Live Photos are great when you want motion—but annoying when you just want a simple still photo. If your iPhone keeps saving short videos instead of normal images, this guide shows how to disable Live Photos on iPhone 11–16, including how to turn it off permanently.
This works on iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and iPhone 16, running iOS 17 and newer.
⚠️ Short Caution
Disabling Live Photos is safe and free ($0), but once turned off, motion data won’t be captured. If you want animated effects later, you’ll need to turn it back on manually.
What Are Live Photos on iPhone?
Live Photos capture 1.5 seconds before and after you press the shutter. While useful, they:
- Take more storage
- Upload slower
- Cause issues with some apps and websites
That’s why many users search for how to disable Live Photos on iPhone forever.
How to Disable Live Photos on iPhone Camera (iPhone 11–16)
Method 1: Turn Off Live Photos from Camera App (Fastest Way)
Steps:
- Open the Camera app
- Look for the Live Photo icon (three concentric circles)
- Tap it until it turns off (slash icon)
- Take your photo
📸 This disables Live Photos for the current session.
How to Disable Live Photos on iPhone Permanently
By default, iPhone may re-enable Live Photos automatically. To stop that forever, use this method.
Method 2: Turn Off Live Photos Forever (Preserve Settings)
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Select Preserve Settings
- Toggle Live Photo → ON
- Go back → Open Camera
- Turn Live Photo OFF once
✅ From now on, Live Photos stay disabled permanently, even after restarting.
This is the best solution if you’re searching for:
- how to disable live photos on iphone permanently
- how to disable live photos on iphone forever
Disable Live Photos on Existing Pictures (Optional)
You can also remove Live effects from photos already taken.
Steps:
- Open Photos
- Select a Live Photo
- Tap Edit
- Tap Live
- Toggle it Off
- Save
Common Problems & Fixes
Live Photos keep turning back on?
→ Enable Preserve Settings (Method 2)
Photos taking too much space?
→ Turn off Live Photos and review storage
Sharing issues online?
→ Disable Live Photos before uploading
Helpful Internal Guides
You may also want to check:
- 👉 Disable cookies on iPhone Safari & Chrome
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-disable-cookies-on-iphone-11-to-17-safari-chrome - 👉 Disable parental controls on iPhone 11–16
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-disable-parental-controls-on-iphone-11-16-step-by-step-guide - 👉 Install Google Chrome on Mac (All Versions)
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-install-google-chrome-on-mac-macbook-mac-air-macos-versions
Final Verdict
If you’re tired of motion photos, disabling Live Photos on iPhone 11–16 is quick and permanent when done correctly. Use Preserve Settings to make sure Live Photos stay off forever—and enjoy faster sharing and more storage space.
❓ FAQs (Short – AI Overview Ready)
How do I disable Live Photos on iPhone camera?
Open the Camera app and tap the Live Photo icon until it turns off.
How to disable Live Photos on iPhone permanently?
Enable Preserve Settings → Live Photo, then turn Live Photos off once in the Camera app.
Does this work on iPhone 16?
Yes, it works on iPhone 11 through iPhone 16, including the latest iOS versions.
Does disabling Live Photos cost anything?
No, it’s completely free ($0).