Camera not working on iPhone

If you’re experiencing issues with your iPhone’s camera not working, you’re not alone. This can be a frustrating problem, especially when you’re trying to capture that perfect shot. In this article, we’ll discuss the various reasons for your camera malfunctioning and provide you with easy-to-follow solutions. Keep reading to get your iPhone camera back up and running in no time!

Camera Not Working on iPhone: Top Reasons

Software Glitches

Software glitches can sometimes cause your iPhone’s camera to malfunction. These glitches may be due to a bug in the iOS version or an app that conflicts with the camera’s functionality. In such cases, restarting your iPhone, updating the software, or removing the problematic app can resolve the issue.

Outdated iOS Version

Running an outdated iOS version may cause compatibility issues with the camera app, leading to your camera not working on your iPhone. Always keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version to avoid such issues.

Camera App Restrictions

If you’ve set up restrictions on your iPhone, it could be blocking access to the camera app. Ensure that you haven’t accidentally disabled the camera app in the restrictions settings.

Faulty Camera Hardware

Physical damage to the camera hardware or a manufacturing defect can cause the camera to malfunction. In such cases, you may need to contact Apple Support or an authorized service center to get the camera replaced or repaired.

Insufficient Storage Space

When your iPhone’s storage space is almost full, the camera app might not work correctly. To resolve this issue, you can delete unnecessary files, apps, or media to free up some space.

Camera App Cache

The camera app’s cache can sometimes become corrupt, causing the camera to malfunction. Clearing the cache can help fix the issue.

Third-Party Camera Apps

Using third-party camera apps may sometimes cause conflicts with the native camera app on your iPhone. If you’ve recently installed a third-party camera app and are experiencing issues, uninstall the app to see if the problem is resolved.

Camera Settings

Incorrect camera settings can also lead to a non-functioning camera. Resetting the settings to default can help fix the issue. By understanding these common reasons behind your iPhone camera not working, you can identify the root cause and work towards an appropriate solution.

How to fix camera not working on iPhone

Fix 1: Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can often resolve software glitches that may be causing your iPhone’s camera to malfunction. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:

1. For iPhone 8 and Earlier Models:

• Press and hold the Top (or Side) button.
• Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
• Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Top (or Side) button again to turn it back on.

2. For iPhone X and Later Models:

• Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button.
• Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
• Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.

By restarting your iPhone, you can refresh its software and potentially resolve any glitches that might be causing the camera not to work. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

Fix 2: Update Your iPhone’s iOS Version

An outdated iOS version can cause compatibility issues with the camera app, leading to your camera not working on your iPhone. Keeping your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version can help resolve such issues. Here’s how to check for updates and update your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Your iPhone will download the update and install it. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life during the update process. After the update is complete, check if the camera issue is resolved. If not, move on to the next fix.

Fix 3: Check Camera App Restrictions

If you’ve set up restrictions on your iPhone, it could be blocking access to the camera app, causing it not to work. To ensure that you haven’t accidentally disabled the camera app in the restrictions settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
3. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. If the Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled, tap on Allowed Apps.
5. Make sure the toggle switch next to the Camera is in the On (green) position.

By ensuring that the camera app is allowed in the restriction settings, you can prevent it from being accidentally disabled. If the camera app was disabled, enabling it should fix the issue. If the problem persists, try the next fix.

Fix 4: Clear Camera App Cache

The camera app’s cache can sometimes become corrupt, causing the camera to malfunction. Clearing the cache can help fix the issue. To clear the camera app cache, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select iPhone Storage.
4. Scroll down to find the Camera app and tap on it.
5. Tap on Offload App, followed by Offload App again to confirm.

This action will offload the Camera app, removing its cache without deleting your photos. To reinstall the app:

6. Go back to iPhone Storage and find the Camera app again.
7. Tap on Reinstall App.

Once the Camera app is reinstalled, check if the issue is resolved. If the camera still isn’t working, proceed to the next fix.

Fix 5: Reset Camera Settings to Default

Incorrect camera settings can also lead to a non-functioning camera on your iPhone. Resetting the settings to default can help fix the issue. To reset your camera settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the arrow icon at the top of the screen (on newer iPhone models) or swipe up from the bottom (on older iPhone models) to reveal the additional camera settings.
3. Locate and tap the “Reset” or circular arrow icon to reset all camera settings to their default values.

Alternatively, you can also reset all settings on your iPhone, which includes the camera settings:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap on Reset All Settings, then enter your passcode and confirm the action.

Keep in mind that resetting all settings will revert all system settings to their default values, so you may need to reconfigure certain preferences afterward.

After resetting the camera settings or all settings, check if the camera issue is resolved. If the problem persists, consider exploring the next fix.

Fix 6: Remove Third-Party Camera Apps

Using third-party camera apps may sometimes cause conflicts with the native camera app on your iPhone. If you’ve recently installed a third-party camera app and are experiencing issues, uninstall the app to see if the problem is resolved. Here’s how to remove a third-party camera app:

1. Locate the third-party camera app on your iPhone’s Home Screen.
2. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
3. Tap on Remove App, followed by Delete App to confirm.

Alternatively, you can uninstall the app using the App Library:

1. Swipe left on your Home Screen to access the App Library.
2. Tap the search icon at the top or swipe down to reveal the search bar.
3. Type the name of the third-party camera app and tap on its icon when it appears.
4. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
5. Tap on Delete App, followed by Delete to confirm.

After uninstalling the third-party camera app, check if your iPhone’s native camera app is working. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

Fix 7: Free Up Storage Space

When your iPhone’s storage space is almost full, the camera app might not work correctly. To resolve this issue, you can delete unnecessary files, apps, or media to free up some space. Follow these steps to manage your iPhone’s storage:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Select iPhone Storage.

Here, you can see a list of apps and their storage usage. To free up space, consider the following actions:

• Delete large or unused apps: Tap on an app in the list, then tap on Delete App, followed by Delete App again to confirm.
• Offload unused apps: Tap on an app in the list, then tap on Offload App, followed by Offload App again to confirm. This action will remove the app but keep its documents and data.
• Review and delete large media files: Open the Photos app and review your photos and videos. Delete any large or unwanted files by tapping the trash icon, then confirm by tapping Delete.

You can also enable iCloud storage for your photos and files to save space on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.
3. Select iCloud.
4. Tap on Manage Storage.
5. Select an option like Photos or iCloud Drive, then follow the prompts to enable iCloud storage for that app.

After freeing up storage space, check if the camera app is working correctly. If the issue persists, proceed to the next fix.

Fix 8: Contact Apple Support or Authorized Service Center

If none of the above fixes have resolved the issue, it’s possible that there’s a hardware problem with your iPhone’s camera. In this case, you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center to have the camera inspected, repaired, or replaced.

Before visiting a service center, make sure to:

1. Backup your iPhone: Connect your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes to create a backup of your data. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important information if the technicians need to erase or replace your device.
2. Check your warranty status: Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website to verify your iPhone’s warranty status. If your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the repair or replacement might be done at no cost.

To contact Apple Support or find an authorized service center:

1. Visit the Apple Support website or open the Apple Support app on your iPhone.
2. Select iPhone, then choose Repairs & Physical Damage.
3. Follow the prompts to schedule a repair appointment or find a nearby service center.

By contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center, you can ensure that your iPhone’s camera is professionally examined and repaired. While this might be a more time-consuming and potentially expensive option, it’s the best course of action if none of the previous fixes have resolved the issue.

Read more: How to add screen record on iPhone

Conclusion

Encountering a non-functioning iPhone camera can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s often fixable. By following the detailed solutions provided in this article, you’ll likely pinpoint the cause and resolve the issue effectively. Remember to start with simple fixes like restarting your iPhone, updating the iOS, and checking restrictions before exploring more complex solutions such as hardware repairs. With persistence and patience, you’ll soon have your iPhone camera back in action, ready to capture those precious moments.

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