Is your iPhone camera and video not working? You’re not alone. This is a common issue but fortunately, there are systematic ways to solve it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to get your iPhone camera and video functioning again.
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iPhone Camera and Video Not Working – How to Fix
Follow the steps below to get your iPhone camera and video working again…
Check for Physical Obstructions
When you encounter issues with your iPhone camera and video not working, it’s easy to jump to software-related conclusions. However, sometimes the issue can be as simple as a physical obstruction blocking your camera lens. To rule this out:
Remove Your iPhone Case: The case could be the culprit, especially if it’s not properly fitted or has accumulated dust and debris. Gently remove the case from your iPhone.
Inspect the Lens: Hold your iPhone up to a light source and look for any obvious signs of smudging, dirt, or other obstructions on the lens.
Wipe the Lens: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens in a circular motion. Avoid using abrasive materials like paper towels, as these can scratch the lens.
Test the Camera: Open your camera app and see if the issue has been resolved. If it hasn’t, proceed to the next steps.
Restart Your iPhone
A restart often serves as a “soft fix” for a variety of technical issues, including those related to the iPhone camera and video. Performing a restart clears the phone’s temporary memory and can solve minor software glitches. Here’s how to do it:
Press and Hold Buttons: On most iPhones, you’ll need to press and hold the side button along with either of the volume buttons. Keep holding until the “slide to power off” slider appears on your screen.
Slide to Power Off: Use your finger to slide the on-screen button from the left to the right. Your screen will go black, signaling that the phone is off.
Wait: Give your iPhone about 30 seconds to complete the shutdown process.
Turn Your iPhone Back On: Press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. Let go of the button and wait for your iPhone to complete the startup process.
Test the Camera: Once your iPhone has restarted, open the camera app to see if the issue has been resolved. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Update iOS
Out-of-date software can often be the root cause of iPhone camera and video issues. Updates often contain fixes for software glitches and bugs. Here’s how to update your iPhone:
Navigate to Settings: Open the Settings app by tapping its icon, which resembles a gear.
Go to General: Scroll down and tap on the “General” option.
Software Update: In the “General” menu, tap on “Software Update.”
Check for Updates: Your iPhone will check for available updates. If one is available, you’ll see an option to “Download and Install.”
Download and Install: Tap on this option. Your iPhone will download the update and restart to complete the installation process.
Test the Camera: After your iPhone has updated, open the camera app to see if your camera and video are working properly. If the problem persists, you may need to explore more advanced troubleshooting options.
Read more iPhone camera topics here – iPhone Camera: How To, Problems & Solutions
Reset Camera Settings
Corrupt settings could be the silent culprit affecting your iPhone’s camera and video functionalities. Thankfully, Apple provides an easy way to reset all settings without erasing your personal data, such as contacts, apps, and messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Open Settings: Tap the gear-shaped Settings icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
Navigate to General: Scroll down and select the “General” option.
Scroll Down to Reset: Within the “General” menu, scroll down to the bottom to find the “Reset” option and tap on it.
Choose Reset All Settings: Multiple reset options will appear. Select “Reset All Settings.” This option will not erase your data, photos, or apps; it will only revert settings back to their default state.
Enter Passcode: You will be prompted to enter your iPhone’s passcode to confirm the action.
Confirm Reset: After entering the passcode, a pop-up will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to reset all settings. Tap “Reset All Settings.”
Wait for Reboot: Your iPhone will automatically restart. After it reboots, the settings will be restored to their default state.
Test the Camera: Open your camera app to check if the problem has been solved. If not, you may need to proceed to the next step.
Check for Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps, especially those that require camera access, could be conflicting with your iPhone’s native camera app. Booting your iPhone in Safe Mode can help you diagnose this issue. Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, letting you test the native apps in isolation.
Restart Your iPhone: Follow the restart procedure outlined in the previous section to turn off your iPhone and then turn it back on.
Boot into Safe Mode: Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t have a built-in Safe Mode. However, you can manually disable third-party apps to mimic Safe Mode. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and disable third-party apps.
Check Camera Functionality: Open your iPhone camera to see if it’s working. If it is, then a third-party app could be the culprit.
Re-Enable Apps One by One: Enable each third-party app one by one, checking your camera after each one to identify the problematic app.
Remove Problematic App: Once identified, uninstall the problematic app from your device.
Consult Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and your iPhone camera and video are still not working, it’s time to seek professional help from Apple Support.
Prepare Your iPhone: Make sure you have your Apple ID and password handy. Also, it’s advisable to backup your iPhone before taking it in for service.
Contact Support: You can reach out to Apple Support via phone, chat, or by making an appointment at an Apple Store if one is available in your area.
Follow Guidance: Apple Support will guide you through some diagnostic tests. These tests will help them understand the issue better and recommend solutions accordingly.
Evaluate Options: Based on the diagnostic results, you’ll be presented with options, which may include repairing or replacing your device. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Conclusion: iPhone Camera and Video Not Working
Experiencing issues of your iPhone camera and video not working can be frustrating, but these problems are usually fixable. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot the issue effectively and get your camera and video back in working order.
