The best iPhone camera settings depend on the model and the shot. Use 24 MP when your iPhone supports it, keep Lens Correction and composition aids on, and switch to 48 MP or ProRAW only when the extra detail is worth the larger file.
Some controls appear only on supported iPhones. Feature availability depends on the model, camera, format, and shooting mode, so use the options shown by your device.
Recommended iPhone camera settings
| Setting | Recommended starting point | Change it when |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Mode | 24 MP on supported models | Use 12 MP when smaller files matter more |
| Resolution Control | On if the option is available | Select 48 MP in Camera for detail and cropping in suitable light |
| Apple ProRAW | Off for everyday photos | Turn it on when you plan to edit exposure, color, or white balance |
| Lens Correction | On | Leave the default correction active for supported front and Ultra Wide cameras |
| Lens Cleaning Hints | On | Leave it on so supported models can warn about a smudged lens |
| Grid and Level | On | Leave both on for straighter framing and composition |
| Exposure Adjustment | Do not preserve it at first | Preserve it only when you intentionally reuse a manual exposure adjustment |
Set 24 MP for everyday photos
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Tap Camera.
- 3.Tap Formats.
- 4.Tap Photo Mode.
- 5.Select 24 MP.
Apple offers the 12 MP and 24 MP Photo Mode choice only on supported Main or Fusion cameras. If the menu is not present, keep the model's normal Photo mode and use the other settings in this guide.
Use 48 MP only when it helps
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats, then turn on Resolution Control or ProRAW & Resolution Control, depending on the model. Open Camera and use the format or resolution control at the top of the screen when you want the high-resolution mode.
Higher resolution is useful when you expect to crop or retain fine detail, but it creates larger files and is not available in every shooting mode. On iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro models, Apple limits 48 MP ProRAW to the Main camera at 1x. Models with a 48 MP Ultra Wide can also offer high-resolution Ultra Wide or macro capture, so check the format controls available on your model.
Choose ProRAW for editing rather than routine shooting
ProRAW keeps more image information for editing exposure, color, and white balance. It is available on iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models, while 48 MP ProRAW requires iPhone 14 Pro or a later Pro model.
Leave ProRAW off for ordinary snapshots unless you have a reason to edit the file. Apple notes that ProRAW files are much larger than HEIF or JPEG files, so storage can disappear quickly during a long shoot.
Keep Lens Correction and cleaning hints on
Go to Settings > Camera and leave Lens Correction on. On supported models, it adjusts front-camera and Ultra Wide photos for more natural-looking results, and Apple enables it by default.
Leave Lens Cleaning Hints on when the setting appears. Supported iPhones can detect a smudged lens and suggest cleaning it for a clearer picture.
Turn on Grid and Level
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Tap Camera.
- 3.Turn on Grid.
- 4.Turn on Level.
The grid helps with composition, while the level helps keep horizons and overhead shots straight. Apple also provides editing tools in Photos if the shot needs further alignment or perspective adjustment.
Set focus and exposure before taking the photo
Open Camera and tap the subject that should be sharp. Drag the exposure control beside the focus box up or down when the scene is too dark or bright.
Touch and hold the focus area until AE/AF Lock appears when the subject distance and lighting will stay consistent across several shots. Tap elsewhere on the screen to release the lock.
If you want a manual exposure adjustment to remain after reopening Camera, go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings, then turn on Exposure Adjustment. Leave it off if you prefer Camera to return to automatic exposure each time.
Use Night mode without adding camera shake
On supported iPhones, Night mode turns on automatically in low light. Hold the phone still until the capture finishes, and align the crosshairs if they appear because the phone has detected movement.
For more detail, open the Camera controls, select Night Mode, and choose one of the available exposure options. A stable support or tripod can help when the exposure is long.
Avoid universal HDR advice from older guides
Do not look for a manual Smart HDR switch on every iPhone. Apple's current guide limits that manual control to iPhone 11 models, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone 12.
On newer models, let the camera handle HDR unless the Camera app exposes a model-specific control. This avoids changing instructions that no longer match the current interface.