Many iPhone 13 users complained their devices failed to focus properly. The camera won’t focus when it’s around 2-3.5 inches (5-8 cm) away from the in-focus object which makes it impossible to take close-up shots. The good news is that the iPhone 13 Pro models don’t seem to be affected by this problem.
Go to Photo mode and select 0.5x instead of the default 1x. Check if you can capture close-up shots with your iPhone 13. Sometimes, you need to manually adjust the settings to take clear close-up photos. Try zooming in on the subject, and then moving the phone away a bit.
Move Your iPhone Away From the In-Focus Object
If you want to take sharp close-ups with your iPhone 13, you need to move the device away from the in-focus object. Move your iPhone 13 at least 4 inches (10 cm) away to get the camera to focus properly.
The fact that an iPhone 13 or 13 Mini cannot focus as closely as 2 inches (5-6 cm) from a subject is not a defect. These models are not designed to focus that close. Rest assured, your camera isn’t faulty, it simply doesn’t support the Macro Photo capability of the Pro models.
This is not a software glitch that Apple can fix with the next update. The iPhone 13 camera simply is not capable of focusing as close as you think it should.
The handy Macro Mode of iOS is available only on the Pro models. This option lets you take extreme close-ups of things you can barely see with the naked eye. The iPhone 13 Pro models can take sharp close-ups even from 0.8-inches (2 cm) away. Thanks to the Macro Mode, the 13 Pro models can capture in-focus photos much closer than iPhone 13.
To take clear photos of an object that’s closer than the minimum focusing distance of the main lens, the iPhone 13 Pro models automatically switch to the ultra-wide lens. That’s one of the reasons iPhones have three cameras. By the way, with iOS 15.1, you can disable this feature by going to Settings → Camera → Auto Macro.
Upgrade to a Pro Model
Well, if you really want to be able to take super-sharp macro shots, upgrade to an iPhone 13 Pro. The bad news is that the Pro models are facing serious shortages. Sometimes, you may need to wait for up to 30 days to get your hands on one. It’s been 21 days since I placed an order for an iPhone 13 Pro Max and still waiting to get my new toy. I just hope its delivery is not delayed beyond Christmas.
Install Halide
If getting an iPhone 13 Pro model is not an option for you, you can download and install the amazing Halide app. Open the App Store, search for Halide, and hit the Install button.
Halide is one of the coolest apps on the App Store today. It lets you turn any iPhone into a professional photography device. Halide supports Macro Mode which will help you solve all your iPhone 13 up-close focus issues. The app also packs a plethora of features and controls that are usually available on really expensive DSLR cameras.
Conclusion
If Your iPhone 13 won’t focus up close, go to Photo mode and select 0.5x. Then move the device away from the in-focus object. To get the camera to focus properly, move the phone at least about 4 inches (10 cm) away from the in-focus object. If you want to take sharp macro pictures without any headaches, upgrade to an iPhone 13 Pro model or install the Halide app.
Have you ever experienced up-close focus issues on your iPhone 13? Did you find other ways to solve this problem? Let us know in the comments below.
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