How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone

Portrait mode is a shooting mode only available on smartphones with dual cameras or with a suitable camera aperture to take photos with a blurred background. Portrait mode is usually Portrait Camera mode or portrait mode available in the camera mode selection menu.

And there are also many applications that support users to take photos with blurred background when their phones do not have this mode available. Below, Quantrimang will guide you on how to take photos with blurred background on Android devices.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone

Bokeh is pronounced BOH-lay – derived from the Japanese term “boke,” which means blur or haze. Often used to describe a blurred background in portrait photography, the bokeh effect creates sharp focus on the subject while subtly blurring the background. This technique makes the background less distracting, often isolating the subject of the photo and drawing attention to it.

To achieve the bokeh effect with a DSLR camera, photographers must utilize three essential elements: Aperture, focal length, and distance from the photographer to the subject.

Smartphone bokeh, on the other hand, involves leveraging computational photography techniques due to the inherent limitations of small lenses and sensors. Many modern smartphones have dual cameras or multiple cameras working in tandem to simulate a shallow depth of field. These phones use software algorithms to analyze the scene and identify the subject, then strategically blur the background, creating a simulated blur effect. Some smartphones use machine learning to fine-tune the separation between subject and background.

Using the Camera app on your smartphone

Many Android phones come with “Portrait Mode” embedded into the Camera app, which allows you to take photos with a blur effect.

If you have a smartphone from one of the major brands, like Google or Samsung, you'll have this option. This guide will show you how to take photos with a bokeh effect using a Pixel phone.

Open the Camera app on your phone and switch to Portrait at the bottom. Frame your subject in the center of the composition and tap it to indicate that it should be in focus. Follow any on-screen instructions that appear, such as moving closer to the subject or finding a better-lit environment.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Take photos in Portrait mode using the Google Pixel Camera app

Once you have carefully composed your shot, press the large shutter button located at the bottom of the camera to take the photo. You will be able to see the results immediately.

It’s worth noting that some phones allow you to use Portrait Mode to take selfies with a bokeh effect. However, not all models have that option. If your phone doesn’t have that option, you should know that you can take selfies using your phone’s main camera. It takes a little bit of skill, but it’s not hard to do.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Image with Bokeh effect applied on Google Pixel phone.

Note : On some devices, blur effects are also available when recording video. For example, on Pixel 7 phones (and later), Google offers a Cinematic Blur feature , which adds a blurred background behind your subject.

How to Apply Bokeh Effect to Existing Android Photos

If you have an old photo that could look better with a blur effect, you can add the effect later. You can do this using the Google Photos app, which comes pre-installed on most Android phones.

Google Photos can automatically upload any photos you take with your phone's camera to the app if you have this option enabled. Otherwise, you can manually upload images to apply the bokeh effect.

Once you open the photo, tap Edit at the bottom.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Tap the Edit button in the Google Photos app

Swipe your finger right on the options menu until you find Tools .

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Select Blur from the Tools menu in the Google Photos app

Select Blur . Tap where you want the image to focus, then set the desired Blur or Depth level.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Try out the Blur and Depth levels in the Google Photos app.

Additionally, you can reverse the blur effect that has been applied to your photo using the Color Focus option (only visible for photos in Portrait Mode).

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Invert the Bokeh effect in photos using the Google Photos app.

How to apply bokeh effect using third-party apps

If you don't have Google Photos on your phone or want to use another app, there are plenty of options in the Play Store. For example, you can download Auto Blur: Blur Background , which will automatically blur the background in your photos.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Simple background blur effect in Auto Blur app.

There are also many blur effects to choose from to give your photos an even more striking look.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Various blur effects in Auto Blur app.

The app allows you to change the focus of the image as well as adjust the level of blur.

How to take photos with blurred background using Android phone
Experiment with Focus and Blur levels in the Auto Blur app.

The results aren't always super accurate, but for casual shots it's more than enough.

There are many other apps that can help you add a blur effect to your photos, including Snapseed or PhotoDirector . Try these tools if you have the time!

See also:

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!

Which type of rice is best for health?

Which type of rice is best for health?

This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.

How to wake up on time in the morning

How to wake up on time in the morning

Establishing a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, changing your alarm clock, and adjusting your diet are some of the measures that can help you sleep better and wake up on time in the morning.

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim is a simulation mobile game on iOS and Android. You will play as a landlord of an apartment complex and start renting out an apartment with the goal of upgrading the interior of your apartments and getting them ready for rent.

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Get Bathroom Tower Defense Roblox game codes and redeem them for exciting rewards. They will help you upgrade or unlock towers with higher damage.

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Let's learn about the structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers in the most accurate way.

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

From better picture and sound quality to voice control and more, these AI-powered features are making smart TVs so much better!

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

DeepSeek initially had high hopes. As an AI chatbot marketed as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, it promised intelligent conversational capabilities and experiences.

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

It's easy to miss important details when you're jotting down other essentials, and trying to take notes while chatting can be distracting. Fireflies.ai is the solution.

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

Axolot Minecraft will be a great assistant for players when operating underwater if they know how to use them.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead's configuration is rated quite highly, so you will need to consider the configuration before deciding to download.