To blur a photo background on a Samsung Galaxy S21, open Camera > More > Portrait, choose Blur, set its strength, and take the picture once the preview says Ready. You can also adjust the background effect after capture in Gallery. Menu placement and available effects can vary with software version and shooting mode.
Take a portrait with a blurred background
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Open the Camera app and tap More > Portrait. On some software versions, Portrait appears directly in the shooting-mode list.
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Tap the background-effect control, select Blur, then drag the adjustment bar to set how strong the effect should look.
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Wait for Ready to appear in the preview, then take the photo. Samsung notes that menus and screenshots can differ by model and software version.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, US Version, 128GB, Phantom Gray - Unlocked (Renewed)- Display: 6.2" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness for vivid visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Camera: Rear dual camera system with 64MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses for stunning photos and videos.
- Memory: 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM for plenty of apps and files.
- Connectivity: 5G capable with support for GSM, CDMA, and Wi-Fi networks.
- Battery: 4000mAh battery provides all-day power for your daily needs.
Adjust the blur after taking a photo
Open the portrait in Gallery and choose the option to edit its background effect. You can change the strength or select another available effect. The exact control names may vary by software version; Samsung documents post-capture adjustment in its Galaxy S21 Portrait mode guide and demonstrates real-time and post-shot adjustments in its S21 Ultra portrait guide.
Get a cleaner subject outline
Samsung recommends using Portrait mode in sufficient light. It warns that blur may not apply properly when the phone or subject is moving, when the subject is thin or transparent, when subject and background have similar colors or patterns, or when the subject or background is plain. These are conditions that can make separation less reliable, not a guarantee that a particular photo will fail.
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- The Galaxy S21 FE sports a sleek polycarbonate back with a premium matte finish that resists fingerprints and feels smooth in hand, giving it a stylish yet practical design.
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Hold the phone steady and ask the subject to stay still while you take the picture.
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Use brighter light when possible.
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Choose a background with visible detail and contrast against the subject, rather than a plain or similarly colored backdrop.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, US Version, 128GB, Phantom Violet - Unlocked (Renewed)- Item Package Dimension: 8.49999999133L X 6.2599999936148W X 2.7599999971848H Inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.65918216338 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Cellular Phone
Portrait blur is software-assisted, rather than a physical lens blur effect alone. Samsung explains that the S21 uses AI to segment a person or pet from the background, refine edges through matting, and estimate depth before applying the effect. That process can still produce edge errors, especially in difficult scenes. Samsung says processing may complete in under three seconds depending on conditions; that is not a fixed wait time. See its S21 AI camera explanation (in Korean).
Choose between Blur and other Portrait effects
Blur is the straightforward choice for a softened background while keeping the subject in color. Portrait mode may also offer looks such as Natural lighting, Mono lighting, Backdrop, or Color point. These create a more stylized lighting, monochrome, background, or color treatment; what is available depends on the selected photo or video mode. Samsung’s Portrait and Live Focus guidance describes the options and their mode-dependent availability.
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- This Phone Is Unlocked And Compatible With Any Carrier Of Choice On Gsm And Cdma Networks (E.G. At&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, Us Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, Etc.).
- When You Receive The Phone, Insert A Sim Card From A Compatible Carrier. Then, Turn It On, Connect To Wi-Fi, And Follow The On Screen Prompts To Activate Service.
- The Device Does Not Come With Headphones Or A Sim Card. It Does Include A Charger And Charging Cable That May Be Generic.
- Tested For Battery Health And Assured To Have A Minimum Battery Capacity Of 80%.
What about blurring video?
The S21-specific guide includes Portrait video, which applies a background effect while recording, but availability depends on the model and software configuration. If it appears, open Camera > More > Portrait video, select an effect such as Blur, and wait for the camera’s readiness indicator before recording. Samsung’s current Portrait mode support page cautions that Portrait video is not available on every Galaxy model, so the option may not appear on your device.
Is a tripod necessary?
No. The S21’s Portrait mode creates the blur without an accessory. A compatible phone tripod is optional for timer shots, hands-free framing, or group portraits; it supports composition and steadiness, not blur strength.
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