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Published on: 15.04.2023 | updated on: 04.03.2024
The Apple iPhone is a popular and widely used smartphone known for its sleek design and advanced technology.
But what happens when one of its key features, the camera, stops working? Suddenly, the device that was once a constant companion on adventures and memorable moments becomes nothing more than a simple communication tool.
Don't let a malfunctioning camera ruin your experience with your device. In this guide, we will explore some common causes and solutions for the iPhone camera not working, so you can get back to capturing precious memories again.
In this article, we cover everything to do with your malfunctioning iPhone camera, why it may not be working, and what you can do to fix the problem. Common problems like a dirty lens or outdated iOS can be easily fixed without needing a repair person. Water damage can also cause camera problems and must be assessed by a professional.
Something obstructing the camera
iOS needs updating
Broken camera
Using a third-party camera app that is faulty
Voice-over is causing problems
A glitch in the system
Dirty lens
Software problems
Here are some of the solutions that can help you if your iPhone camera is not working:
Switching between your iPhone's front and back cameras can reset the Camera app, removing technical glitches. To do this, follow these steps:
If your iPhone camera is black or hung, it may be due to the Camera app not loading correctly.
To fix this, close the app by double-tapping the "Home" button on iPhone 8 or older models. But, if you have a newer model, swipe up on the screen to launch the App Drawer. Now, swipe right or left to find the "Camera" app and swipe up its card to force stop it.
Now relaunch the Camera app and see if it is working fine!
iPhone's VoiceOver is a built-in feature designed to assist visually impaired people. But, many users have reported that this function sometimes causes the front camera to display a black screen.
So, try disabling the VoiceOver feature by following these steps:
Restarting your iPhone can be a surprisingly effective way to troubleshoot camera issues. Doing so can refresh your iPhone's memory and clear any glitches the Camera app faces.
Apple often updates the iOS on your phone, including updates to the Camera app. Thus, if your iPhone camera is not working, check to see if there's a new update for your phone and install it.
Your iPhone's camera or Camera app may stop working because of changes in various settings. To fix this, you can reset all the settings on your iPhone in the following way.
This will bring the settings back to their original state and help the camera work again on your iPhone.
Note: You can also reset your iPhone to default settings as a last resort. But keep in mind that this process will erase all your data.
We are used to taking selfies, video chatting, FaceTime calls, or even using augmented reality apps on the iPhone - all of which need a front camera.
But sometimes, your iPhone camera stops working at a very crucial moment. This leaves you thinking, "Why isn't my front camera working?" Well, this can happen for many different reasons. Let’s look at what they are below.
The camera lens is dirty
The app did not launch correctly
Your iPhone has entered into a deadlock
Voice-over settings are interfering with the camera
Outdated iOS
Hardware issue
For a dirty lens, you can clean it with a soft microfiber cloth
Close all your open apps and restart the camera app again, as it may have a glitch
Go to settings, then general, and install any updates that are pending
Do a soft reset on the phone, which can help with minor problems within the system
Restart the phone
Give the camera a good wipe over before using it
Always keep the phone updated
Restart the phone every now and again to give it a fresh start
Some covers have a slide cover for the camera, so ensure this is removed before shooting
Check your voice-over settings
Many iPhone users ask this question on different platforms. Why is my camera black on iPhone? To answer this, we did extensive research, and here are some common reasons for the issue below.
The frozen or unresponsive camera app
Obstructed or covered lens
Outdated device software
The iPhone's storage is full
The camera is physically damaged.
First, close down all your apps and start the camera software again. If you are still having trouble, ensure nothing is covering the camera lens, like dirt or even a phone cover.
Next, go to your settings, then go to general and check to see if the phone has pending updates. If you are like me and tend to keep too much junk piled up on the phone, it might be worth cleaning it out to free up space. A full phone can cause problems with different apps and software. Check over the camera for damage. You might have damaged the camera if you recently dropped the phone.
Keep a cover on the phone that protects the camera to avoid it breaking when dropped
Every few months, sit down and clean out the junk you no longer need to free up space
Avoid using third-party camera apps as they cause more problems than good
Keep the phone updated to keep things running smoothly
If your iPhone camera flash not working, then you have come to the right place. We know why it happens and what you can try before rushing to the repair store.
There is damage to that area on the phone
Something is covering the lens
You have the flash setting turned off
If you have a damaged lens, you will need it replaced first before it will work again
Some phone covers have a cover that goes over the lens; double-check yours
Open your camera and tap the flash button; you can choose a different setting. If yours is off, keep tapping until it tells you the flash is on.
Keep a heavy-duty cover on the phone to protect the camera from brute force trauma
Always remove any camera covers, etc, before using the camera app
Try to remember to check the flash settings before taking a picture
It can be frustrating when this problem occurs, and it happens with the common iPhone. We have listed the problems below to help you work out what is causing this problem with the camera.
There is a glitch in the system
Damage to the camera
Some apps and software can disable the camera
The iPhone may have overheated
Sometimes, a minor glitch can occur in the system. Think of it as if the phone is having a bad day. Sometimes, it needs a fresh restart to get things moving again.
If you recently dropped the phone, you may have broken the lens, which must be replaced before you can use the camera again.
Certain apps and software can disable the camera. Check if you have downloaded any new apps recently and inspect their settings.
The phone will avoid certain functions when it is too hot. If you fear the phone has overheated, turn it off and store it in a cool room for an hour, then try the camera again.
Keep the phone updated to keep the camera healthy and running as it should
Check the settings of new apps and toggle off if any are disabling the camera
Keep the phone out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources
Avoid playing with the phone while charging, as it can cause it to overheat
Check out the reasons and solutions to this problem so you know exactly what you are dealing with.
Damage to the lens or inside components
Phone has overheated
You are using a third-party camera app
Third-party camera apps and those special features you can download for the camera can cause many problems, such as preventing the back camera from working. Uninstall any of those apps and restart the phone. Try to open the camera again and see if the problem is fixed. If not, check to see if the phone feels hot, as certain features, like the camera, will not work when the phone is overheating. Look at the lenses; you might have damage you cannot see at first glance. If the problem still persists, the next step is to seek advice from a professional.
Keep a cover on the phone that protects the camera to avoid it breaking when dropped
Every few months, sit down and clean out the junk you no longer need to free up space
Avoid using third-party camera apps as they cause more problems than good
Keep the phone updated to keep things running smoothly
Are you having trouble loading the camera app? A problem is occurring here, and we might have the answer below.
Cache is full
iOS is out of date
Third-party camera apps are causing problems
If your camera cache is full, it can cause problems, so try clearing it every few months
Ensure your phone is updated, as this can keep apps like the camera running smoothly
Delete third-party camera apps, as they can interfere with the main camera app
Avoid using third-party apps and camera software
Keep the phone updated always
Clear the cache every now and again to ensure the camera has no glitches
It’s normal to wonder why your iPhone front camera not working issue is happening to your phone, and we understand that, which is why we have reasons and solutions below to help you in this situation.
Camera is damaged
The Facetime camera is not enabled
Outdated software
Check over the camera and look for damage. If damage is found, it will need to be replaced
Check your Facetime settings and see if the Facetime camera is on, as sometimes it can switch to disabled.
Update the app software if you are using a third-party camera
You can check other apps that use camera to see if the camera works. This will help you to know whether it is the app or the camera itself.
Always keep the phone and your camera apps updated
Double-check the Facetime settings before making the call
Keep a cover over the lens to protect it from damages like drops or scratches
You can only take great pictures if the focus on your camera is working. Here are a few problems that could be causing this:
The lens is dirty
There is moisture inside the lens
You dropped the phone, and the lens looks crooked
Wipe over the lens with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. If it looks like moisture on the lens inside, then your phone has been around moisture and will need to be seen by a professional to assess the water damage. If the phone was dropped and the lens is not straight, you will need to have it checked by a professional to see what can be done and what other damage has occurred.
The ideal way to prevent moisture in the lens is to keep the phone away from water or moisture-prone areas like the bathroom or in the rain. The phone can also sweat when you leave it in the sun, which can cause moisture inside the phone.
Keep the phone in a hard cover to avoid smashing the camera when the phone is dropped
We did the right thing and updated our phones like Apple told us to, and now the camera is not working. What is causing this, and how can we fix it? Let’s find out!
Phones can end up with a glitch after installing any updates
The phone died while it was installing specific updates
If the phone died during the installation, charge it, start it up again, and resume the download and installation. After this, restart the phone and check to see if the camera is working
If the update is installed correctly, a fresh restart can fix the problem if the update is installed correctly. If not, try a soft reset and see if that helps. If not, you will need to see a professional.
Ensure the phone is charged fully before downloading and installing updates
If you recently dropped the phone and now find that the torch and camera don’t work anymore, you can bet it is camera damage.
The phone was dropped
Something was dropped on the phone
Unfortunately, the only fix is to get a replacement from your local repair store.
The perfect way to protect a phone from damage is to keep it in a hardcover that protects the camera lens.
It can be a worry when you drop your phone, only to find out later that the camera has been damaged. What can be done about it?
The phone has small components, and when there is brute force, like a fall to the ground, these connectors and pins can break or come out of place. This can lead to problems within the phone, like a camera that doesn’t work.
If you don't use your camera much, you may not want to rush to get it repaired, but if you love your camera and use it often, you will need a replacement camera before you can use it again.
Prevention is the best key when it comes to dropping your phone. It’s common, and you will need a repair once it's done. Try using a hardcover on the phone and keeping it in a bag or pocket instead of carrying it around in your hand.
If you find your iPhone camera is not working in messages, you can try a few things we suggest below.
You are using a third-party camera app
You downloaded an update that has a bug
The phone needs iOS updating
Try restarting the device and then trying a soft reset to see if that fixes the problem
Delete any third-party camera apps, restart the phone, and see if the default camera is working
The iOS may be outdated; you can find new updates in the settings-general section.
If this happened after an update, report it to Apple, as they may need to bring out an update to rectify this or step you through how to fix it.
Check with Apple before installing updates to ensure there are no bug reports
Avoid using third-party camera apps, as they cause problems
Always keep the phone updated to keep apps working smoothly
There are many reasons why an iPhone 11 camera may not work, some being minor and easily fixed, while others may require professional assistance. Let’s see which one matches your iPhone back camera not working issue.
The phone has been dropped, and the camera is damaged
The phone is too hot
A glitch in the camera
For camera damaged, you will need assistance from a repair person
In most cases, you will get an overheating notification, but in case you don't, if the phone is hot, it will not open apps until it has cooled down to a safe temperature
A simple glitch in the system can cause camera problems. A soft reset can usually fix those
Keep the phone safe at all times to avoid being dropped
Close all apps when not using them and avoid playing with the phone while charging so it doesn't heat up
Keep the phone out of direct sunlight
If your iPhone rear camera not working, we might have a solution below suitable to your problem. We also provide solutions to those problems below.
Obstruction
Out of date
Water damage
Check to make sure there is no lens cover still on the camera
If the phone still needs to be updated to the latest software, you may see problems with certain apps like the camera. Update via the setting- General- updates
Water damage and moisture can affect the camera, and unfortunately, in this circumstance, you will need a professional to conduct the repair
Ensure all lens covers are off before using the camera
Check for updates often to ensure you are running the latest software
Keep the phone away from water or moisture as it can wreck the camera internals
Your iPhone selfie camera not working is frustrating. The camera is fragile and has many small components, so drops can cause internal damage along with water and third-party software. Even a glitch can cause problems. Always try a restart or a soft reset and closing apps or deleting third-party camera apps before seeking advice from a professional.
The iPhones have excellent cameras, but nothing is worse than when you can’t use yours as it’s not working correctly. The biggest culprit is third-party apps, and we discuss those below.
If you use third-party camera apps, you will run into trouble as they often cause trouble with the iPhone. Most camera apps could be better quality and have so many features jam-packed into them that they malfunction and cause problems with the default camera. They are an unsteady app, that’s for sure.
Most problems from third-party camera apps will disappear when you delete the app from your phone and do a fresh restart. You will return to the default camera, and everything should work fine. If not, you may need to speak to a repair person in case those apps have left malware on your phone that you cannot find.
The easiest way to prevent this problem is to delete all third-party camera apps and features. If you love to add special effects, you are better off taking the camera, uploading it to a computer with all the third-party apps, and editing photos there. Computers can handle those types of apps better than phones can.
If you have downloaded third-party camera apps, you may have malware left on your phone that can cause problems with the camera. If damage is done to the lens, the job can be complex, so it is best left to the professionals. Sometimes, the problem can be minor and is simply a cover that has yet to be removed from the lens.
Not every camera problem needs to be fixed by a professional. Some minor issues, like a dirty lens or a phone that needs to cool down, can be handled at home. If in doubt, you can always do a soft reset to remove minor bugs and glitches in the phone's system without losing data.
The iPHone 13 Pro Max has a great camera, but unfortunately, you might face camera issues sometimes. Some come from third-party apps, overheating, dirty lenses, and outdated software, but you will find your solution with the tips and tricks we have provided here.
If your iPhone 14 camera is not working, there are a few things that you can try to fix at home before paying for a specialist to assess the situation.
The camera has been disabled
The camera has been damaged
Water has entered the phone
Check the settings and third-party apps that use camera software, as sometimes they can disable the main camera or make changes so your camera does not work properly.
If you have dropped the phone, check the lenses for damage and get it to a repair store. If you have dropped the phone recently
Water is a nightmare for phones, and any water damage will need to be seen to by a water damage expert
Although they are fun, avoid using camera software on your phone instead, transfer pictures and edit via a computer.
Use a cover that has camera protection to keep the lenses safe
Keep liquid and moisture away from phones at all times
Your iPhone 14 front camera may not be working due to software glitches and water damage. Liquid is the worst for phones. It can cause extensive damage and some may not be fixable. Water damage is usually the most expensive repair and takes the longest to do.
The iPhone 14 pro camera may not be working if the phone is suffering from a glitch somewhere or the phone needs updating. Updates are important as they help to keep everything running smoothly and help to fix bugs within the phone's system. Glitches can occur at any time but are usually easy to fix.
Some third-party apps can disable the camera and cause so many problems with the phone. Other problems can be things like a phone that has overheated or damage from being dropped.
Most problems can be fixed by a professional, but problems like water damage will need to be seen quickly before it spreads and causes further problems.
The iPhone 15 is the latest to hit the stores, and while it is a great phone, there may be the off chance that you get a phone with problems like below.
The phone is new, and it’s a factory fault
It was damaged during delivery
If the camera has not worked since you brought the phone, take it to the Apple store ASAP and get it seen to. Depending how long you have waited, you may get it under warranty or Applecare if you have a subscription.
If the phone was damaged when delivered it may be hard to get a replacement, but if not it can be repaired by a local store so your camera can be up and running in no time.
You cannot prevent if you get a faulty phone, but ensure you buy it from a certified Apple store. If you can opt for pick up to lower the amount of time, the phone is being handled.
iPhone 8 cameras were good back then, but nothing compares to the added technology on the phones now. What could be causing the camera problems?
The phone may not be receiving updates for the camera anymore
The camera is not working due to age wear and tear
There is a glitch in the system
The iPhone 8 is slowing down and if there are no updates it will become obsolete
If you have had the iPhone for years then it may be general wear and tear of internals and you may need a specialist to check it out for you
A simple soft reset can fix minor glitches
Unfortunately, if the phone is old, it is just what happens. Many updates are stopping for iPhone 8, so the problems may only get worse. Talking to a professional about your options is a good plan of action.
iPhone is one of the most advanced and sought-after smartphones in the market and is known for its sleek design, functionality, best camera result, and user-friendly interface.
Yet even the most advanced technology can experience glitches, such as the iPhone camera not working. Thus, we've compiled this guide to discuss the common causes of this issue and explore a few solutions.
We hope you are now back to capturing your life's precious moments with your iPhone camera.
Professional Content Creator
LinkedIn: Hollie Spooner
Hollie is a technical writer with over 15 years of experience specializing in creating content to help keep the rest of the world informed and updated on all tech-related subjects. Hollie has created content for many writing platforms in the tech and IT industry, and her passion for turning words into helpful articles is still growing. Hollie holds several certifications, like "Professional Article and Blog Writing", "Writing Editing and Publishing", "Creative Writing" and "Technology Digital Solutions" by Open Education and Thompsons Education Direct. When she isn’t creating content for the web, she is enjoying a crazy life with her family and friends.
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