Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To photograph the Northern Lights with an iPhone, use Photo mode and Night mode on a supported iPhone, then keep the phone still on a tripod or other secure support until the capture finishes. Start with the longer Night mode option available on your device and review the image: longer captures can reveal more faint light, but a fast-moving aurora may look fuzzy.
There is no single ideal exposure time for every iPhone or aurora. Choose a safe, dark location with clear skies, then adjust the available Night mode capture time to balance brightness against the aurora’s motion.
What you need for a successful aurora photo
Good conditions and a steady phone are the practical starting points. NASA advises checking the local weather for clear skies and choosing a safe, dark location. The Canadian Space Agency recommends a dark location with a clear view of the horizon.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 75in Extendable Camera Tripod: This tripod for camera phone can extend to a height of 75 inches by adjusting the flip locks, which can be quickly adjusted to any desired height to meet the needs of various shooting scenarios. Both the ball head and center column are equipped with level for easy real-time level calibration, ensuring perfectly level shots.Good Digital Camera Accessory Kits for you.
- 3-in-1 Detachable Center Column: The center column supports quick detachment, allowing for flexible use as a monopod or selfie stick (Max Height:43.9 in / 111.5 cm). Camera phone tripod stand can also be installed upside down for low-angle macro shooting. This 3-in-1 multi-functional design simplifies shooting equipment, saves carrying space, and enhances practicality and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and content creators.
- 3-Level Angle Adjustment For Various Terrains: The camera tripod legs can be adjusted to three angles using the angle adjustment locks, allowing it to spread almost horizontally to achieve a minimum height of 15.35in(39cm) for low-angle shooting. Each leg adjusts independently in both angle and length, ensuring the tripod stand steadily on stairs, rocky trails, or uneven ground—making it ideal for outdoor-photographers and hikers shooting in unpredictable environments.
- Remote Control & Flexible Ball Head: Equipped with a 360° ball head, which supports free rotation in both horizontal and vertical directions. When shooting vlogs or live streams, you can flexibly switch angles and landscape/portrait modes without moving the tripod. In addition, this phone tripod has a built-in remote control with a maximum 10m control distance. Whether it's selfies, group photos, or long-distance shooting, one-button control makes shooting easier and more convenient.
- Sturdy & Stability: Constructed from aluminum alloy, this DSLR camera tripod features thickened tubes and anti-slip rubber feet that provide stronger grip on various surfaces, effectively preventing image shake. Its bottom hook allows for hanging weights, increasing counterweight and further enhancing overall stability, ensuring smooth footage even outdoors.[Max load 8kg/17.64lb (vertical) or 3kg/6.61lb(45° tilt)]
- Darkness: Choose a dark place with a clear view of the horizon when possible.
- Weather: Check the local forecast for clear skies before heading out.
- Safety: Choose a location where you can set up and remain safely.
- Stability: Use a tripod or another solid, secure surface, and keep the phone still until the capture finishes.
A forecast can help you plan, but it cannot guarantee a photograph. Give yourself time to set up and check the sky.
Best iPhone aurora settings at a glance
| Choice | What to do | When to adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Camera mode | Use Photo mode and look for Night mode in low light. | Night mode controls and availability vary by model and software. |
| Support | Mount the phone on a tripod or place it on a solid, secure surface. | Check for movement and keep the phone still throughout capture. |
| Night mode capture | Try the longer option available on your device. | Use a shorter option if the aurora looks fuzzy; try a longer one if it is too dark and moving slowly. |
| Composition | Consider a horizontal frame and a simple foreground landmark. | Keep the horizon and foreground unobtrusive. |
| Power | Consider bringing a phone battery pack for a long outing. | It is optional preparation, not a camera-performance upgrade. |
Prepare before the display starts
- Check the local weather. Look for clear skies before you travel.
- Choose a safe, dark location. Seek a clear view of the horizon and a place where you can set up securely.
- Charge your phone. Consider a battery pack if you expect to be outside for a long time; NASA lists one among its aurora equipment suggestions.
- Set up support in advance. Confirm that the tripod or surface is stable and that your phone is held securely.
- Choose a simple composition. A horizontal frame or a modest foreground landmark can give the scene context without distracting from the aurora.
Use Night mode and keep the iPhone still
Apple says Night mode is available on iPhone 11 and later and activates automatically in low light on supported models. The phone selects a capture time automatically, and you can choose the available Max option to extend it. Controls and options vary by device and software.
- Open Camera in Photo mode. Look for the Night mode indicator when the scene is dark.
- Stabilize the iPhone. Use a tripod or another solid, secure support.
- Choose an available capture option. Try the longer option, such as Max where available, but do not assume it is right for every display.
- Keep the phone still until capture finishes. If movement crosshairs appear, align them as Apple instructs.
- Take a frame and review it. Check whether the image is bright enough and whether the aurora’s structure remains clear.
- Adjust and repeat. Try a shorter capture if the aurora looks smeared; if the image is too dark and the aurora is moving slowly, try a longer one.
Apple recommends a solid, secure surface or tripod for Night mode photos and says a tripod can yield more detail. A stable phone prevents camera movement, but it cannot stop the aurora itself from moving.
Balance brightness and aurora movement
A longer capture can gather more light, which can help reveal a faint display. But the Canadian Space Agency cautions that a quickly moving aurora can look fuzzy with longer exposures. Review your image and choose the capture time that best balances brightness against the detail of the moving aurora.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #2
- 【Sturdy and Stable】: Made of premium aluminum alloy and stainless steel, Liphisy phone tripod with remote keeps your device stay securely in place for still shots and video recording.
- 【Multi-angle Shot】: With a max height of 64”, this tripod stand with a 210-degree rotation head and 360-degree rotation holder allows you to capture shots from any angle, catering to different photography needs.
- 【Wireless Remote Included】: Package includes a wireless remote that connects to your cell phone easily, making it a breeze to snap photos or video recordings.
- 【Height Adjustable】: The height of this cell phone tripod with remote can be adjusted from 17” to 64” and the easy lock mechanism makes it really easy to set up. It gives you an excellent vantage point for capturing photos and videos.
- 【Wide Application】: Compatable with different phone and camera, this tripod is great for photography and video recording, perfect for travel and home use.
| What you see | What to try | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| The image is too dark and the aurora is moving slowly | Try a longer available capture. | It can bring up more faint light, but motion may soften the aurora. |
| The aurora’s folds or rays look fuzzy | Choose a shorter available capture. | It may preserve more of the changing structure, while gathering less light. |
| The whole image looks blurred | Check the support and keep the phone still until capture finishes. | Phone movement can blur the entire frame. |
Try more than one available capture option when the scene changes. The best choice depends on the aurora’s brightness and movement, sky conditions, and your iPhone.
Optional tripod and battery pack
A tripod is useful if it securely holds your phone and stays stable where you set it up. Apple recommends a tripod for more detailed Night mode images, and NASA includes one in its aurora-photography guidance. Confirm that the phone mount fits your phone and the tripod before relying on the setup.
A phone battery pack is optional preparation for a long night outside. NASA lists an extra battery or battery pack for a phone among its equipment suggestions. It is not a camera setting or a way to improve image quality.
When a manual camera app helps
Most readers can begin with the built-in Camera app and Night mode. NASA’s smartphone astrophotography material mentions apps such as Northern Lights Photo Taker and NightCap as historical examples of tools that may enable exposures longer than 10 seconds. These are not current recommendations: verify availability, compatibility, and controls before relying on any third-party app.
Rank #3
- Innovative Pentagonal Tube Design – Engineered for stability and portability, this lightweight (2.6 lbs/1.18 kg) tripod features a unique pentagonal-shaped tube for enhanced durability and easy folding. With a compact 19.6 ''/50 cm folded size, it’s effortless to carry, making it ideal for travel, outdoor shoots, and professional use, even on rugged terrains
- Universal Phone & Tablet Compatibility – Designed for versatility, the 2-in-1 adjustable holder securely accommodates both smartphones and tablets with a firm grip, thanks to its high-quality plastic construction and thick rubber padding. Perfect for video recording, live streaming, online meetings, vlogging, and photography
- Extended Height & Precision Control – Adjustable from 18.9''/48 cm to 75''/190 cm, this tripod offers a wide range of shooting heights. A 360° rotatable 3-way pan head enables smooth panning, tilting, and wide-angle shots, while the built-in bubble level ensures perfect alignment for professional-grade results
- Flexible Shooting Angles – Capture every moment with complete horizontal and vertical rotation, allowing for dynamic compositions. Whether for photography, videography, live streaming, or creative projects, this tripod adapts to your needs
- Wireless Remote for Seamless Operation – The included Bluetooth remote provides hands-free control from up to 472'', ensuring effortless group photos, selfies, and video recordings without the need for manual operation
NASA’s material also describes an iPhone 11 Pro Max Night mode example. Treat that as a source-era example, not a guarantee of what a current iPhone or app can do. Apple’s built-in Night mode controls and capture options vary by model and software.
Composition tips
Consider a horizontal composition if it suits the scene. A simple foreground landmark can give the aurora context, but keep the horizon and foreground unobtrusive. These are compositional choices rather than camera requirements.
- Frame the scene. Include a modest amount of foreground only if it helps show the setting.
- Keep the view simple. Avoid letting foreground elements distract from the aurora.
- Review the frame. Check the horizon, brightness, and aurora detail before making adjustments.
Troubleshooting common failures
The entire image is blurry
Check whether the phone or its support moved during capture. Use a tripod or another solid, secure surface, and keep the phone still until the capture finishes.
The aurora looks fuzzy
A longer capture can gather more light but may blur a quickly moving aurora. Try a shorter available Night mode capture and review the result.
Rank #4
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOR TRAVEL:Compactness when stored and weighs only 3.3 lbs/1.5 kilograms, easy to move around with a strapped carrying bag; Flip leg lock for SUPER FAST SETUP. Great for a vlogger and YouTuber
- UPGRADED SOLID CONSTRUCTION: Made of aluminum alloy, THICKER leg tube than the ordinary tripod, sturdy adequate for long exposure work and keep the camera steady. Using it in the field and yard for photos
- TRIPOD AND MONOPOD COMBINED UNIT: Takes about 5 seconds to go from the tripod into 55in monopod and reduces the weight of travel. Pay one, get two functions. Perfect for amateur photographers and travelers
- VERSATILITY OF FUNCTIONALIT: Height from 21"-72" can use it with binoculars for star viewing, family and home movies; 4-section column legs are able to stretch out to be tall enough to find the right height
- SMOOTH 3-WAY SWIVEL HEAD: 360 degree panning and titling with horizontally and vertically, easy to change directions at different angles. A EXTRA UNIVERSAL ARCA SWISS MOUNTING PLATE AS to easily swap cameras
The image is too dark
If the aurora is moving slowly, try a longer capture option if your device offers one. Review the image before deciding whether to keep it.
Night mode does not appear
Apple says Night mode is available on iPhone 11 and later and activates automatically in low light on supported models. Check your model and current software; controls and options vary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a picture of the Northern Lights with my iPhone?
Use Photo mode and Night mode on a supported iPhone. Set the phone on a tripod or another secure support, keep it still until capture finishes, and review the result to decide whether to adjust the available capture time.
What iPhone camera settings should I use for the Northern Lights?
Start with the longer Night mode option available on your iPhone. There is no universal ideal duration: a longer capture can reveal faint light, while a shorter one may preserve the shape of a fast-moving aurora.
Best Value
- CONVENIENT AND EASY HANDS-FREE SHUTTER CONTROL FOR MOBILE DEVICES: Perfect for taking selfies and steady tripod shots.【Update】: compatible with Instagram and Snapchat(long press for taking video and short press for photo
- SMALL ENOUGH TO KEEP ON A KEYCHAIN OR IN YOUR POCKET: The remote is very small and lightweight, so it is convenient to carry with you
- OPERATIONAL UP TO 30 FEET (10M): Take photos even when at a distance from your device
- COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID 4.2.2 OS AND UP / APPLE IOS 6.0 AND UP: Option to use in-built app or Google Camera 360 app
- COMPATIBLE WITH WIDE RANGE OF DEVICES: Including iPhone17 17 pro 17pro max 17 air, iPhone 16,16 Pro,16 Pro max, iPhone 15 15 pro 15 Pro max , 14, 14pro, 14 pro max, 13 13 pro max, iPhone 12 pro max, 12 pro, 12, 11, 11 pro, 11 Pro max, Xs, Xs max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6, 6 Plus, ; iPad 3, 4,5,6, Mini , Pro, Air; Samsung Galaxy S24 S23,S22,S21,S10, Note 20, NOTE 10 NOTE 10 PLUS S9+, S9, S8, S7, S7 Edge, S6, ; and other smart andriod device.
Which iPhones support Night mode?
Apple says Night mode is available on iPhone 11 and later. The controls and available options vary by model and software.
Do I need a tripod for iPhone aurora photos?
A tripod is not the only option; a solid, secure surface can also support the phone. Apple recommends stable support for Night mode and says a tripod can yield more detail. Keep the phone still until the capture finishes.
Why does a longer exposure make the aurora look fuzzy?
The aurora moves. A longer capture gathers more light but can record that movement as a fuzzy shape. Try a shorter available capture when the structure looks smeared.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
