Newer iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models have two cameras, one facing the user, the other on the back of the device. It seems a lot of readers who upgraded to the latest iOS are having issues with the Camera app.
Reported issues are:
- Black screen
- Unable to switch cameras (front and back)
- Shutter problems (not opening)
- Camera app crashes
Contents
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Identify Problems
First, determine where and when the problem occurs. Is it just your front camera that’s not working or both front and rear cameras? Do either of your cameras work with Apple’s Camera app? Are the cameras working with any Apple or third-party app or are they not working at all?
Tips for Your iPhone or iPad: Camera not working
- Make sure the App you’re using has the correct permissions. Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera > and make sure all the apps you want to use the camera are toggled ON.
- Check for iOS software updates and if available, install them. To do so tap Settings > General > Software Update. If there is no update, restart your camera app by double pressing home button and then swipe up on the camera app.
- Second thing you should do is to restart your device. Just press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds then slide the red slider. Then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo.
- If restarting does not solve your problem, reset all your resettings. Simply go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Note that this will erase all your settings and preferences but down worry you will not lose any data.
- If your problem still persists, you may want to reset your device. To do so, press and hold the Power button and the Home (or Volume Down for devices without a mechanical Home) buttons together until you see the Apple logo.
- If nothing above helps, then you can try this. First back up your device (iTunes or iCloud) and erase your iPhone or iPad. by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The set up your device as new when prompted to set up your device. Check to see if erasing and setting up as a new device resolved your camera issue. If your problem is gone, restore your device from your backup in iTunes.
Additional Tips For When Your Cameras’ Not Working
If your iPad is in a case, remove it from that case. Then perform a force reset by holding down the Home and Power buttons for 30 seconds–your iPad should flash the apple logo–keep holding for a full 30-second count. After that, power up your iPad as normal and check the cameras.
Hardware Issues
If none of the above solutions fixed your problem, it’s most likely hardware related, which means you need a repair. Contact Apple Support via email, phone, chat, or in-person at an Apple Store and set-up an appointment to review your problem.
Other options include getting a local iDevice repair shop to take a look and provide an estimate or if you’re feeling ambitious, performing a DYI repair. There are a lot of online resources on how to correct these type of iPad issues withs step-by-step videos.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
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I have a 5th gen iPad.
The rear camera is not operating (black screen) front camera is working.
I installed a new camera, still nothing..did all resets…visited apple store..they said they do not do anything that involves opening up the unit but tried to sell me a new one for over $300..any suggestions?
Hi Robert,
I don’t know why they said they don’t open up the iPad–their repair unit does this all the time to fix problems under Apple Care+ warranties. I’m guessing they assumed a repair would be more expensive than a replacement (which is likely if it was not covered under Apple Care+.)
If the iPad isn’t experiencing any other problems than with that rear camera, I would check the placement of that camera again–perhaps it is loose or not fully engaged. Other than that, is it possible the replacement camera is faulty?
Sorry, this isn’t more helpful!
Liz
I have iOS 10 Apple iPad m camera it lets me take selfies but it doesn’t switch and I need help to fix the issue
Hi Laura,
Close all open apps by double pressing the Home Button and swiping up all the app previews off the top of your screen. Do this for every open app until all you see is your Home Screen.
Then power off the iPad, plug it into a wall outlet for charging for at least an hour.
While it’s charging, take a microfiber cloth and clean the iPad–paying particular attention to the areas where your iPad’s cameras are located. Remove any case, if you use one. After an hour charging and once cleaned, power the iPad back on.
See if the iPad’s cameras now work as you expect.
If not, download or use another app that accesses both cameras and see if the problem is the Camera App or your iPad.
My ipad2 back camera isn’t working it bring black screen when I try to use it
My frant camera is not working
My back camera is not working; showing a completely black screen.
The front camera, however, is working just fine.
How can I fix the issue with the back camera?
I have tried restarting and have done the factory reset…still the back camera is not working
Hi Angelique,
It’s possible there is a hardware issue with your camera, like a loose cable. Schedule an appointment with Apple Support Genius at your local Apple Store and have them inspect your device.
If that’s not possible, contact Apple Support in your home country/region and explain your issue and the steps you’ve already tried unsuccessfully.
It’s the same with mine except my camera flashes purple and black and loads of weird things happen with my camera on the back of my iPad.
I can’t access back camera. My front camera is fine
After update to latest iOS my iPad Mini camera black screen, switch to font and back still same.
Reset to default still cannot resolve the camera black screen problem, not able to take photo
Hi Alvin,
Sorry your camera isn’t working on your iPad Mini after the update.
First, close all open apps by double pressing the Home Button and swiping up on all the app previews to close those apps.
Have you tried force restarting your iPad by pressing the Home Button and the Power Button at the same time and maintain this hold until you see the Apple Logo on-screen. Then release all buttons.
Check if you camera is now working.
If that didn’t help, let’s try resetting your settings just in case something is getting in the way of your camera working normally.
Before you reset your settings, make a back up using iCloud or iTunes. Then go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Performing this sets things back to factory defaults, so things like WiFi passcodes, wallpapers, and other accessibility features and personalization are returned to the factory standards.
Let us know if this helps or if problems persist,
Liz
When I try to click pictures on 1xmode nothing appears is totally blank but 2xmode is working perfectly and no issues with third party app only 1x and portrait mode is not working please help me
the main camera on my Ipad not working
can you offer a solution
Hi Bernard,
If the tips in the article didn’t help, it’s likely there is a hardware problem or loose cable. Please contact Apple Support for further assistance and repair inspections.
Sam
Back camera problems sometimes working but sometimes not working
Thanks for your submission. Another element is that just being a photographer involves not only trouble in capturing award-winning photographs but also hardships in establishing the best photographic camera suited to your needs and most especially problems in maintaining the standard of your camera. That is very accurate and clear for those photography lovers that are in to capturing a nature’s engaging scenes — the mountains, the particular forests, the particular wild or even the seas. Going to these exciting places surely requires a digital camera that can meet the wild’s unpleasant area.
My iPad front camera is not working I tried all possible but nothing happened.
Hazelle if you have already tried to do a forced restart ( Press the home and on/off button together for 15 seconds or so till you see the Apple logo), and it has not helped, your best bet will be reach out to Apple support and they may be able to help you with this issue. Good Luck!
just bought an Apple Ipad Air 2 to replace my old Ipad 3rd Gen
The keyboard screen response isjust terrible but my main issue is that the
front facing camera does not work…black screen.
Tried everything from Apple etc. to no avail.
To say I am bitterly disappointed with this pad is the understatement of the year.
Cannot reset Ipad as it demands a code and I do not have one.
HI Frances,
I’m sorry the iPad Air 2 isn’t working as expected. That must feel very frustrating indeed.
Since you mention you cannot reset the iPad with a code–does that mean you never power off your iPad?
Once thing you still should be able to do, even without a passcode, is close apps. So double press home and then swipe up on any apps that use the camera or keyboard. You’ll need to swipe up on at least a few apps, depending on how many you have open.
This might help your issue.
We also strongly encourage you to fix the passcode issue–if it’s a new device purchased recently, you can call Apple and let them know you have a problem setting up your iPad .
If it’s not a new device but rather new to you, can you ask the previous owner to assist you in creating a new passcode?
It’s best to turn off an iPad fully for a few hours at least once per week, preferably a few times per week. Doing this process leads to much longer iPad life and performance.
SK
Both of my cameras in iPhone 6 stopped working in all apps except FaceTime. I tried all solutions mentioned in this article. Does anyone by any chance found any other solution besides contacting Apple (as this is clearly software issue)?
Hello, my iPad 2 takes pictures on the back but on every app including camera won’t let me take Selfies, any solution?
Hi Sievert,
Does the front camera work with any app–like FaceTime? If not, the problem is most likely a hardware issue with the camera (or a connecting cable.) In that case, the best fix is to take it into an Apple certified repair center or an Apple Store. NO software solution will work to fix a hardware problem.
SK
I received an iPad 2 for my birthday on Friday. The camera works and switches from front to back easily except on Facebook. I was trying to go live but the camera freezes when I press the icon for the front-facing camera.It stays in rear facing camera mode. I reset the iPad, took it out the case and tried it again. Nothing is working. I see you didn’t answer the lady before me with this problem. I hope you help me because if this doesn’t get fixed, I’ll have to send it back 🙁 I got it for LIVE videoing.
Thanks!
Hi Sonja,
As you point out, you are not alone in this problem. Unfortunately, quite a few folks are finding this issue when using Facebook Live. For some folks, the front camera hangs/freezes and for others trying to do a live broadcast using the forward facing camera shows up a backwards image.
To share a live video from your Page, first, make sure your Page is verified with a blue checkmark. A live video is a real-time video post on Facebook. During your broadcast, you’ll see the number of live viewers and a real-time stream of comments. When the broadcasts end, it will stay on your Page’s Timeline.
For those experiencing problems with a flipped image, look for the magic wand in the upper right corner. Click on it. At the bottom, a toolbar appears. Click on the last icon – the tools. Select to HORIZONTAL FLIP.
For camera problems:
Update both your Facebook App and your iOS, if any updates are available
Check your Privacy Settings to ensure camera is enabled (Settings > Privacy)
Make sure Restrictions if OFF (Settings > General > Restrictions)
Close ALL open apps by double clicking HOME and swiping up on all apps. After all apps are closed open Facebook.
Close any open applications that use a camera or microphone, such as FaceTime, Skype, or any other video-calling or chat programs. The try Facebook again
Try reinstalling the Facebook app by deleting it (press and hold app until you see the “x”–then press the x). Then go to the app store and download the app again, sign in, and see if this fixes your issue
Check the app to make sure that you have a strong signal before going live. WiFi tends to work best, but if you can’t find a nearby network, use an LTE or 4G connection. If you have weak signal, the ‘Go Live’ button is grayed out
Hopefully one of these tips works for you–if so let us know which. And if not, let us know that too.
SK
iPad 2nd generation. Camera works and switches from front to back easily except on Facebook. I tried to go live but the camera freezes when I press the icon for the front-facing camera. I reset the iPad to no avail. Ideas?
Hi Stepheni,
Try closing all apps and then opening up Facebook. Double-click Home and swipe up on everything to close.
Update both your Facebook App and your iOS, if any updates are available
Check your Privacy Settings to ensure camera is enabled (Settings > Privacy)
Make sure Restrictions if OFF (Settings > General > Restrictions)
Try reinstalling the Facebook app by deleting it (press and hold app until you see the “x”–then press the x). Then go to the app store and download the app again, sign in, and see if this fixes your issue
Force Restart by pressing Home and Power until you see the Apple Logo
Hopefully one of these tips works for you
Hey thank you for trying but it didn’t work If you have more ideas I will try them.
Hope
Hi again Hope,
IS it just your front camera that’s not working or are both front and rear cameras not working? Do either of your cameras work with any app? Or is one or both not working at all?
If your iPad is in a case, remove it from that case. Then perform a force reset by holding down the Home and Power buttons for 30 seconds–your iPad should flash the apple logo–keep holding for a full 30-second count. After that, power up your iPad as normal and check the cameras.
If your iPad still has a problem, it’s most likely hardware related, which means you need a repair. Contact Apple Support via phone, chat or in the store and set-up an appointment to review your problem. Given the model of your iPad, it’s probably no longer covered under warranty so there is a cost associated with this type of repair.
Other options include getting a local iDevice repair shop to take a look and provide an estimate or if you’re feeling ambitious, performing a DYI repair. There are a lot of online resources on how to repair these type of iPad issues withs step-by-step videos.
Best of luck,
SK
Thank you for the help and yes camera apps don’t work either Snapchat,camera,and FaceTime. I will try the things you gave me again thank you.
My iPad 4 camera won’t work on snapchat for camera help!
Hi Hope,
From what I understand, your camera is not working with the Snapchat app. Does the camera work in both orientations with other apps or in the Camera app? But does not work with Snapchat? If so, close Snapchat by double-tapping the home button to bring up the multi-tasking bar. Find the Snapchat and swipe upwards to force it closed. Then force restart your iPad by holding the sleep/wake and home buttons together until you see the Apple logo, then release. After your iPad reboots, open Snap and see if the camera works now.
If it does not work, open Settings > Privacy > Camera > Toggle ON Snapchat.
If that still doesn’t work, try deleting the Snapchat app and then add it back.
Also, make sure you allow Snap to access your camera by setting the correct permissions within Snapchat.
Tap the Snapchat icon at the top-left of your camera screen
Tap the gear icon at the top-right
Scroll down, Find Additional Services, and tap Manage
Select Permissions
Tap to enable the Camera and any other permissions you want to add to your settings.
Make sure to enable Camera and Photos
Hope this helps you!
SK
Same thing black screen
Same here.
Mine too, today. Nothing is working.
planned obsolescence
Mine just stopped working today and still no possible solution to fixing back my rear camera. Please help
i have the iphone 5s and neither of my cameras are working. sometimes if i repeatedly press the white button on the bottom a pop-up will come up and say “iphone needs to cool down before you can use the flash” and i’ve heard mulitiple solutions but none of them help. apparently it is a software issue and whenever i try to use my camera it will overheat and burn my hand. if anyone has a solution please help
Hey guys same here, both rear and front cam is not working on my iphone 5s after i update my ios. I restart my iphone and nothing is happened. Any suggestion please???!!!
Totally disappointed with recent iPhone products. Substandard quality.
I am updating with ios 9.2.1
The camera was not working before. The screen is black.
Hi, Thomas!
Did you get your camera working?
Dear Sir,
After attending efforts as adived, but till not supporting, means front camer sutter not open ..when o tried immediately back screen come. Please advise for short out problems.
Regards
Rohit dholakia
If your camera works except for Messenger. After abit of research I found the solutions.
Go to ‘settings’ -> ‘privacy’ -> ‘camera’
Enabled Camera for messenger there.
Under ‘privacy’ you can find others like ‘photos’ to enable/disable for certain apps.
My camera won’t work. It is a black screen. Does nothing.
Mine is not working after I updated the software…I already reset myopathy but still not working….
The front cam of my ipad mini stopped working after i updated it to ios 8. Eventually the back cam started not working to.ive done all the basic trouble shooting but to no avail.pls apple help
your fix for a dark screen on my iPad camera worked a treat my iPad now back to normal thank you.
I have tried the steps above except for contacting support.
The reason being is that Sometimes the cameras work just fine.
Please Apple look in to this issue.
How it was working before the IOS updates 8.1.1 ???
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