Creating videos on your iPhone is a straightforward process, but sometimes you may find a video is not oriented correctly. Fortunately, Apple provides several easy methods to adjust your video’s orientation, regardless of the iOS version you have.
Using the Photos App to Rotate Videos
Starting with iOS 13, Apple introduced a built-in feature in the Photos app that allows users to edit video orientation directly. This tool is especially user-friendly and is perfect for those who wish to make quick adjustments.
To rotate your video, open the Photos app and select the video you want to edit. Tap the Edit button at the bottom of the screen, then choose Crop to access the rotation settings.

Next, click the Rotate icon at the top of the screen, allowing you to rotate the video 90 degrees with each tap. Continue this process until your video appears in the desired orientation. Remember to click Done to save your changes.
The Photos app supports video edits on devices running iOS 13 and later; however, earlier versions only allow photo rotation.
Rotating Videos on iPhones with iOS 12 or Earlier
For those still using iOS 12 or older versions, fear not—rotating your video is still possible. The free iMovie app provides an effective alternative.
Launch iMovie and select Start New Project → Magic Movie. From your library, choose the video you wish to rotate, as iMovie can import clips directly from the Photos app.
To modify the orientation, simply use two fingers to rotate the video displayed on your screen. A white arrow will indicate the direction of the rotation. Once the video is oriented correctly, tap Done to export the edited video back to your camera roll.

Alternatively, from the Photos app, tap on the three-dot menu when viewing your video, then select iMovie to proceed with edits.
Additional Options for Video Rotation on iPhone
If iMovie doesn’t meet your needs, there are several other applications available for rotating videos on your iPhone, especially useful if you’re dealing with videos that might be upside down.
Here’s a list of other free apps that can assist you in rotating videos:
- Google Photos – This app is compatible with iPhones and provides a simple way to rotate videos through the Crop editor using the Rotate icon.
- Video Rotate + Flip – As its name suggests, this application allows users to easily rotate or flip their videos with straightforward editing options.
- InShot – A comprehensive video editing app where you can open a new project, select your video, and find a Rotate option in the menu.
- CapCut – While this app offers advanced editing features, it efficiently rotates videos. Open a new project, select your video, go to the Edit menu, and use the Rotate function.
- Filmora – For those interested in leveraging AI capabilities, this app not only allows rotation but also provides intelligent editing features. To rotate a video, start a new project, select the desired video, touch it in the timeline, and tap Rotate from the appearing menu.
Selecting the best app may depend on additional features you desire and the compatibility with your iOS version. Note that some applications may not function optimally on older system versions.
Troubleshooting Tips When Rotating Videos
If you encounter issues while trying to rotate or view a video, the first thing to check is whether the Orientation Lock is enabled on your iPhone. This lock can prevent videos from rotating and disables screen rotation.
To disable it, access the Control Center and click on the Orientation Lock icon (a small lock icon) if it appears red. If grey, it is already disabled.

Moreover, ensure that the application you are using supports your iOS version. Some apps may work but might restrict certain features on outdated versions. Lastly, if you are unable to locate the edited video afterward, check the saved location within the app. While the Photos app saves straight to the gallery, other third-party applications may create new folders.
It’s essential to safeguard your videos to prevent data loss, which is why understanding your backup options is crucial. If you need assistance, refer to our comprehensive guide on backing up your iPhone.