How to Add a Caption to a Photo on iPhone

By Erin MacPherson Updated 01/09/2024

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Did you know that your Photos app comes with a built-in feature that allows you to add captions to photos on your iPhone? You don't have to download an extra app to add captions, and any captions added to photos on your iPhone will sync to the cloud if iCloud Photo Library is enabled.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Captions are automatically applied to your synced iCloud photos.
Captions are searchable and appear in search results, making important photos easy to find.

How to Add a Caption to a Photo on iPhone

Captions created on your iPhone will be visible on devices that have access to your iCloud, provided iCloud Photo Library is enabled. They're handy for searching your iPhone Photo Library and reminding you of certain details when you come across the photo later. For these reasons, it’s best to keep the captions simple but useful—I recommend including notes about a holiday or occasion if applicable, and any other keywords you may think of later when wanting to search for that photo. For more information on making the best use of iCloud Photo features, check out our guide on using iCloud to optimize photo storage. If you’d like to learn more about the Photos app and using other features in iOS, check out our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

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Now, here’s how to caption pictures on the iPhone:

Open the Photos app.
Tap on a photo you’d like to add a caption to.

When the photo opens, swipe up on the photo to reveal the Add a Caption area. Tip: Make sure to place your finger on the photo itself before you swipe up, otherwise you might accidentally start scrolling through recent photos instead of pulling up the photo information card.
Tap on Add a Caption.

Type in your caption using the keyboard that appears.
When you’re done adding a caption, tap Done to save it.

And that’s it! I especially love being able to access these captioned images across my devices.

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Author Details

Erin MacPherson

Erin is a Web Editor for iPhone Life and has been a writer, editor, and researcher for many years. She has a degree in communication with an emphasis on psychology and communication, and has spent many of her professional years as a coach in various business and specialty fields. Erin officially joined the ranks of iPhone and Apple users everywhere around nine years ago, and has since enjoyed the unique and customized feel of Apple technology and its many gadgets. When she’s not working, Erin and her son enjoy outdoor adventures, camping, and spending time with their eclectic collection of pets.

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