Alex Ruben
How To Adjust Video FPS on Phone 16e Camera: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re trying to get that perfect cinematic look or just want smoother playback, adjusting the frame rate (FPS) on your iPhone 16 can be a game-changer. Honestly, it’s not super straightforward because Apple doesn’t always make these options obvious, especially if you’re used to just hitting record. Kind of weird, but here’s what’s worked on a few setups.
Step 1: Open the Camera App
Start by launching the Camera app — duh, right? But make sure you’re in Video mode. Sometimes, the default is just for photos, so tap on Video at the bottom or along the side, depending on orientation. On some iPhones, the frame rate options aren’t popping up automatically, which is annoying. So if your screen just shows “Video,” not much else, that’s normal.
Step 2: Access the Frame Rate Settings
Here’s where things get tricky. On most iPhones, you don’t actually get real-time control over FPS from within the camera app unless you’re in a Pro mode or using some secret menu. Instead, what you want to do is head to Settings. Yep, extra step. Once there:
- Open Settings
- Scroll all the way down and tap on Camera
- Tap on Record Video
This menu lists all the quality and frame rate options. Here’s where you set your preferred FPS, usually alongside 4K/1080p quality settings. On some setups, you’ll see options like 4K at 24 fps, 4K at 30 fps, or 4K at 60 fps. Higher frame rates like 120 fps are sometimes only available for slo-mo, but it depends on your phone version and iOS updates.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Frame Rate
Pick what looks good. Usually:
- 24 fps: Works for that cinematic vibe, kinda like movies.
- 30 fps: Standard, decent quality for most stuff.
- 60 fps: Super smooth, good for action or fast movements.
- 120 fps: Only in slo-mo mode, but on newer iPhones, you get to choose different slo-mo options separately.
Not sure why it works, but sometimes, selecting a different FPS at this stage refreshes some camera hardware or cache, making it actually apply. On some, it fails the first time — after a reboot or toggling the setting again, it sticks.
Step 4: Return to Camera and Record
Now, just exit Settings and go back to the Camera app. You should see the recording quality and frame rate set as per your choice. If not, go back and toggle a toggle or two — sometimes, settings need a restart of the camera app or even the phone itself.
Extra tips & common hiccups
Because of course, iOS makes it kinda hard sometimes. Make sure your iPhone’s running the latest iOS version; bugs and quirks get fixed with updates. If your desired frame rate doesn’t appear, check if it’s supported—for example, 120 fps slo-mo isn’t available everywhere. Restarting the device can help if changes aren’t taking immediately, but don’t be surprised if it takes a few tries.
Also, some third-party apps or using certain accessories might mess with what you see in the native camera settings, so that’s worth noting. And if you’re trying to shoot at high frame rates in HDR or other modes, compatibility gets a little more complicated.
Conclusion
Changing the FPS on an iPhone 16 isn’t exactly a one-click affair. It’s more like a series of settings buried in menus. Switch it up before you start recording, and you should see the difference in your footage’ motion and look. Just be patient—sometimes the phone needs a reboot, or the setting only sticks after a restart. Meh, Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the frame rate while recording?
Nah, you gotta pick it beforehand. No real-time switch during a video shoot on the stock camera app.
Will changing the frame rate affect video storage size?
Totally. Higher FPS takes up more space because the camera records more frames per second, so expect bigger files.
Is it possible to switch frame rates when using third-party camera apps?
Depends. Some apps let you set custom FPS, but all that depends on whether the app supports it and your phone hardware. Check the app’s settings if it’s an option.
Summary
- Head to Settings > Camera > Record Video
- Pick your fps—24, 30, 60, or slo-mo options
- Restart camera or phone if changes don’t stick right away
- Remember, higher FPS means bigger videos and more processing.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because, yeah, Apple’s camera settings can be quite the maze sometimes.