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Take a Compliant Photo with iPhone

Your iPhone can produce a passport-quality photo when you use the rear camera, even lighting, and a plain background. Portrait mode and filters should be turned off.

Camera settings

Open the Camera app and use the rear (main) lens—not the front selfie camera. Selfies distort facial proportions and are often rejected.

  • Turn off Portrait mode, Live Photo filters, and any beauty smoothing
  • Tap to focus on your face; hold steady or use a timer
  • iPhone photos are usually HEIC. This cropper accepts JPG and PNG—convert HEIC to JPG free at HEIC.best, then upload here.

Lighting and background

Stand facing a window during daytime for soft, even light. Avoid overhead-only lighting that casts shadows under your eyes. A white or cream wall behind you is ideal.

  • No shadows on your face or the background
  • No other people or objects in the frame
  • Remove hats, sunglasses, and wireless earbuds

Crop and download

Open this page on your phone and upload your photo (JPG or PNG only). Select the US 2×2 template, align your head between the guides, and download. The file stays on your device—we do not store your photo.

Ready to crop your photo?

Free online tool—pick your country template (US 2×2 or UK 35×45), align your head, and download. No account needed.

Crop my passport photo

Common questions

Can I take the photo with the front camera?
Not recommended. Front cameras widen the face and show arm angle. Always use the rear camera with a helper or tripod.
Does Apple Portrait mode work?
No. Portrait mode blurs the background artificially. Passport photos need a naturally plain, evenly lit background.
My iPhone photo won't upload. What should I do?
iPhones often save photos as HEIC, which this tool does not accept. Convert to JPG free at HEIC.best, then upload the JPG here. For online renewal, exports must also meet State Department file-size limits—check travel.state.gov before submitting.

View passport photo requirements by country →