How far does the Bluetooth remote work?
The published nominal range is up to 10 m / 33 ft. Treat that number as a maximum product specification, not a guarantee for every location.
For a stronger connection:
- Confirm the remote is connected before moving into position.
- Keep the phone and remote within a clear line of sight when possible.
- Move closer if walls or other wireless devices interrupt the response.
- Replace the button-cell battery if the remote becomes inconsistent.
Remote vs timer vs Apple Watch
| Method | Useful for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth remote | Repeated solo photos and video start/stop | A small accessory that must be paired and kept powered |
| Camera timer | One photo after a fixed countdown | Less convenient for repeated clips or stopping video |
| Apple Watch | Compatible Apple camera-control workflows | Requires a separate watch and its own battery/setup |
The dedicated remote is the simplest choice when your main need is controlling the phone from inside the frame.
What the remote will not fix
- It will not stabilize walking footage.
- It will not improve low-light image quality.
- It will not correct framing or focus automatically.
- It will not make every third-party social app respond in the same way.
- It will not turn a standard phone tripod into a professional overhead or heavy-camera rig.
SAST102 tripod and remote setup
The VLOGARA SAST102 71-inch phone tripod combines the Bluetooth remote with a tripod that reaches 71 in / 180 cm, folds to 13 in / 33 cm, and weighs 469 g / 1.03 lb.
The package contains the tripod, Bluetooth remote, and user manual. It does not include a storage bag, charging cable, or accessory adapter. The top uses a standard 1/4"-20 interface; an accessory must have a matching interface.
FAQ
Does the SAST102 Bluetooth remote work with iPhone?
Yes. The published product specification supports iPhone / iOS remote control for photo capture and video start/stop. Specific phone, system, and app behavior can vary, so confirm the response before filming.
Does the remote work with Android phones?
Yes. Android support is included in the published product specification. Test the remote with the camera app you plan to use.
Can the Bluetooth remote start and stop iPhone video?
Yes. The SAST102 remote is specified to start and stop video recording after the phone is placed in Video mode. This is a product specification, not a universal guarantee for every third-party app.
Can the remote take photos?
Yes. It controls the photo shutter / capture function on supported iPhone and Android camera workflows.
What is the Bluetooth remote range?
The nominal range is up to 10 m / 33 ft. Walls, interference, battery condition, and the phone can reduce the working distance.
Does the remote work directly inside TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube?
App-level behavior can vary by phone, operating system, and app version. One general workflow is to confirm control in a compatible camera app, record the clip, and then upload it to the social platform.
Do I need a separate app?
The product specification confirms Bluetooth control but does not promise one identical setup across every phone and camera app. Pair the remote in Bluetooth settings and test it with the compatible camera app you intend to use.
More phone filming setup guides
- Compare framing flexibility in our 71-inch vs 60-inch phone tripod guide.
- Plan mat and full-body framing with the yoga and workout video tripod guide.
- For kitchens, read the phone tripod for cooking videos guide.
- Understand the limits of angled top-down filming in the overhead-style phone filming guide.
What we recommend
If you film alone, choose a phone tripod with its remote included and verify that your phone plus case fits the holder. The published VLOGARA SAST102 specifications combine a 71-inch tripod, 65–95 mm phone holder, and Bluetooth 5.2 remote for iPhone and Android photo capture and video start/stop.