How to take dual camera photos on iPhone (step by step)
A dual camera photo — front and back cameras in one picture — takes about fifteen seconds to set up the first time and one tap forever after. Here are the exact steps.
What you need
- Any iPhone from XS / XR (2018) onward — that's the multi-cam hardware line. (Full device list.)
- iOS 17 or later.
- A dual-capture app — the built-in Camera can't take dual photos on any model, including iPhone 16. (Why.) Steps below use Selfie (free to try).
The steps
- Open the app. Dual mode is the default — you'll see the back camera fullscreen and your front camera in a small corner window, both live.
- Frame the scene with the back camera, like any photo.
- Drag the corner window to whichever corner covers the least (sky and ceilings are free real estate). Optionally pick a frame color, or tap to swap which camera is the big view.
- Optional: pick a preset. 35mm film, instant, disposable, VHS — the look renders live on both cameras, so the composite matches.
- Look at the lens (top of the phone), then tap the shutter. Both cameras expose in the same instant — a true simultaneous photo, not two shots stitched — and the finished image saves to your photo library.
That's it. For video, switch to video mode first; recording captures both cameras plus microphone audio. (Video specifics.)
If it doesn't work
Ordered by likelihood: unsupported iPhone (X or older — no workaround exists), outdated iOS, another app holding the camera (swipe it away or restart), or a hot phone throttling multi-cam. The full troubleshooting list.
Making them good
The two habits that upgrade dual photos immediately: light your face (the corner window carries the shot, and the front camera loves light), and don't check the framing at the tap — that's how corner windows fill with mid-blink faces. The rest is in 10 dual camera tips, and when you need inspiration, 15 dual photo ideas.
Common questions
Is the result one photo or two? One composed image in your library — the layout you framed is the photo. (How the composite works.)
Why can't I use 0.5x zoom in dual mode? Platform constraint: running both cameras requires the standard wide lenses, on every app. Single-camera mode keeps the full 0.5x–5x range. (The full explanation.)
Does it cost anything? Selfie is free to download and try; the Pro subscription unlocks unlimited dual shots and premium presets.