If you’ve ever pointed your iPhone at the night sky only to end up with a blurry white blob instead of a detailed moon, you’re not alone. As millions upgrade to the newest iPhone models this year, more people than ever want to learn how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone — and actually make it look good. Thanks to Apple’s latest camera upgrades, including enhanced Night Mode and improved telephoto lenses, your phone is more capable than ever. But success still comes down to technique.
So, how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone in 2025? Here’s your updated expert guide with clear, practical steps you can try tonight.
Pick the Right Night and Location
The first step in how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone is picking the perfect time. Choose a clear night with minimal clouds and aim for a full moon phase for the brightest, most detailed shots. To get the best results, avoid light pollution by heading away from city lights — a darker sky helps the moon stand out crisply.
Dial In Your iPhone Camera Settings
A key part of how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone is setting up your camera the right way:
- Open the Camera app in Photo mode.
- Turn off the flash — it won’t help at all.
- Switch HDR to Auto or On for a better dynamic range.
- If your iPhone has a telephoto lens, tap 2x, 2.5x, or even 3x zoom to get closer to the moon optically rather than digitally. This simple move preserves more detail and avoids graininess.
Lock Focus and Adjust Exposure
A common mistake when learning how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone is letting the camera decide everything. Instead, tap and hold your finger on the moon in the viewfinder — this locks the focus and exposure (you’ll see AE/AF Lock appear). Then, slide your finger downward on the screen to reduce the exposure. Lowering the exposure stops the moon from blowing out and keeps its craters and surface details sharp.
Keep It Steady
Blurry shots are the enemy of every moon photographer. To master how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone, stabilize your device. Use a tripod or balance your phone on a wall, fence, or any stable surface. Another great trick? Set a 3-second timer so pressing the shutter doesn’t shake the phone.
Zoom Smartly
Yes, you’ll want to zoom — but do it wisely. Pinch to zoom carefully, but rely on the telephoto lens when possible. Too much digital zoom can ruin your shot. The telephoto lens gets you closer while keeping your image crisp.
Take Multiple Shots
One secret pros swear by when explaining how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone is this: never settle for one shot. Take multiple photos each time — slight differences in focus, clouds, or shake can make or break the final image. More shots mean a higher chance of getting that perfect moon photo.
Optional Video Trick
A clever bonus for anyone curious about how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone is to use video. Record a 4K video at 60fps with the telephoto lens. Lock the focus and exposure, lower the exposure as usual, then later extract sharp frames from the video. This hack gives you more frames to choose from and can sometimes capture extra details you’d miss with a single shot.
Enhance with Editing
Finally, even the best moon photos can benefit from light editing. Use the built-in Photos app or apps like Snapseed or Lightroom. Boost contrast, lower highlights, and sharpen slightly to bring out the moon’s texture — but avoid over-editing. The goal is to keep it natural and realistic.
By following these expert steps on how to take a picture of the moon with iPhone, anyone can capture breathtaking lunar images — no pro camera required. With upcoming supermoons and lunar eclipses later this year, there’s no better time to put these tips to the test and share your own stunning moon shot with the world.