Why is my back camera not working on my iPhone?

Why is my back camera not working on my iPhone?
Recently, I’ve noticed that the back camera on my iPhone isn’t working properly. Every time I open the Camera app and switch to the back camera, the screen either stays black or it shows a blurry image. In some cases, the Camera app crashes entirely when I try to use it. This issue has become quite frustrating, as I rely on my iPhone for taking important photos and capturing moments.
I’ve tried basic troubleshooting steps like restarting my iPhone and checking for iOS updates, but nothing seems to resolve the problem. The front camera works just fine, which makes things even more confusing. I haven’t dropped my phone or exposed it to any water, so I’m unsure what could be causing this malfunction. What could be the reasons behind my back camera not functioning correctly?
7 Answers

Storage space can sometimes cause this issue. I recall my camera not working when my iPhone’s storage was almost full. Deleting unnecessary files and apps freed up space, and the camera started operating normally. Check your storage under Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage and ensure you have sufficient space available.

There may be a deeper software conflict at play. Occasionally, background processes or other unrelated apps can cause the Camera app to malfunction. Performing a factory reset (after backing up your data) could eliminate the underlying software issues. If nothing else works, consult with technical support or visit an Apple Store to have diagnostic tests run on your device.

One potential cause might be a hardware issue. This happened to me after I accidentally bumped my phone against a hard surface. Although there was no visible damage, the internal camera components were affected. I had to visit an authorized service center for a fix. If you haven’t experienced any physical impacts, it could still be a hardware problem that a technician needs to investigate.

There are several reasons why your iPhone’s back camera might not be working. It could be due to a simple software issue. I had a similar problem where my back camera stopped functioning, and after updating my iPhone to the latest iOS version, the camera started working fine again. Ensure your iOS is up to date.

The problem could be a glitch within the Camera app itself. When my iPhone’s back camera didn’t work, I force quit the Camera app and reopened it. This resolved the issue. To do this, open the app switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or double-pressing the Home button on older models), then find the Camera app and swipe it up to close it. Reopening the app might solve your problem.

It’s possible that other apps might be interfering with your camera’s functionality. Once, I encountered this issue due to a third-party app that accessed the camera. Removing the app resolved the problem immediately. To diagnose, restart your iPhone in Safe Mode and test the camera. If it works there, consider which apps access the camera and remove any non-essential ones.