How to take a passport photo at home
Six things that matter. The system handles size, cropping and background — you just need a clear, well-lit photo.
Face a window
Soft daylight from the front. No flash, no lamp behind you.
Phone at eye level
About 1–1.5 m away. Ask someone to help or use the timer.
Neutral face
Mouth closed, eyes open, look straight into the lens.
Glasses off
Most countries no longer accept glasses in photos.
Hair off your face
Eyebrows and face edges visible. No hats or headphones.
No filters
Turn off beauty mode and portrait mode.
Do
- • Use the back camera with someone’s help, or the front camera with a 3-second timer
- • Stand 1–1.5 m from the phone, shoulders straight
- • Wear normal clothes that contrast with a light background
- • Take a few shots — retakes are free
Don’t
- • Use portrait mode, beauty filters or zoom
- • Hold the phone too close — it distorts your face
- • Sit with a lamp or window behind you
- • Wear hats, headphones or tinted glasses
On iPhone
Open Camera in Photo mode (not Portrait), tap the timer icon and choose 3s. Prop the phone at eye level and tap the shutter.
On Android
Open Camera in Photo mode, turn off beauty / face retouch, set the timer to 3 seconds and keep the phone level with your eyes.
Photos of babies
Lay your baby on their back on a plain white sheet and take the photo from directly above, so the face is evenly lit. Tick “Baby or young child” before uploading — the rules that don’t apply to babies, like eyes open, are relaxed.
Ready? Turn your selfie into a passport photo.
Free preview · unlimited retakes