iPhone Camera Not Working? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Force close the Camera app and reopen it. If you see a black screen, cover the camera lens for a few seconds then uncover – this can reset a stuck sensor. If that doesn’t work, restart your iPhone.

Understanding iPhone Camera Problems

When the iPhone camera stops working, you might see a black screen, frozen image, blurry photos, or error messages. Both the rear and front cameras can be affected, sometimes independently.

Common causes include software glitches, apps conflicting with the camera, iOS bugs, or physical obstruction of the lens. Hardware failure is less common but can occur from drops or liquid damage.

Most camera issues are software-related and fixable without repair.

Method 1: Force Close Camera App

1. Swipe up from bottom of screen and pause in middle
2. Find the Camera app card
3. Swipe it up to close
4. Wait a few seconds
5. Open Camera app again
6. Test if it works

Method 2: Restart iPhone

1. Press and hold Side button + Volume Up
2. Slide to power off
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Press Side button to turn on
5. Open Camera after restart
6. Restarting fixes most software glitches

Method 3: Clean the Camera Lens

1. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth
2. Gently wipe the camera lenses
3. Check for fingerprints, dirt, or debris
4. Remove any case that might obstruct the lens
5. Don’t use liquid cleaners
6. Check front camera too

Method 4: Toggle Camera Access

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
2. See which apps have camera access
3. Toggle off camera access for all apps
4. Restart your iPhone
5. Toggle camera access back on
6. Test the Camera app

Method 5: Update iOS

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. Download and install any available update
3. iOS updates often fix camera bugs
4. Keep iPhone plugged in during update
5. Test camera after update completes

Method 6: Reset All Settings

1. Go to Settings > General
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
3. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
4. Enter passcode
5. This resets settings but keeps your data
6. You’ll need to reconfigure WiFi and preferences
7. Test camera after reset

Method 7: Check for Physical Damage

1. Inspect camera lenses for cracks or scratches
2. Look for debris in the camera housing
3. Check if phone was recently dropped or exposed to liquid
4. Try both front and rear cameras
5. Use flashlight to check if it’s working
6. Physical damage requires Apple repair

Method 8: Use Third-Party Camera App

1. Download a free camera app from App Store
2. Try taking photos with the alternative app
3. If it works, the issue is with Apple’s Camera app
4. If it doesn’t work, hardware may be the issue
5. Use third-party app as workaround while troubleshooting

Preventing Future Camera Issues

• Keep iOS updated
• Use a case that doesn’t obstruct the camera
• Clean lenses regularly
• Don’t force close camera app constantly
• Avoid extreme temperatures

FAQ

Why is my iPhone camera showing a black screen?

Black screen usually indicates a software glitch or the camera app failing to initialize the sensor. Force close the app, restart your iPhone, or cover/uncover the lens to reset the sensor.

Why is only the front/back camera not working?

If one camera works and the other doesn’t, it could be hardware-specific failure or debris. Try cleaning and restarting. If only one camera fails, hardware repair may be needed.

Why does my camera work in some apps but not others?

Check Settings > Privacy > Camera to ensure the non-working apps have camera permission. Some apps have bugs – update them or reinstall.

Can camera issues be caused by iOS updates?

Yes, occasionally iOS updates introduce camera bugs. Check online if others report the same issue. Apple usually releases patches quickly for widespread bugs.

How much does iPhone camera repair cost?

Out of warranty, camera repair costs $150-400 depending on model. AppleCare+ reduces this significantly. Get an Apple diagnosis first to confirm it’s hardware.

Will restoring my iPhone fix the camera?

A full restore can fix software-caused camera issues. Backup your iPhone first, then restore via iTunes/Finder. If the camera still fails after restore, it’s likely hardware.