How to Cut Part of a Video on iPhone

Editing videos on an iPhone can be tricky if you want to cut out specific parts without losing quality or using complex software. Many developers and content creators struggle with finding the easiest way to trim or cut segments directly on their iPhone without transferring files to a computer.

The iPhone's built-in Photos app provides a simple and effective way to cut parts of a video. It allows you to trim videos quickly, making it a popular choice for developers and users who want fast edits without additional apps.

What is the easiest way to cut part of a video on iPhone?

The easiest way to cut part of a video on iPhone is by using the built-in Photos app's editing tools. It lets you trim the start and end points of a video without needing third-party apps.

Using the Photos app is straightforward and requires no extra installations, making it ideal for quick edits directly on your device.

What prerequisites are required for cutting videos on iPhone?

Updated iOS version: Ensure your iPhone runs iOS 13 or later for the latest video editing features in the Photos app.
Enough storage space: Video editing requires free storage to save new trimmed files or edits.
Basic familiarity with Photos app: Knowing how to open and navigate the Photos app helps you quickly access editing tools.
Video saved on device: The video you want to cut must be saved locally in your Photos library.

How do you trim a video using the iPhone Photos app?

Trimming a video in the Photos app involves selecting the video, entering edit mode, and adjusting the trim handles to select the desired segment.

Follow these steps to trim your video:

Open the Photos app and find the video you want to edit.
Tap on the video to open it.
Tap the Edit button in the top-right corner.
At the bottom, drag the yellow handles on the timeline to set the new start and end points.
Tap Done and choose to save as a new clip or overwrite the original.

This method only trims the beginning and end of the video. It does not allow cutting out parts from the middle.

How do you cut out a middle section of a video on iPhone?

To cut out a middle section of a video, you need to split the video into parts and remove the unwanted segment. The Photos app alone does not support splitting videos, so you need to use iMovie or a third-party app.

Using iMovie on iPhone, you can split the video at specific points and delete the middle portion:

Open iMovie and create a new project.
Import the video you want to edit.
Scroll the timeline to the start of the part you want to cut and split the clip.
Scroll to the end of the unwanted section and split again.
Select the middle segment and delete it.
Export the edited video to your Photos library.

This method gives you more control over cutting specific parts beyond simple trimming.

Step-by-step guide to cutting part of a video on iPhone

Step 1: Open the Photos app and select your video

Locate the video you want to edit in your Photos library. Tap it to open the video playback screen.

Open Photos > Select video

This step ensures you have the correct video ready for editing.

Step 2: Tap Edit to enter video editing mode

Tap the Edit button at the top-right corner to access trimming and other editing tools.

Tap Edit

This opens the editing interface with a timeline and adjustment handles.

Step 3: Use the yellow handles to trim the video

Drag the yellow handles on the timeline to set the new start and end points of your video segment.

Drag yellow handles on timeline

This action selects the portion of the video you want to keep.

Step 4: Save your trimmed video

Tap Done and choose whether to save the trimmed video as a new clip or overwrite the original.

Tap Done > Save as New Clip or Save Video

Saving as a new clip preserves the original video, while saving overwrites it.

Step 5 (Optional): Use iMovie to cut out middle sections

If you need to remove a middle part, open iMovie, import the video, split clips at desired points, delete unwanted segments, and export the final video.

Open iMovie > New Project > Import video > Split clips > Delete segment > Export

This process allows precise cutting beyond simple trimming.

What are common errors when cutting videos on iPhone and how do you fix them?

Unable to save edited video: This can happen due to insufficient storage. Free up space by deleting unused files or apps and try again.
Video not appearing in Photos after export: Check iMovie or third-party app permissions to access Photos. Enable permissions in Settings > Privacy > Photos.
Trimming handles not moving smoothly: Restart the Photos app or your iPhone to fix temporary glitches affecting the editing interface.
Exported video quality is low: Ensure you export at the highest quality settings available in iMovie or the editing app.
App crashes during editing: Update your iOS and apps to the latest versions to avoid bugs causing crashes.

What are best practices when cutting videos on iPhone?

Backup original videos: Always save a copy before editing to prevent accidental loss of original footage.
Use native apps when possible: The Photos app and iMovie are optimized for iPhone and provide reliable editing features.
Keep iOS updated: Updates improve app stability and add new editing features.
Manage storage carefully: Ensure enough free space to avoid errors during saving or exporting videos.
Preview edits before saving: Watch the trimmed or cut video fully to confirm the edit is correct before finalizing.

How do you share trimmed videos after cutting on iPhone?

After cutting or trimming your video, you can share it directly from the Photos app or iMovie. Tap the share icon and choose from options like Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or social media apps.

Sharing directly from the editing app saves time and keeps your workflow smooth without needing to export manually.

Step 1: Open the trimmed video in Photos or iMovie

Locate your edited video and open it.

Step 2: Tap the share icon

The share icon looks like a square with an arrow pointing up, usually at the bottom-left or top-right.

Step 3: Select your sharing method

Choose from available options like AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or social apps installed on your iPhone.

Step 4: Send or post your video

Complete the sharing process by selecting recipients or posting to your chosen platform.

Conclusion

Cutting part of a video on iPhone is straightforward using the built-in Photos app for simple trims and iMovie for more advanced cuts like removing middle sections. These tools provide developers and users with quick editing capabilities without needing desktop software.

By following the step-by-step guide and best practices, you can efficiently edit videos directly on your iPhone. Remember to keep backups, manage storage, and update your apps to ensure smooth editing experiences.

FAQ

Can I cut multiple parts out of a video on iPhone?

Yes, but you need to use iMovie or third-party apps to split the video and remove multiple segments. The Photos app only supports trimming start and end parts.

Does trimming a video reduce its quality on iPhone?

Trimming in the Photos app does not reduce video quality since it only changes the playback range without re-encoding the video.

Can I undo a trim after saving on iPhone?

If you overwrite the original video, you can revert edits in the Photos app unless you saved as a new clip. Always save a new clip to preserve the original.

Are there free apps better than iMovie for cutting videos?

Several free apps offer advanced video editing, but iMovie is the most reliable and well-integrated option on iPhone for cutting and trimming videos.

How do I export edited videos in the highest quality?

When exporting from iMovie, choose the highest resolution and quality settings available to maintain the original video’s clarity.