iPhone Rear Camera Not Working: 8 Best Solutions
Nothing ruins the moment like an iPhone rear camera not working situation. Whether it’s a dead-black screen, blurred shots, or error messages, the slightest malfunction can annoy you.
However, before you panic, most iPhone camera issues can be taken care of with a few quick troubleshooting steps.
Let’s break down the common causes and easy solutions to get your iPhone camera functional again, shall we?
What Causes iPhone Camera Not Working?
Understanding the root cause of your iPhone rear camera not working can become your turning point. Below are some of the most common reasons why your iPhone not turning on its camera application.
Software Bug or Glitch
Sometimes, an issue with the iOS software or the camera app can pause the back camera from functioning. Typically, such bugs can arise from system updates, third-party app conflicts, and even random crashes.
Hardware Damage
Physical impacts to the camera module or related internal components can lead to your iPhone camera not working. For example, dropping your iPhone or forcing too much pressure can be the culprit. See if you notice any cracks or visible damage to the camera lens or module on the rear side.
App Conflicts
As reported by iPhone Service experts, certain apps might interfere with the camera. Consequently, the camera app on your iPhone may freeze or become unresponsive. So, look out for third-party camera apps or apps that access the camera.
iOS Update Hiccups
Also, new iOS updates may contribute to compatibility issues with your iPhone’s camera, especially the rear one. Hence, you might have to reinstall the update to avoid such compatibility errors.
Camera Settings or Permissions
iPhones take user permissions very seriously, warned an iPhone Repair Dubai professional. So, if you don’t grant camera permissions to specific apps, then your iPhone will prevent the camera app from opening up. As a result, you will encounter a blank screen or an error message.
Overheating
Overheating can negatively impact the functionality of the iPhone camera. For safety reasons, your iPhone not turning on the camera app when your device gets too hot. Additionally, your iPhone’s camera app might freeze as well.
Full Storage
Is your iPhone nearing its storage capacity? In that case, performance issues, including the iPhone camera not working, are quite common.
Third-Party Accessories
Do you use a third-party case or accessory that obstructs the view field of the iPhone’s rear camera? Then, a black screen is the most obvious thing that you will see whenever you open up the camera app. So, check the casing and remove it to see if it revives the rear camera.
Solutions to Fix iPhone Rear Camera Not Working
Now that you know what can interfere with your iPhone’s back camera and prevent it from working, you can try the following logical troubleshooting steps. However, the solutions target software issues and configuration errors. There’s nothing you can do with hardware damage until you consider professional iPhone Repair Dubai services.
Here’s what you can do when your iPhone camera is not working:
1. Look Out for Physical Blockages
In case you don’t use compatible cases for your iPhone, you might end up blocking your iPhone’s camera view. Consequently, you will get blurry or obstructed images.
- See if your iPhone case covers any part of the rear camera.
- If yes, remove the case and clean up the camera module with a soft, clean cloth.
- Finally, test the back camera.
2. Force Close the Camera App and Open It Again
Another simple fix is to restart the Camera app. Sometimes, the app can freeze or face glitches. Here’s what to follow:
- Swipe up from the bottom if you have an iPhone X or any newer iteration. For iPhones with Touch ID, double-tap the Home button.
- Now, spot the Camera app from the app switcher.
- Swipe up on the glitching Camera app to close it.
- Next, open the Camera app again and see if the error persists.
3. Restart Your iOS Device
Still facing an iPhone camera not working issue? Well, restarting your iPhone is another quickest fix you can apply to remove glitches. Also, a reboot can address background processes that might be interfering with the camera app.
- Hold the Side or Power button until you can see the slider of ‘Slide to power off’.
- Next, swipe the slider to its right.
- Your iPhone should shut down by now.
- Wait for a couple of minutes before you turn it on again.
- Turn your iPhone back on and test the rear camera.
4. Update iOS
Often, the iPhone rear camera not working can stem from outdated software. However, Apple regularly releases updates that address bugs, improve performance, and hit security vulnerabilities. And camera-related problems are no exception.
So, you should give updating iOS a try to see if it makes a difference.
- Tap on Settings and scroll to General.
- Next, choose Software Update.
- See if an update is available. Tap on the Download and Install option.
- After the update installation, you can restart your iPhone.
Check whether the back camera functions properly.
5. Try the Front Camera
Have you tested the front camera of your iPhone? If it works while the rear doesn’t, then something might be fishy with the hardware of the back camera. However, the problem is more likely to be software-based, according to iPhone Repair Dubai experts, if both camera modules malfunction.
Here’s how you can test the front camera of your iOS device:
- Open up the Camera app and switch to the front-facing camera.
- Also, you can try Facetiming someone to see if both the front and rear cameras work.
If the front camera works just fine but the iPhone rear camera is not working, then the hardware might be at stake.
6. Look Out for App Conflicts
Do you suspect a third-party app to be guilty of the iPhone camera not working? If you have installed a new app recently and after that, your back camera isn’t operating, then you can remove it. As per iPhone service specialists, some apps can occasionally cause conflicts, especially those that use the camera app more often.
- Navigate to the General option after opening up Settings.
- Next, tap on iPhone Storage.
- Locate the app you suspect is causing the issue. Tap on the app.
- After that, tap on Delete App and confirm your selection.
- Restart your iPhone and launch the Camera app.
Now, test the back camera to see if it works.
7. Free Up Some Storage Space
A lack of storage can contribute to performance issues across your iPhone. And the Camera app is not an exception. Indeed, your iPhone’s back camera won’t work or will freeze if your device is almost full. So, freeing up some storage space might help the situation.
- Navigate to Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- Now, review the apps and data taking up space.
- Delete unnecessary files.
- Additionally, consider offloading unused apps. Transfer photos and videos to iCloud or external storage media.
8. Reset Your iPhone Settings
Perhaps your iPhone requires a deeper software reset. Hence, try resetting all settings to their default state. However, don’t delete your data or apps.
- Follow the path: Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings.
- Afterwards, provide your passcode and confirm.
- Once your iPhone restarts, check the Camera app.
Concluding Thoughts…
Is your iPhone camera not working? If you still can’t fix the rear camera, then contact the iPhone Service near you for expert intervention. Perhaps your iOS device requires iPhone Repair Dubai services for a broken lens or camera module.