Tech Reference

'Why won't my iPhone camera work?': How to fix your iPhone camera if it's malfunctioning

Written by Steven John
Why won't my flashlight work on my iPhone
You may be able to easily diagnose and troubleshoot an iPhone camera that won't work. Shutterstock
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For most people, the smartphone has become their primary camera. So if your iPhone camera isn't working, it's unlikely you also have a trusty DSLR camera tucked into your backpack. 

Thus, if you want to take pictures or videos, you'll need to fix your iPhone camera as soon as possible. Fortunately, in most cases, getting an iPhone camera working will take mere seconds. 

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Why your iPhone camera won't work, and how to fix it

If your camera is showing a black screen when loaded, is slow or lagging when you tap to snap, or is having other performance issues, first check if it's the Camera app itself. You can do this by launching another app that uses the iPhone cameras, like FaceTime or Instagram.

Why_won_t_my_iPhone_camera_work_ _other_option
Make sure you toggle to both the front and rear cameras in the non-camera app so you can fully diagnose functionality.  Steven John/Business Insider

If the camera is working in other apps, then double-tap the home button on an iPhone 8 or earlier, or swipe up from the bottom of your screen on an iPhone X or later to then swipe up on the Camera app and force it closed, then try the app again. If it's still glitchy, shut your phone down and wait a minute, then power it on and try again.

If restarting your phone didn't fix the camera, try updating it. Launch the Settings app and look for any iOS updates, which will display at the top of the Settings screen.

Still no luck? Then reset the phone. In the Settings app, go to General, then scroll down and tap Reset. On the next screen, tap Reset All Settings and confirm.

Why_won_t_my_iPhone_camera_work_ _2
Resetting all your settings will not wipe your photos and files, but you may have to re-enter saved passwords.  Steven John/Business Insider

If your iPhone camera is still not working, you should contact Apple for support. You may also want to try resetting your iPhone to its factory settings, although you will lose all your data, so make sure to back it up before proceeding with this option.

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Steven John
Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.