Troubleshooting1 min readUpdated 2026-07-22
Why your white background isn't white (and what to do)
Background not white enough for passport or OCI? Shadows, grey walls, and halo edges from cheap removal — and how to fix each.
Start here: which of these is happening to you?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Jump to |
|---|---|---|
| Told to retake at counter | Background or face size | Cause 1 |
| Upload fails silently | Format or KB range | Cause 2 |
| Looks fine but rejected | Spec mismatch | Cause 3 |
Cause 1: Background or face size
Indian portals enforce a white background and minimum face height. A grey wall or small face in frame fails automated checks. See Photo rejected for background not white — how to fix it for the exact spec.
Cause 2: File format or size
Portals want JPG within a KB range — not PNG or HEIC. Check OCI card photo size and requirements for upload troubleshooting.
Cause 3: Spec mismatch
Old studio sizes and outdated prints cause counter rejection. Cross-check the official notification.
Fix it now
Loading preset…
If none of these worked
Retake in daylight against a plain wall. Try a desktop browser for exam uploads.
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See also
Related guides
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- TroubleshootingP1Your photo is too small in KB — the minimum nobody readsOver-compressed photos below the portal minimum KB fail just like oversized files. Here is why and how to fix it.