Find the reason and fix it. A step-by-step guide, with the photo rules for each document.
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My photo was rejected: step by step
Find the reason and fix it. Open the guide in Picproved to tick off each step and go straight to the tool that does it.
Read the rejection message. Portals and offices usually give a short reason. Match it to the list below.
Fix the cause, not just the file. Size and background problems can be fixed from the same photo. Eyes, expression, light and blur need a new photo.
Check before you resubmit. Run the new photo through the checker against the same document.
Why photos get rejected, and the fix
Background not plain or wrong colour
Patterns, objects, shadows or a colour the document doesn't allow. Retake against a plain light wall, or use Replace background where it's allowed.
Head too big, too small or off-centre
The head must fill a set share of the photo, measured from the chin to the top of the hair. Auto-fit sets the head size exactly. Leave space above the hair.
Too dark, too bright or uneven light
Faces must be evenly lit with natural skin tones. Face a window and avoid flash and overhead lights. Fix light can brighten a slightly dark photo.
Shadows on the face or background
Light from one side, or standing too close to the wall. Step a metre away from the wall and face the light.
Eyes closed or hidden
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Retake and look straight into the lens. The camera warns when your eyes look closed.
Smiling or mouth open
Most countries want a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Retake with a relaxed, closed mouth.
Glasses or glare
Most countries no longer accept glasses, and reflections hide the eyes. Take your glasses off for the photo.
Blurry or low quality
Movement, low light or digital zoom make the photo soft. Retake in good light, hold still and don't zoom.
Wrong file size or pixel size
The portal accepts only a set KB range and pixel size. Picproved saves at the exact size. For other images, use Resize to KB.
Photo looks edited
Beauty filters, retouching or heavy edits count as alteration. Turn off beauty filters on your phone. Where the rules are strict, keep the original background.
Clothes blend into the background
White clothes on a white background make the shoulders disappear. Wear a darker or coloured top.
Hair or head covering hides the face
The face must be visible from chin to forehead and edge to edge. Keep hair away from the eyes. Religious head coverings are usually allowed if the whole face shows.
Hat, head covering or headphones
Nothing may cover the head or face unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and then the whole face must show. Retake without it, or with the covering pulled clear of the face.
Head turned or tilted
The face must point straight at the camera, with the eyes level. Retake looking into the lens. The camera warns when the head is turned or tilted.
Photo too old
Most offices want a photo taken in the last 6 months; the UK wants one from the last month. Take a new photo today and keep the file's date as it is.
Image too small or pixelated
A screenshot, a forwarded copy or a tight crop has too few pixels, so it is enlarged and looks soft. Use the camera's original photo, not a copy from a chat app.
Wrong file type
The portal takes only certain types, usually JPEG; HEIC from iPhones and PNG are often refused. Picproved saves a JPEG. For another image, Resize to KB saves it as JPEG too.
Another person or object in the photo
Only one person may be in the photo: no hands holding a baby, no toys, no dummy. Retake with nothing else in the frame. For babies, lay them on a plain white sheet.
Border, text or watermark
A border, a studio stamp, a date stamp or a watermark counts as a mark on the photo. Save the photo again without any mark; Picproved adds none.
Scan, screenshot or photo of a photo
A photographed print, a scan or a screenshot shows paper texture, glare or a screen pattern. Use the original digital photo, or take a new one with the camera.
