Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes, a phone can photograph the northern lights when its camera can collect enough light and the phone remains completely still during the exposure. Start with the camera’s Night mode. If your phone offers manual controls, begin with a wide aperture, about ISO 800, and a five-second exposure, then adjust after reviewing test shots. Mount the phone on a tripod or secure it on a stable object, and use a timer or remote shutter.
There is no universal aurora setting: brightness, movement, cloud cover, light pollution, and phone hardware all change the result. The procedure below gives you a repeatable starting point without promising that every phone will record every display.
Can your phone capture the aurora?
Most recent phones with a dedicated Night mode can record at least some auroral detail, especially under a dark, clear sky. A strong display may be visible even from a city, but darker surroundings make faint activity easier to photograph. NASA’s guidance emphasizes that a phone image can look different from what your eyes see; the camera may reveal color or structure that is subtle to you, while a photograph is not a perfect reproduction of the live scene. See NASA’s conditions advice in How Can I See the Northern Lights? We Asked a NASA Expert.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Phone cameras are limited by small sensors and short lenses. They compensate with longer exposures and computational processing, which makes movement and vibration important. A bright, rapidly moving curtain can smear during a long exposure; a faint display may require more time to gather enough light. Treat every setting as a starting point and make several test images.
#1 Best Overall
- 100% LIFETIME PROTECTION: Enjoy reliable performance with lifetime coverage, guaranteeing your tripod is always protected against any defects or issues.
- Ultimate Materials & Engineerin: EUCOS's phone tripod utilizes modified Nylon PA6/6 for all-weather durability. The engineered polymer delivers exceptional crush/shear resistance and toughness, achieving optimal rigidity-flexibility balance.
- Rapid Extension Tripod for Phone: Glide the rod in a single, fluid motion to convert it from a compact tripod into a full 62" selfie stick. Achieve instant elevation for dynamic filming.
- Studio-Grade Phone Rig: Safely harness phones from 2.2" to 3.6" wide with pro-level clamping and effortless framing. Built-in cold shoe expands your creative options with lights and mics.
- Hands-Free Control: The Wireless remote enables instant pairing with smartphone and remote capture from up to 33ft/10m. Ensures rock-solid stability for blur-free photography and Start/Stop video recordings effortlessly—all without device contact.
Prepare before you leave
Learn the camera controls
Open your camera app in advance and locate Night mode. If the app has a Pro, Manual, or similar mode, identify the controls for exposure time and ISO. Names and available controls differ by model; some phones offer only automatic Night mode, while others let you lock focus and choose settings. Practice switching modes without looking at the screen for long periods in the cold.
Choose a safe, useful viewpoint
Find a location with a clear sky and an unobstructed horizon. From mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, an open view toward the north is often useful, although the aurora can appear in other parts of the sky. Check the ground, weather, access rules, and wind before setting up. A clear sky is essential; no camera setting can recover detail hidden by cloud.
Pack for waiting and cold
Long waits drain a phone battery, and cold temperatures make the loss faster. Bring a portable phone battery pack, keep the phone and spare batteries warm when they are not shooting, and avoid leaving a power bank exposed to moisture. NASA’s aurora packing advice also includes warm layers, a blanket, and a red headlight, which preserves night vision better than a bright white light. Keep the phone accessible without repeatedly exposing it to snow or condensation.
Recommended Free Tools
Check for alerts
Aurorasaurus provides aurora alerts and a way to report sightings. Alerts cannot guarantee that clouds will clear at your location, but they can help you decide when a long, cold wait is worthwhile.
Rank #2
- 62" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Combo: Extendable phone tripod for iPhone and Android, combining a tripod stand and selfie stick in one lightweight design for selfies, photos, videos, vlogging, live streaming, and family gatherings.
- Adjustable Height & 360° Rotation: The tripod extends up to 62 inches to support standing shots, group photos, video calls, and content creation. The 360° rotating phone holder allows vertical or horizontal shooting.
- Stable Phone Holder for Daily Recording: Designed for hands-free video recording, online meetings, tutorials, livestreams, and social content. The phone holder keeps your device positioned securely for clear, steady shots.
- Wide Compatibility with Phones and Cameras: Fits most smartphones from 2.8" to 5.7" wide and includes a universal 1/4" screw mount for compatible cameras, action cameras, webcams, and camcorders.
- Wireless Remote & Complete Kit: Includes 1 phone tripod/selfie stick, 1 universal phone holder, 1 adapter, and 1 wireless remote shutter. Backed by 12-month after-sales support for everyday shooting needs.
Night mode versus manual mode
| Choice | What you control | Best starting use | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night mode | The phone chooses exposure and processing; you generally control framing and timing. | Phones without manual controls, or first shots when you need a quick baseline. | The phone may select an exposure that records too much motion or changes from shot to shot. |
| Manual or Pro mode | Usually exposure time and ISO; some phones also allow focus and other controls. | When you want to match exposure to aurora speed and brightness. | Incorrect focus, excessive ISO, or an unstable phone can ruin otherwise promising frames. |
Use Night mode first if you are unfamiliar with the phone. Switch to manual when the automatic result is too blurred, too dark, or inconsistent. NASA’s phone-specific guidance suggests starting near five seconds and ISO 800 in manual mode. Its broader smartphone astrophotography advice recommends beginning with an exposure of a few seconds, then inspecting the result.
Step-by-step: photographing the northern lights
- Set up safely. Stand on stable ground away from traffic, steep edges, thin ice, or areas where a dropped phone could not be recovered. Give your eyes time to adapt to the dark.
- Secure the phone. Attach it to a small smartphone tripod or place it on a rock, block, or other firm surface. The support must not slide, tip, or allow the phone to fall. NASA’s Kat Troche summarizes the reason: “First, steady your smartphone to keep your subjects sharp. This is especially important in low-light conditions.” Read the full guidance in Astrophotography With Your Smartphone.
- Compose before enabling the long exposure. Include some foreground if you want scale or context, and leave enough sky for the display to expand. Make the horizon level if the camera app offers a guide. Once the phone is stable, avoid touching the mount while changing settings.
- Set the focus. If focus is adjustable, tap a distant star or faraway light and lock focus if the app provides a lock. Autofocus can hunt in darkness. If your phone has no focus control, let it finish focusing before starting the exposure and do not move the phone afterward.
- Choose a starting exposure. In Night mode, accept the phone’s initial exposure for the first test. In manual mode, try about five seconds at ISO 800, or another few-second exposure if the app uses different controls. A wide aperture, when the phone allows aperture selection, lets in more light.
- Trigger without shaking the phone. Use the camera timer or a remote shutter option. A two- or ten-second delay gives vibrations from a finger press time to settle. Do not hold the phone in your hand for a multi-second aurora exposure.
- Review the test image. Zoom in on the aurora and stars on the screen. Check whether edges are sharp, highlights are clipped, clouds are visible, and the sky is bright enough. Make one change at a time so you know what improved the next frame.
- Make a short series. Aurora brightness and shape can change within seconds. Capture several frames rather than relying on one exposure, and keep the phone fixed while the display evolves.
How to choose exposure, ISO, and focus
Exposure time
A longer exposure gathers more light, which helps with a faint aurora, but it also records more movement. If the curtains or rays are moving quickly, shorten the exposure until their structure looks defined. If the display is faint and nearly stationary, add time in small steps. NASA’s educational guide documents a Samsung Note 8 series made near Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories on March 20, 2020, using Pro mode, a tripod, 10 seconds, and ISO 800. That is a documented example, not a universal prescription for every phone or display.
ISO
ISO increases the camera’s sensitivity but also makes the image grainier and can reduce fine detail. ISO 800 is a practical initial value in the NASA example and starting guidance. If the image is already bright enough, lower ISO before adding more exposure time. If it is too dark and the aurora is moving, raising ISO may preserve shape better than lengthening the exposure, provided your phone’s noise remains acceptable.
Aperture
Use the widest aperture available when the phone provides aperture control; more light reaches the sensor. Many phones do not expose this setting, so do not assume it can be changed. On such phones, rely on Night mode or adjust exposure time and ISO if manual controls are available.
Rank #3
- 【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.
Focus
Focus on a distant star or light and lock it where possible. Recheck focus after changing modes because some apps release the lock when you switch settings. A soft image cannot be fixed by increasing ISO or sharpening it later.
White balance and color
Leave color processing at the phone’s default unless you have a specific reason to change it. Different phones may render green, red, or purple tones differently, and the result can vary from what you see by eye. Judge the image against the live sky rather than treating the screen color as a scientific measurement.
Adjust for aurora speed and brightness
Fast-moving or sharply structured aurora
Use a shorter exposure, even if the first frame is darker. Motion blur is most obvious in rays and folds. Raise ISO only as much as needed, and take several frames while the pattern is active.
Faint, slow aurora
Allow a few seconds or more if the display is barely visible and the phone is firmly supported. Inspect each frame for star trails or smeared edges. A longer exposure can reveal color that was difficult to see with your eyes, but it may also blend separate movements into a soft band.
Rank #4
- [Versatile Design] RISEOFLE 71'' Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick combo is the perfect accessory for all your cell phone photography needs.The high-quality aluminum alloy telescopic pole allows you to extend effortlessly and smoothly, and turns into a tripod with just one pull. Its sturdy yet lightweight design provides stability and reliability, ensuring that your phone or camera stays safe during use. Ideal for Selfies/Live/Video Recording/Travel
- [Extra Tall 71" Adjustable Phone Tripod] This selfie stick tripod features a 7-section adjustable aluminum telescoping pole that adjusts from 12.2 in (31 cm) to 70.86 in (180 cm). Provides exceptional flexibility for shooting a variety of shots. Whether you're taking a selfie, a group photo or shooting a video, the adjustable height ensures you get the best angle every time.
- [Compact & Portable Design] The RISEOFLE phone tripod stand With a folded length of only 31cm (12.2 in) and a weight of 264g (0.58 lb), extremely portable and easy to store, it can be effortlessly placed into your backpack or carry-on luggage, making it the perfect companion for your travels. Wherever you go, it allows you to capture amazing footage with ease.
- [360° Rotation & Wide Compatibility] Featuring a 360° rotating phone holder, this selfie stick tripod allows you to easily switch between portrait and landscape modes for the best viewing angle. The universal holder fits smartphones with widths of 2.6''-3.6'' (4''-7'' screen size) and is compatible with most cameras, action cams, and webcams via the 1/4” screw mount (Note: the remote control function only applies to cell phones, the camera cannot use the remote control function).
- [Perfect for Content Creation] Ideal for selfies, vlogging, and social media content creation, the RISEOFLE Tripod comes with a wireless remote control for hassle-free shooting. Whether you're on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Twitter, this phone stand for filming helps you capture professional-quality photos and videos with ease.
Bright aurora or nearby artificial light
Reduce exposure time or ISO if the sky washes out. Shield the lens from direct lamps without covering the camera, and move away from headlights when possible. Strong displays can work from urban locations, but light pollution reduces contrast and makes faint structure harder to separate from the sky.
Tripod or improvised support?
| Support | Advantages | Risks and checks |
|---|---|---|
| Small smartphone tripod and mount | Repeatable framing, hands-free shooting, and better resistance to accidental movement. | Wind can vibrate a lightweight tripod; tighten the mount and keep legs on stable ground. |
| Stable rock, block, or other secured surface | No extra gear and useful for spontaneous stops. | The phone may slide, tip, or point at the wrong angle; wedge it securely and verify that the camera lens is unobstructed. |
A tripod is helpful, not mandatory. NASA explicitly allows a stable object as a substitute. In either case, the phone must remain still for the entire exposure; optical stabilization inside the phone does not make hand-held multi-second shots reliable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Composition and field technique
Use the first few minutes to decide what the photograph should communicate. A foreground tree, ridge, building, or person can show scale, but keep it away from bright lamps that would dominate the exposure. Leave room above the horizon for arcs and vertical rays. If the display shifts, reframe between series rather than nudging the phone during an exposure.
Keep the lens clean and dry. A fingerprint or frost layer creates halos around bright areas and can be mistaken for aurora detail. Check the preview after each change, but limit screen brightness so you preserve night vision and do not waste battery.
Best Value
- Rotatable twist with 1/4"screw allows 360° adjustment and 180° flipping, so you can take photos, video call or live broadcast with ease
- Universal compatibility with smartphones up to 3.7 inches wide, GoPros, digital cameras and webcams
- Includes a wireless remote with a range of 30 feet (without obstacle), so you can easily take individual, group and wide-angle shots
- Swaps easily between handheld selfie stick and stand-alone tripod for dual-purpose use
- Whether you're an amateur, enthusiast or professional, this is a must-have accesory for shooting on the go
Cold-weather battery and condensation management
Carry the phone inside an insulated pocket between shooting sessions and connect the battery pack only when needed. Cold batteries can appear to lose charge suddenly and may recover some capacity after warming. Avoid sealing a very cold phone immediately in an airtight warm container if condensation could form on the lens; let it warm gradually in a protected bag. Keep charging ports dry and protected from snow.
Plan a return route before the display begins. A red headlight helps you see equipment and footing without repeatedly flooding the scene with white light. Never sacrifice safe footing or warmth for a single frame.
Troubleshooting common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Everything is blurry | Phone movement, a loose mount, or missed focus. | Secure the support, use a timer, lock focus on a distant point, and shorten the exposure if moving details smear. |
| The sky is black and the aurora is barely visible | Exposure is too short, ISO is too low, clouds are present, or the display is weak. | Confirm the sky is clear, add exposure time in small steps, or raise ISO while checking noise. |
| Green or white areas are washed out | Exposure or ISO is too high, or nearby lights are entering the frame. | Shorten exposure, lower ISO, reframe away from lamps, and retake a test series. |
| Rays look like soft streaks | The aurora moved during a long exposure. | Use a shorter exposure and accept a higher ISO if necessary. |
| Images change unpredictably | Automatic Night mode is selecting different exposures as brightness changes. | Lock the phone in a stable position and use manual exposure when available. |
| Battery falls rapidly | Cold temperatures, a bright screen, repeated previews, or long waits. | Keep the phone warm, dim the screen, review fewer frames, and use a charged battery pack. |
What the camera records versus what you see
The unaided eye adapts continuously and may perceive a dim aurora as gray or nearly colorless. A phone’s longer exposure and software processing can produce stronger color or reveal bands that were subtle in real time. Conversely, processing can smooth motion, clip highlights, or add noise. Describe the image honestly as a camera exposure rather than treating it as an exact record of the visual experience. NASA’s aurora guide notes that “The aurora will often look different in a photo than it does to the naked eye.”
Unusual examples and what they do not prove
NASA’s smartphone guide includes a Google Pixel 4 aurora image made from an aircraft window at around 35,000 feet with an exposure of about two minutes. That unusual, high-altitude example should not be copied as a general recommendation: an aircraft window, vibration, scene brightness, and phone behavior differ radically from a person standing outdoors. The practical starting points remain a few seconds, a supported phone, and test images matched to the current display.
Further NASA resources
- NASA’s Guide to Finding and Photographing Auroras covers planning, packing, Night mode, and manual starting settings.
- Astrophotography With Your Smartphone explains steadiness, focus locking, timers, and documented phone examples.
- Guide to Smartphone Astronomy describes NASA’s educational smartphone astronomy resource; current physical-book retail availability is not established here.
A reliable phone-aurora routine
Arrive with a charged, warm phone; choose a clear and safe viewpoint; secure the phone; focus on a distant point; start in Night mode or at roughly five seconds and ISO 800 in manual mode; trigger with a timer; and review a series of test frames. Shorten exposure for fast movement, increase light gathering for faint activity, and change one control at a time. This approach gives your phone the best chance of recording the aurora without pretending that any setting can overcome clouds, severe light pollution, camera limitations, or an unstable support.
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.
