When using DSLR Camera Remote it doesn’t auto-focus the camera
Normally DSLR Camera Remote will attempt to auto-focus the camera when the Fire button is pressed. For this to work, just like on the camera, the lens needs to be set to AF and LiveView should not be engaged. If the camera is in this condition and it is unable to focus you will get an error message, stating that the camera could not focus. If this happens check your active auto-focus point and make sure an area of contrast is located under it.
On some Canon cameras you can set a custom function that disabled auto-focus from the shutter button and places it on another button such as the AF-ON or Star button. If this custom function is set, DSLR Camera Remote will not be able to auto-focus the camera. Turn this custom function back to the default.
Currently in LiveView modes the camera will not auto-focus. This is a feature that we are working on for the future and hope to have soon. If you are working in LiveView mode you will need to pre-focus the camera.
Keep in mind that for many of the shooting scenarios in which DSLR Camera Remote is used that setting the lens to manual and pre-focusing on the subject or subject area is often the most reliable. This is especially recommended when using the intervalometer.