How to Take a UK Passport Photo with Your Android Phone (2025 Guide)


Have an Android phone? You can easily take a compliant UK passport photo from the comfort of your home—no photo booth needed!

Follow this step-by-step guide using just your phone and a few simple tools to ensure your photo meets official UK government requirements.

✅ What You'll Need:

  • Android phone with a good camera (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

  • A plain light-coloured wall (white, cream, or light grey)

  • Good lighting (natural light is best)

  • A second person to take the photo (selfies are not allowed for UK passports)

 


Step-by-Step: How to Take a UK Passport Photo at Home

📍 Step 1: Set Up Your Space

  • Use a plain light background with no patterns or shadows.

  • Stand about 1.5 metres in front of the wall.

  • Ensure your whole face and upper shoulders are clearly visible.

Don’t use portrait mode. The image must be in standard format.

👤 Step 2: Get Yourself Ready

  • Wear everyday clothes (avoid uniforms, hats, or light-coloured tops).

  • Remove glasses unless medically necessary.

  • Keep hair away from your eyes—eyebrows must be visible.

  • No smiling—neutral expression only.

📷 Step 3: Take the Photo

  • Ask someone to take your photo. Selfies aren’t accepted.

  • Keep a straight posture, face the camera directly.

  • Eyes open, mouth closed.

  • No red-eye, filters, or edits.

✂️ Step 4: Edit and Check

  • Crop the image to 600x750 pixels (for online applications).

  • Ensure your head is between 29mm and 34mm high in the photo.

  • Use an AI tool or our Passport Photo Booth App to automatically adjust background, size, and lighting.

  • Get your photo reviewed by our experts for guaranteed compliance.

 

 

 

📲 Use the InstaPhotoID App for Android

Skip the hassle—InstaPhotoID makes passport photo creation fast and accurate:

  • 📸 Take unlimited shots

  • 🎯 AI-powered background removal

  • 👁 Verified by biometric experts

  • ✅ 100% UK passport photo acceptance guarantee

  • 📦 Get printed photos delivered to your door

“I used the app to take a UK passport photo at home—easy, quick, and accepted first time!” – Sarah, Manchester

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a selfie or portrait mode

  • Smiling or tilting your head

  • Glasses or shadows on your face

  • Patterns, objects, or textures in the background


🔍 FAQs

Can I take my UK passport photo at home?
Yes! As long as you follow official guidelines.

Can I smile in a UK passport photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression.

Can I wear glasses or makeup?
Glasses are not allowed unless for medical reasons. Natural makeup is fine.

What size should a digital UK passport photo be?
600x750 pixels for online. 35x45 mm for printed.