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How to Remove Background on iPhone: A Definitive Guide

Removing a background from an image on your iPhone used to involve complex desktop software. No more! Today, you have several powerful and surprisingly easy options right at your fingertips. You can remove the background directly using the built-in Visual Look Up feature, leveraging third-party apps like Pixelmator or Adobe Photoshop Express, or even using online tools right in your Safari browser. Which method is best depends on the complexity of the image and your desired level of precision. Let’s dive into each approach!

Leveraging the Built-in Visual Look Up Feature

Apple has quietly integrated a truly slick background removal tool directly into iOS. This feature, part of Visual Look Up, lets you isolate the subject of a photo with remarkable accuracy. Here’s how to use it:

Steps to Remove Background Using Visual Look Up

Open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the image you want to edit.
Tap and hold the main subject of the photo for a second or two. You should see a white glow appear around the subject, and the option to “Copy Subject” will pop up.
Tap “Copy Subject”. The subject is now copied to your clipboard without the background.
Paste the subject into another app. You can paste it into Messages, Notes, Pages, or any app that supports pasting images. Alternatively, you can drag the subject directly into another app if you have multiple apps open in Split View or Slide Over.

Advantages of Using Visual Look Up

Simplicity: It’s incredibly easy to use, requiring no technical expertise.
Speed: The process is lightning-fast.
No additional apps required: It’s built right into your iPhone.
Surprisingly accurate: The algorithm is remarkably good at identifying and isolating subjects.

Limitations of Using Visual Look Up

Limited Editing Options: You can only copy the subject; you can’t refine the selection or make other edits.
Dependence on Good Lighting and Contrast: It works best with images that have clear subjects and good contrast.
Not Suitable for Complex Images: If your image has intricate details or a cluttered background, the results may be less than perfect.
iOS 16 or Later Required: This feature is only available on iPhones running iOS 16 or later.

Using Third-Party Apps for Background Removal

If you need more control and precision, consider using a third-party app. Several excellent options are available on the App Store, offering a range of features and pricing.

Popular Background Removal Apps

Pixelmator Photo: A powerful photo editor that includes a very effective background removal tool. It offers more control over the selection process and allows for further editing. (Paid app)
Adobe Photoshop Express: A free (with in-app purchases) mobile version of Photoshop that offers background removal capabilities. It’s a good option if you’re already familiar with the Adobe ecosystem.
Background Eraser: A dedicated background removal app specifically designed for this purpose. It offers various tools for precise selection and editing. (Free with in-app purchases)
Phonto: While primarily a text-on-photo app, Phonto has a surprisingly effective background remover tool that allows for quick and easy subject isolation. (Free with in-app purchases)

Steps for Using a Third-Party App (Example: Pixelmator Photo)

Download and install the app from the App Store.
Open the app and import the image you want to edit.
Locate the background removal tool. In Pixelmator Photo, this is usually found under the “Cut Out” or similar option.
Use the selection tools to define the subject. Many apps offer automatic selection tools, as well as manual tools for finer adjustments.
Refine the selection by adding or removing areas as needed.
Save the image as a PNG file to preserve transparency.

Advantages of Using Third-Party Apps

More Control: Offers greater precision in selecting the subject.
Advanced Editing Features: Allows for further editing and refinement.
Suitable for Complex Images: Can handle more intricate details and cluttered backgrounds.

Disadvantages of Using Third-Party Apps

Requires Downloading and Installing an App: Takes up storage space on your iPhone.
May Involve a Learning Curve: Some apps have a more complex interface.
May Be Paid or Require In-App Purchases: Free apps often have limitations or watermarks.

Utilizing Online Background Removal Tools

If you prefer not to install any additional apps, you can use an online background removal tool directly in your Safari browser. Several free and paid options are available.

Popular Online Background Removal Tools

Remove.bg: A popular and easy-to-use online tool that automatically removes the background from an image.
Clipping Magic: Offers more advanced editing features and control over the selection process. (Paid service)
PhotoScissors: Another online tool with a focus on precision and accuracy. (Paid service)

Steps for Using an Online Tool (Example: Remove.bg)

Open your Safari browser on your iPhone and go to the website of the online tool (e.g., Remove.bg).
Upload the image you want to edit.
Wait for the tool to automatically remove the background.
Download the processed image. Ensure you download it as a PNG file to maintain transparency.

Advantages of Using Online Tools

No Installation Required: Doesn’t take up storage space on your iPhone.
Easy to Use: Most online tools have a simple and intuitive interface.
Convenient: Can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Disadvantages of Using Online Tools

Requires an Internet Connection: Can’t be used offline.
May Have Limitations on File Size or Resolution: Free tools often have restrictions.
Privacy Concerns: Be mindful of the privacy policy of the online tool, as you are uploading your image to their server.

FAQs: All You Need to Know About Removing Backgrounds on iPhones

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. What file format should I save the image in after removing the background?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is the recommended format. It supports transparency, which is essential for images with removed backgrounds. JPEG, on the other hand, does not support transparency and will fill the background with a solid color (usually white).

2. Can I remove backgrounds from videos on my iPhone?

While the built-in Visual Look Up feature is only for photos, some third-party video editing apps offer background removal capabilities for videos. These apps often use chroma keying (green screen) techniques or AI-powered background segmentation.

3. How can I ensure the background removal is accurate?

Use high-resolution images.
Choose images with good contrast between the subject and the background.
Use apps or tools that offer manual selection tools for fine-tuning.
Zoom in on the image to carefully refine the edges of the subject.

4. Is it possible to change the background instead of removing it completely?

Yes! After removing the background, you can then overlay the subject onto a new background using a photo editing app like Pixelmator Photo, PicsArt, or even apps like Canva.

5. Does the built-in background removal feature work on all iPhones?

No. The Visual Look Up feature with background removal capability is available on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. This generally includes iPhone XS and newer models.

6. Are there any free apps that are actually good for background removal?

Yes! Adobe Photoshop Express offers a decent background removal tool in its free version, although it might require some patience and potentially in-app purchases for more advanced features. Background Eraser is another good free option, although it may have ads and watermarks.

7. Can I use Siri to remove the background from a photo?

Unfortunately, Siri cannot directly remove the background from a photo. However, you can use Siri to open the Photos app or a third-party photo editing app.

8. How do I paste the subject into a document in Pages after removing the background?

After copying the subject using Visual Look Up, simply open your Pages document and tap and hold where you want to paste the image. Select “Paste” from the menu that appears.

9. Why is the background removal feature not working on my iPhone?

Check your iOS version: Ensure you’re running iOS 16 or later.
Restart your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart can fix software glitches.
Try a different image: The image might not be suitable for the algorithm.
Make sure the image is stored locally: The feature might not work reliably with images stored in iCloud only.

10. Are online background removal tools safe to use?

Exercise caution when using online tools. Read their privacy policy to understand how they handle your uploaded images. Choose reputable services and avoid uploading sensitive or personal photos.

11. What is the best app for removing backgrounds for e-commerce product photos?

For e-commerce, Pixelmator Photo or a similar professional photo editing app offers the best balance of precision and control. These apps allow you to create clean, consistent product images with perfectly removed backgrounds.

12. Can I automate the background removal process for multiple photos?

While there isn’t a direct built-in way to batch process background removal on an iPhone, some third-party apps and online services offer batch processing capabilities. This is particularly useful for e-commerce sellers or anyone who needs to remove backgrounds from a large number of images. Research specific apps that offer this feature, as functionality and pricing can vary greatly.