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5 Best Apps to Remove People from Photos on iPhone and Android (2026)

Last Updated on Apr. 28, 2026 - by CyberLink Editorial Team

Photobombers, tourists, and unwanted passersby can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. These AI-powered apps can remove a person from any photo in seconds, right from your iPhone or Android.


Key Takeaways
  • Best Overall (iOS and Android): Use PhotoDirector. AI-powered removal tool with brush precision, automatic background fill, and a full photo editor, completely free.
  • Best for Beauty Retouching: Use YouCam Perfect. Combines object removal with face and body beautification tools.
  • Best for Speed: Use TouchRetouch. Removes people, power lines, and objects in seconds with minimal effort.
  • Best for Advanced Control: Use Snapseed. Google's free editor with a Healing tool and deep manual customization.
  • Best Online (No Download): Use MyEdit. Remove people from photos directly in your browser with AI, no install needed.


5 Best Apps to Remove People from Photos on iPhone and Android (2026)

  1. PhotoDirector: Best Overall App to Remove People from Photos
  2. YouCam Perfect: Best for Beauty Touch-Ups and Object Removal
  3. TouchRetouch: Best App for Removing Objects Quickly
  4. Snapseed: Best for Advanced Photo Customization
  5. Lightleap: Best for Photo Retouching and Sky Replacement

1. PhotoDirector: Best Overall App to Remove People from Photos

PhotoDirector - Remove people from photo
PhotoDirector

Platforms: Android, iOS

Key Features:

PhotoDirector is the best free app to remove a person from photos on iPhone and Android. The AI Removal tool lets you brush over any person or object, then automatically analyzes and fills the background for a clean, seamless result. You can zoom in and adjust the brush size for precision, and use the Eraser tool to fine-tune the selected area before removing.

Beyond removal, PhotoDirector offers animated decorations, background replacement, blur effects, and overlays, making it a complete photo editor rather than a single-feature tool.

PhotoDirector blur effect

Try the free PhotoDirector app on iOS and Android now!

Image
PhotoDirectorCreate and Edit with AI
Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

2. YouCam Perfect: Best App for Beauty Touch-Ups and Object Removal

YouCam Perfect Interface

Platforms: Android, iOS

Key Features:

YouCam Perfect combines people removal with a full beauty editing suite. The intelligent object removal tool erases unwanted people or background objects and fills the gap cleanly in seconds. It's the best option if you want to combine removal with portrait retouching in a single app.

3. TouchRetouch: Best App for Removing Objects and People Quickly

TouchRetouch Interface

Platforms: Android, iOS

Key Features:

TouchRetouch is purpose-built for fast, accurate object removal. Select a portion of the object with the Brush or Lasso tool and the app removes the rest automatically, no precision required. It handles complex shapes like power lines and mesh that other apps struggle with. Best used alongside a more comprehensive editor like PhotoDirector for full editing control.

4. Snapseed: Best Free App for Advanced Photo Customization

Snapseed Interface

Platforms: Android, iOS

Key Features:

Snapseed is Google's free photo editor with a Healing tool for removing objects and distant background distractions. It's best for advanced users who want fine control over the final result. The Healing tool works well for simple backgrounds but is less effective for removing people in complex scenes, where PhotoDirector's AI gives cleaner results.

5. Lightleap: Best App for Photo Retouching with Object Removal

Lightleap Interface

Platforms: iOS, Android

Key Features:

Lightleap combines people removal with sky replacement, filters, and photo retouch tools in one visually polished app. The Heal tool walks first-time users through the removal process step by step, making it a good entry point for beginners. Free and premium versions are available.


How to Remove a Person from Photos on iPhone and Android for Free

PhotoDirector - AI Removal

Removing people from photos is quick and easy with PhotoDirector. Here's how to do it:

  1. Download the PhotoDirector App (Free on iPhone and Android)
  2. Head to the App Store or Google Play Store to download it for free.

  3. Tap "Edit" and Choose the Photo
  4. Go to "Tools" and Tap "Removal"
  5. Brush over the person you want to remove. Use the Eraser to refine the selection area for a precise result.

  6. Tap "Remove" and Let AI Fill the Background
  7. Image
    PhotoDirectorCreate and Edit with AI
    Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

4 Best Ideas to Remove People from Photos

Say Goodbye to Your Ex

Remove ex from photo with PhotoDirector

Have a photo with someone you'd rather forget? PhotoDirector's AI Removal tool makes it effortless to erase any person and replace the background seamlessly, even against complex scenes.

Get Rid of Photobombers in a Second

Remove photobombers with PhotoDirector

When someone walks into your shot at the wrong moment, PhotoDirector can remove them completely. The AI fills the background automatically so there's no trace they were ever there.

Be the Spotlight at Special Moments

Remove background people at a ballet performance with PhotoDirector

Capturing a special moment like a first ballet recital? Remove background distractions so the star of the photo gets all the attention.

Get an Artistic Photoshoot without Distractions

Remove objects for artistic photos with PhotoDirector

Removing people from a scene lets you focus on composition and create cleaner, more artistic shots without distractions competing for attention.


Download the Best Free App to Remove People from Photos

PhotoDirector is the best free app to remove people from photos on iPhone and Android. Its AI Removal tool automatically fills the background after removal, even against complex scenes, with no expert editing skills required.

Image
PhotoDirectorCreate and Edit with AI
Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

FAQ: Best Apps to Remove People from Photos

PhotoDirector is the best free app to remove people from photos on iPhone and Android. Its AI Removal tool automatically fills the background after selection, works against complex backgrounds, and includes a full photo editor at no cost with no ads.

Download PhotoDirector for free from the App Store or Google Play. Tap Edit, choose your photo, go to Tools and tap Removal. Brush over the person you want to remove, then tap Remove. The AI fills the background automatically.

MyEdit is the best online tool to remove people from photos. Upload your image, paint over the person you want to remove, and the AI erases them and fills the background without any download required.

The most common situations are photobombers ruining a planned shot, tourists in the background of travel photos, an ex-partner in old pictures, or background distractions at events like recitals or weddings. AI removal tools like PhotoDirector handle all of these cases in seconds.

Look for: AI-powered automatic background fill, adjustable brush precision, support for complex backgrounds, and compatibility with both iOS and Android. Bonus features like sky replacement, filters, and portrait tools make an app more versatile for everyday editing beyond just removal.

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