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iPhone guide

How to remove people from photos on iPhone

There are two good ways on iPhone: Apple's built-in Clean Up tool (newer models only) and a dedicated AI eraser app that works on almost every iPhone. Here's how to use both, and when each one wins.

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Updated · By the Magic Eraser team

iPhone guide
After: Pedestrians removed from behind a man leaning on a red car
Before: Pedestrians removed from behind a man leaning on a red car
BeforeAfter

Remove people on any iPhone with Magic Eraser

  1. 1

    Download the app

    Install Magic Eraser from the App Store (iOS 15.1 or later).

  2. 2

    Open your photo

    Tap Start editing and allow access to the photo you want to fix.

  3. 3

    Brush the person

    Paint over them and their shadow. Zoom in with two fingers for precision.

  4. 4

    Remove and save

    Tap Remove, check the result, and save. Your original stays in Photos.

Using Apple's Clean Up (iPhone 15 Pro and newer)

Clean Up is part of Apple Intelligence. Open the photo in Photos → Edit → Clean Up. It highlights people and objects it can remove; tap one, or circle or brush anything it missed, then tap Done.

It runs on-device and is free, but it needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 or newer) and works best on small objects against simple backgrounds.

When to use an app instead

  • Your iPhone doesn't support Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 and older non-Pro models)
  • The person is large or in the foreground
  • The background is detailed: buildings, windows, patterned floors
  • You need to clear a whole crowd
  • You also want to remove text, change the background, or restore an old photo
Clean Up vs Magic Eraser on iPhone
Apple Clean UpMagic Eraser app
Works oniPhone 15 Pro and newer, iOS 18.1+Any iPhone or iPad with iOS 15.1+
How it fillsOn-device fillGenerative AI fill
Large people & crowdsOften smearedDesigned for it
Extra toolsNoneText, background, enhance, restore
PriceFreeFree download, Premium subscription

Frequently asked questions

Does iPhone have a magic eraser?

iPhones with Apple Intelligence have Clean Up in the Photos app, Apple's version of a magic eraser. Other iPhones need an app like Magic Eraser.

Why don't I see Clean Up on my iPhone?

Clean Up requires an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro or newer), iOS 18.1 or later, and Apple Intelligence turned on in Settings, in a supported language and region.

Does removing people change my original photo?

No. Magic Eraser saves the edited photo as a new image, so the original stays in your library.

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