On supported iPhones, Night mode detects dim conditions and automatically brightens a still photo. The camera chooses how long to capture; you can adjust the available exposure time, but keeping the phone steady until the shot finishes still matters.
How Night mode works in dim light
Open Camera in a low-light setting and look for the Night mode icon. When the camera detects that Night mode can help, the icon turns yellow. The capture may finish quickly or take several seconds, depending on how dark the scene is.
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For a quick photo, leave the exposure time to the camera. If you want more control, open the Night mode controls and adjust the available capture time. The options vary by model; where offered, “Max” selects the longest available time. Apple explains these controls in its Night mode guide and iPhone Camera guide.
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How to take a Night mode photo
- Open Camera in low light. Check whether the Night mode icon turns yellow.
- Choose the capture time. Let the camera set it automatically, or open the Night mode controls and choose an available duration.
- Stabilize the iPhone. Brace it against a solid surface or use a tripod, especially for a longer exposure.
- Press the shutter and hold still. Keep the phone steady until the capture finishes. If crosshairs appear, align them to help reduce movement.
Apple recommends a solid, secure surface or tripod to improve stability and control exposure clarity. A tripod is most useful for static scenes; it cannot freeze a person or other subject that moves during the exposure.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What Night mode cannot do
Night mode makes dim still photography easier, but it does not guarantee a sharp image. Camera movement during a multi-second capture can cause blur, and movement in the scene can also affect the result. Staying steady helps with phone movement; it does not turn a moving subject into a still one.
Flash and Live Photos are not active during Night mode by default. If you manually turn either on, Night mode deactivates, so these are alternate capture choices rather than features used together.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Which iPhone features support Night mode?
Apple lists iPhone 11 and later as the general baseline for Night mode, but related features have narrower compatibility. Night mode Portrait, selfies and Night mode time-lapse are not available on every Night mode-capable iPhone. Check Apple’s current model and feature compatibility list for your specific device. Apple recommends a tripod for low-light Night mode time-lapse on supported models.
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Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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