Unordered aggregation of perovskite particles on TiO2 mesoporous film surface is a common problem in one-step solution process for fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This phenomenon is harmful for homogeneous dispersion of perovskite in mesoporous TiO2 film and responsible for the low photovoltaic performance of corresponding perovskite solar cells at the same time. Delicate control of perovskite nucleation and growth is an effective route to solve this problem. In this work, we proposed a facile strategy to improve perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) growth by adding C6H5CH2NH3I (BAI) or NH4I ionic compounds in perovskite precursor solution. We investigated perovskite crystal structure and morphology, optical and electrochemical properties of perovskite films or devices using different additives by XRD, SEM, UV–Vis, IPCE, and EIS. We found that these additives could decrease the grain size of perovskite crystal and diminish perovskite particle aggregation on TiO2 film surface. This effect is benefit for electron transfer on perovskite/TiO2 interface. Finally, perovskite solar cells using BAI or NH4I additives obtain the best solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 9.05% and 9.49%, respectively, which are much higher than that of the pristine one, 6.83%. Display omitted •Perovskite films were deposited in one-step solution process using BAI and NH4I additives.•Photovoltaic performance increased by 33% and 39% for BAI and NH4I additive based perovskite solar cells.•BAI and NH4I additive could improve perovskite morphology and perovskite/TiO2 interface.