How Do You Blur the Background in Google Pixels?

You can blur the background in Google Pixel photos either after you take the picture using the editing tools or during capture using Portrait mode. The editing feature allows you to add a blur effect to almost any photo in your gallery.

Blurring the Background After Taking a Photo

The easiest way to add or adjust background blur on your Google Pixel photo is through the built-in editing features in the Google Photos app. This method works even on photos that weren't originally taken in Portrait mode.

Here are the steps to blur the background using the editing tools, as mentioned in the references:

1. Open the photo you want to edit in the Google Photos app.
2. Tap the Edit photo icon (usually looks like a set of sliders or an editor symbol).
3. Navigate to the Tools section.
4. Tap on Blur.
5. Move the Blur slider to increase or decrease the intensity of the background blur. You can also often adjust the focus point by tapping on the subject.
6. Tap Done or Save when you are satisfied with the result.

This post-editing method gives you precise control over the amount of blur and the focal point, allowing you to perfect the effect after the moment has passed.

Blurring the Background During Capture (Portrait Mode)

Google Pixel phones are well-known for their excellent Portrait mode, which is designed to automatically blur the background while you are taking the picture. This creates a professional-looking depth-of-field effect, often referred to as "bokeh."

To use Portrait mode:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe through the modes at the bottom (like Camera, Video) until you find Portrait.
3. Frame your shot, ensuring your subject is within the focus area.
4. Tap the Shutter button to capture the image with the background blur applied automatically.

Important Note on Pixel Tablet Portrait Mode

While Portrait mode is standard on Pixel phones, there's a specific limitation mentioned for the Pixel Tablet:

• On the Pixel Tablet, portrait mode is supported only on the front camera.

This means if you are using a Pixel Tablet, you can only capture photos with background blur using the front-facing camera via Portrait mode. For photos taken with the rear camera or on other Pixel devices, you can always use the post-editing method described above to add or adjust blur.

By utilizing either the intuitive Portrait mode during shooting or the powerful editing tools afterward, you have flexible options to achieve beautiful background blur on your Google Pixel device.