Record Slow Motion Video on iPhone X: How-To Guide

To record slow-motion video on an iPhone X, open the Camera app, swipe to the “Slo-mo” mode, and tap the record button. You can then adjust which parts of the video play in slow motion using the built-in editing tools. This guide covers the full process, settings, and troubleshooting.

Background: Slo-mo on iPhone X

The iPhone X, released in 2017, was one of the first iPhones to offer 240 fps (frames per second) slow-motion video at 1080p resolution. This was a significant upgrade from the iPhone 7 and 8, which were limited to 120 fps at 1080p. The iPhone X also introduced the dual-lens rear camera system with optical image stabilization, which helps keep slow-motion footage steady. The Slo-mo mode is available on both the rear and front cameras, though the front camera (TrueDepth) supports only 120 fps at 720p.

How to Record Slow Motion on iPhone X

Open the Camera app on your iPhone X.
Swipe left on the camera modes at the bottom until you reach Slo-mo (it’s between Time-lapse and Video).
Tap the red record button to start recording. Tap it again to stop.
To switch between front and rear cameras, tap the camera flip icon (two arrows) in the top-right corner.

That’s all there is to it. The iPhone X records slow-motion video at 1080p HD at 240 fps by default, but you can change this in Settings.

Changing Slo-mo Settings

You can adjust the resolution and frame rate for slow-motion video on your iPhone X:

Go to Settings > Camera > Record Slo-mo.
Choose one of the following options:
- 1080p at 120 fps – smoother motion, lower file size, better in low light.
- 1080p at 240 fps – slower motion, higher file size, needs good lighting.

Note: The front camera only supports 720p at 120 fps, so the 240 fps option is not available when using the front camera.

How to Edit Which Parts Are Slow Motion

After recording, you can choose exactly which segments of the video play in slow motion:

Open the Photos app and select the slow-motion video.
Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
Below the video timeline, you’ll see vertical white lines. These mark the slow-motion section.
Drag the lines to adjust the start and end of the slow-motion effect. Everything outside the lines plays at normal speed.
Tap Done to save your changes.

This is handy if you want the video to start at normal speed, then slow down for the key moment, and return to normal speed.

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem: Slo-mo option is missing. Make sure your iPhone X is running iOS 11 or later (it originally shipped with iOS 11). If you don’t see Slo-mo in the camera modes, try restarting the Camera app or your phone. Also, check that you haven’t accidentally hidden the mode by going to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings.

Problem: Video looks choppy or not slow enough. This usually happens if you’re recording in low light. The camera automatically reduces the frame rate to 120 fps or even 30 fps in dark conditions to let in more light. To get smooth 240 fps slow motion, record in bright light.

Problem: Slow motion isn’t playing back as slow. If you’re viewing the video on a device that doesn’t support 240 fps playback (like an older computer monitor), it might play at normal speed. Also, check that the slow-motion section is correctly set in the editor.

Comparison: iPhone X vs. Other iPhones

The iPhone X’s slow-motion capabilities are still competitive with newer models. Here’s a quick comparison:

iPhone 8/8 Plus: Same rear camera specs (1080p at 240 fps), but no front-facing slow-mo.
iPhone XS/XS Max: Same slow-mo specs, but with improved video stabilization.
iPhone 11 and later: Offer 4K at 60 fps and extended dynamic range, but slow-mo remains at 1080p 240 fps (except Pro models which support 4K at 120 fps).

For most users, the iPhone X’s slow-motion quality is more than adequate for social media and personal projects.

Storage and Sharing Tips

Slow-motion videos take up more storage than regular videos because of the high frame rate. A 10-second 1080p 240 fps video is roughly 40-50 MB. To manage storage:

Enable Optimize iPhone Storage in Settings > Photos to keep full-resolution videos in iCloud.
Delete old slow-motion clips you no longer need.
When sharing, use AirDrop or a cloud service to avoid compressing the video. Text messaging and email often compress videos, reducing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record slow motion with the front camera on iPhone X?

Yes, the front camera supports slow-motion video at 720p and 120 fps. To use it, switch to the front camera while in Slo-mo mode. The quality is lower than the rear camera, but it’s fine for selfie videos.

Why is my iPhone X slow-motion video not saving?

If the video doesn’t save, it’s likely a storage issue. Check your available storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you have less than 1 GB free, the camera may fail to save. Free up space and try again.

How do I convert a regular video to slow motion on iPhone X?

You can’t directly convert a regular video to slow motion in the Camera app. However, you can use the Photos app’s edit tools to slow down a video: open the video, tap Edit, then tap the speed icon (clock) and drag the slider to slow it down. This works for any video, not just those recorded in Slo-mo.

Does the iPhone X support 4K slow motion?

No, the iPhone X does not support 4K slow motion. It maxes out at 1080p at 240 fps. 4K slow motion was introduced with the iPhone 11 Pro and later models.

Can I use slow motion in third-party camera apps?

Yes, many third-party camera apps like FiLMiC Pro and ProMovie allow you to control frame rate and resolution for slow-motion recording. However, they may not offer the same ease of use as the native Camera app.

Why does my slow-motion video look blurry?

Blurriness often occurs when there is insufficient light. The camera increases exposure time, which can cause motion blur. To reduce blur, record in bright conditions and keep the camera steady. You can also use a tripod or stabilize your hands.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →