How to Blur the Background on iPhone (Photos & Videos)

The easiest way to blur the background on iPhone is Portrait mode — open the Camera, swipe to Portrait, and take the shot; the background blurs automatically. For photos already taken, use the Focus control in the Photos editor to add or adjust blur. More iPhone photo tricks: resize an image on iPhone.

Method 1: Portrait mode (new photos)

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe to Portrait mode.
3. Frame your subject and take the photo.
4. The background blurs automatically — adjust the amount in Edit.

Method 2: Blur a photo you already took

iPhone’s Photos editor can add depth blur to most photos:

1. Open the photo in Photos → tap Edit.
2. Look for the Focus / Depth control (a ƒ icon in the top-left or bottom).
3. Tap the subject to set focus, then drag the Depth slider to increase/decrease blur.
4. Tap Done.

This works best on photos with a clear subject. On iPhones with a Portrait-capable camera, the effect is automatic.

Method 3: Blur the background of a video

1. Open the Camera → Cinematic mode (iPhone 13+).
2. Record — the background blurs while the subject stays sharp.
3. Adjust focus and blur in the Photos editor afterward.

FAQ

Can I blur the background on any iPhone?

Portrait mode needs an iPhone 7 Plus or newer. The Photos “Focus” editor works on most modern iPhones for eligible photos.

How do I blur an already-taken photo?

Open it in Photos → Edit → use the Focus/Depth slider to add background blur.

Can I blur a video background on iPhone?

Yes — record in Cinematic mode (iPhone 13 and newer), which blurs the background automatically.

How do I blur a specific part of a photo?

Use a third-party app like TouchRetouch or Snapseed (both free) to blur selected areas with the brush tool. For other image edits, see how to resize an image.