iPhone Camera Not Working? Here’s What You Can Do

Ziad Halabi
Jul 10
3 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Your iPhone’s camera is one of its most important features—whether you’re capturing memories, scanning documents, or hopping on video calls. So when it stops working, it can be frustrating fast. At Phone MD in Waco, Texas, we fix iPhone camera issues every day. Whether it’s a hardware failure or a software glitch, here’s what you can do if your iPhone camera isn’t working properly.

1. Check for Common Software Issues

Before assuming your camera is physically broken, try these quick checks:

Close and reopen the Camera app Sometimes the app just needs a quick refresh. Double-tap your Home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on newer iPhones), then swipe the Camera app closed. Reopen it and try again.
Restart your iPhone A simple restart can clear up temporary glitches affecting your camera and other features.
Update your software Go to Settings > General > Software Update to make sure your phone is running the latest version of iOS. Outdated software can sometimes cause camera bugs.

2. Try Another App

If your camera works in apps like Snapchat or Instagram but not in the Camera app, it may be an app-specific issue. Try deleting and reinstalling the problematic app, or check app permissions under Settings > Privacy > Camera to make sure the app has access.

3. Check for Lens Obstruction or Damage

If your photos are blurry or the camera is not focusing:

Make sure the lens is clean and free of fingerprints or dust. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the camera.
Check for visible cracks or chips on the lens that could affect image quality.
Try tapping your phone gently on your hand—a stuck focus mechanism can sometimes be nudged back into place.

4. Test Both Cameras

Your iPhone has a front and rear camera. If one works and the other doesn’t, it’s likely a hardware issue. If neither work—or you just see a black screen—the problem may be deeper in the phone’s internal components or logic board.

5. Reset Your Settings (Carefully)

If the issue persists and you're sure it's not hardware, try resetting your settings. This won't delete your data, but it will reset things like Wi-Fi passwords and preferences. Go to: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings If that still doesn’t help, you may want to back up your device and do a full factory reset as a last resort.

6. When It’s Time to See a Pro

If none of the above works, the issue is likely with the camera hardware itself. This could include:

Disconnected or damaged camera module
Water damage
Broken internal connector or board failure

At Phone MD, our Waco repair techs can quickly diagnose the problem and let you know whether it’s a simple fix—like replacing the camera—or if deeper repairs are needed.