ID Photos

How to Take a Passport Photo with an iPhone

Shoot a compliant passport photo with iPhone: rear camera, portrait mode off, no filters, 1.5m. Preview free — HD download $1, 300-DPI print sheet $2

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Privacy note：Advanced smart enhancements show clear guidance before use. Please make sure you have permission to edit the photo.

Make Your ID Photo

40+ countries · 400+ China formats · Exact pixel output · crop-only mode for strict documents · background tools for eligible formats

Before You Shoot

1

Use the Rear Camera

The rear camera has higher resolution and the correct focal length. The selfie camera distorts facial proportions at arm's length.

2

Get Help or Use a Tripod

Have someone shoot from about 1.5–2m away at eye level. Alone? Prop the iPhone on a shelf and use the timer or an Apple Watch remote.

3

Plain Wall + Daylight

Face a window for even, soft light. Stand 0.5–1m from a plain white or light grey wall so no shadow falls on it.

iPhone Settings Checklist

  • Portrait mode OFF — the artificial background blur is a processing effect authorities can flag
  • Photographic Styles / filters OFF — no Warm, Cool or Vivid looks
  • Beauty or smoothing apps OFF — any enhancement risks rejection
  • Grid ON (Settings → Camera → Grid) to keep the shot level
  • Lens wiped clean; no digital zoom — step back instead
  • HDR left on is fine; shoot the highest quality (ProRAW/HEIF Max if available)

After the Shot: Crop & Check in Our Tool

Upload the untouched original to our tool: it crops to the exact official size (2×2 inch, 35×45mm, 一寸, and 70+ other specs), verifies head height, and can swap the background with AI — uploaded only when AI processing is selected. Honest note: for strict-editing authorities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ), submit an unaltered photo and use the tool only for sizing and composition checks. Preview free — HD download $1, 300-DPI print sheet $2.

Sources

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html), verified 2026-07-17; GOV.UK — Rules for digital passport photos (https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports), verified 2026-07-17; NZ DIA — Passport Photos (https://www.passports.govt.nz/passport-photos/), verified 2026-07-18.

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FAQ

Can I use Portrait mode for a passport photo?
No. Portrait mode applies artificial depth blur — a processing effect. Strict authorities require unaltered photos, and an obviously blurred background can be flagged. Keep it off.
Is the iPhone front camera good enough for a passport photo?
Technically the resolution may pass, but arm's-length selfies distort facial proportions and several authorities (e.g. NZ online renewal) reject selfies. Use the rear camera with someone else shooting.
Which iPhone photo format should I use?
Any high-quality format works — HEIC or JPEG. What matters is the content: unaltered, sharp, evenly lit, correct composition. Our tool accepts standard phone formats and exports exactly what each authority needs.