How to Blur the Background on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Perfecting Background Blur on Your iPhone for a Professional Look

Want your photos to really stand out? Blurring the background—commonly known as “bokeh”—is a great way to make your subject pop and give your shots that polished, studio-quality feel. Luckily, iPhone’s Portrait mode is like having a portable photo studio at your fingertips. Just a few taps, and you’re ready to snap stunning images!

How to Achieve That Beautiful Blur

Getting that dreamy background effect isn’t complicated. Just follow these simple steps to create a gorgeous bokeh while keeping your subject sharp as a tack.

Open the Camera App

First up, launch the Camera app. Grab your iPhone and tap the Camera icon on the Home screen, or swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Centre and tap the Camera button. Easy as!

Switch to Portrait Mode

Next, swipe along the camera modes at the bottom until you see Portrait. That’s where the magic happens! It’s compatible with iPhone 7 Plus and newer models like the iPhone 11, 12, 13, and beyond. The phone uses its dual or triple lenses to blur out the background while keeping your subject crisp. Just make sure there’s enough space between your subject and the background for the effect to look its best.

Position Your Subject Correctly

Quick tip: for that smooth, professional-looking blur, aim to have your subject about 2 to 8 feet away from the background. This helps your iPhone create a proper depth map. The closer your subject is to the background, the less convincing the blur will be.

Adjust the Depth Effect

After snapping your shot, tap Edit in the Photos app. On newer models, you’ll see the Depth Control slider—think of it as dialling in your aperture for that perfect bokeh. Slide left for more blur (similar to f/1.4) or right for more of the background sharpness (like f/16). It’s pretty slick, but some users have experienced a few glitches initially. A quick restart usually sorts it out.

Take the Photo

Happy with the shot? Tap the Shutter button or press the volume buttons for a quick snap. If you tap and hold on your subject, it locks focus and exposure — super handy for keeping everything consistent. Thanks to Apple’s smart tech, your photos will have that lovely background blur that just looks right.

Pro tip: If you’ve got the latest iPhone model, you can enhance the effect even further by using Photo Styles right before capturing.

Extra Tips for Perfect Backgrounds

Getting that ideal bokeh takes a bit of practise and the right lighting. Natural light usually does wonders, creating soft, flattering shadows. If you’re indoors or in low light, try using Night mode or adjust exposure via the Sun icon in settings. Shooting against a contrasting background can also give you better separation and more pleasing blur.

And don’t forget — give your lens a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth before shooting; smudges and dirt can ruin your shot, especially in bright conditions.

If you’re after even more control, third-party apps like Halide or Afterlight let you manually focus and tweak settings for a customised shot.

Common Questions About Blurring Backgrounds on iPhone

Which iPhones support Portrait mode?

Generally, any iPhone from the iPhone 7 Plus onwards can do Portrait mode. That includes the iPhone 8 Plus, X, XS, the 11 series, and the 12, 13, and 14 series—all equipped with the tech needed to pull off the effect.

Can I do this for videos too?

Yes, but it’s a bit different. If you have an iPhone 13 or later, check out the Cinematic mode for videos. It adds depth effect similar to Portrait mode, allowing you to focus on your subject while blurring the background during recording.

Can I add the blur afterwards?

Definitely. Use the Photos app to tap Edit and you’ll find options to adjust the background blur just like when you shot the photo. For more creative control, apps like Focus or Fotor can help enhance your images further.

What if my iPhone is too old to support Portrait mode?

No worries! If you’re rocking an older model like the iPhone 6s or earlier, you can try third-party apps that mimic the effect. Apps like Portrait Mode+ or Snapseed do a decent job of simulating background blur.

Is Portrait Mode just for photos of people?

Not at all! It works just as well for pets, objects, or anything with enough detail and contrast. Just keep an eye on lighting and distance, and you’ll be good to go!

A Quick Recap

1. Open the Camera app and select Portrait mode.
2. Keep your subject about 2–8 feet from the background.
3. Adjust the Depth Control in editing if you want a customised look.
4. Tap the Shutter or volume buttons to snap the shot.

Final Thoughts

Using background blur can seriously elevate your photography, and with an iPhone, it’s easier than ever. Features like Smart HDR and Depth Control make it simple for anyone to get professional-looking results. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different lighting and settings — you might be surprised at what you can achieve. And remember, keep your iOS up to date via Settings > General > Software Update so you don’t miss out on new photo features. Now, go out there and capture some stunning images!