11 Ways to Fix iPhone Camera Black Screen/Not Working

User Concern

“I've heard a lot of people are having a black screen in the camera App after the iOS 18 update and I'm one of them. Is there anything I can do to fix this?”

Is your iPhone camera showing a black screen or not working at all? You’re not the only one facing this problem. Although iPhones are known for their powerful cameras and smooth performance, issues like black screens, frozen camera apps, or non-working cameras are fairly common.

These problems can stop you from taking photos or videos, which can be frustrating. But don’t worry - this guide will walk you through several helpful tips and solutions to fix your iPhone camera and get it working again in no time.

Why is My iPhone Camera Showing a Black Screen?

If your iPhone camera is showing a black screen, it usually means the camera app is unable to function correctly. This can be caused by several different issues. Here are the most common reasons:

• Minor bugs in iOS or the Camera app may prevent the camera feed from displaying properly.
• The Camera app or third-party apps using the camera may crash or freeze, resulting in a black screen.
• If your iPhone has been dropped or exposed to water, the front or rear camera may be damaged and stop working.
• Problems during iOS updates or corrupted system files can prevent the camera from working properly.
• Some third-party apps might not work well with your iOS version, which can cause the camera to show a black screen.

Basic Solutions to iPhone Camera Black Screen Issue

Force Quit the Camera App

If the Camera app fails to load properly, it can result in a black screen when you try to use it. In many cases, force-closing and reopening the app can resolve this issue quickly and restore normal camera function.

• If your iPhone has Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. If your iPhone has a Home button, double-press the Home button.
• Next, swipe left or right to find the Camera app preview, then swipe it up and off the screen to close it.
• Wait a few seconds, then go back to your Home screen, find the Camera app icon, and tap it to relaunch the app.

Restart Your iPhone

If your iPhone camera isn’t working, restarting the device can often fix the issue. A simple reboot can clear out minor software glitches that may be interfering with the camera. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:

• On iPhone X or newer, press and hold the Power button and either Volume button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. On earlier iPhones, press and hold the Power button only until you see the slider.
• Next, drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.
• After the screen goes black, wait a few seconds. Then, press and hold the Power button again until you see the Apple logo, which means your iPhone is restarting.

Clean the Camera Lens

A dirty or smudged camera lens can affect your photo quality or even cause the camera to stop working properly. Cleaning the lens can often solve these problems. Here’s how to safely clean your iPhone’s camera lens:

• Turn off your iPhone.
• Find the camera lens on the back (and the front, if your iPhone has a front camera).
• Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away fingerprints, dust, and dirt from the lens.

Switch Between Front and Rear Cameras

Sometimes, one of your iPhone’s cameras may experience issues and stop functioning properly. In such cases, switching from the front camera to the rear camera - or vice versa - can help resolve the problem and restore normal operation.

More Effective Solutions to iPhone Camera Not Working

Turn Off VoiceOver

It may be surprising, but many users have found that the iPhone camera shows a black screen or stops working when the VoiceOver feature is enabled. This is likely a software glitch in iOS that can interfere with the camera’s function. To fix this, you need to turn off VoiceOver by following these steps:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Click on Accessibility and check if the VoiceOver is on.
• If it is on, turn it off using the toggle button.

Update iOS to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of iOS can cause compatibility problems that may make your iPhone camera malfunction. Updating your device to the latest iOS version can often resolve these issues. Here’s how to update your iPhone’s iOS:

• Open Settings and tap General -> Software Update.
• Tap Download and Install or Install Now if an iOS update is available.

Check for App Updates

Besides updating iOS, it’s important to keep your Camera app and other related apps updated as well. App updates often bring bug fixes and enhancements that can resolve camera problems. To check for app updates:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Scroll down to find Available Updates.
• If you see updates for the Camera app or other related apps, tap Update next to each one to install the latest version.

Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone can often resolve camera problems caused by incorrect configurations. Keep in mind, though, this will restore all your personalized settings to their defaults - but it won’t delete your data. To reset all settings on your iPhone:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone and click on General.
• Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone from the bottom.
• Next, click on Reset All Settings and enter your passcode if required.

Perform a Factory Reset (Data Loss)

In most cases, resetting your iPhone’s settings can fix camera problems. If that doesn’t work, you may need to perform a factory reset, which erases all content and settings. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Then, follow these steps to reset your iPhone to factory settings:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap General.
• Scroll to the bottom and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings and enter your passcode when prompted to confirm.

Fix iPhone Camera Not Working without Data Loss

In addition to the common issues mentioned earlier, firmware problems can also cause your iPhone’s camera to malfunction. In such cases, a third-party tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery can be very effective. This software works with all iPhones, including the newest iPhone 15 and 16 models, and supports the latest iOS versions like iOS 17 and 18. It can fix many iOS problems without deleting your data, making it a great option to solve camera and other system issues.

• Install the latest version of FoneGeek iOS System Recovery software on your computer. Click on Standard Mode to proceed.
• Using a USB cable to connect your iPhone to computer. Once FoneGeek recognises your iPhone, confirm the device info and click Download to download the firmware package.
• Just tap on Fix Now after having downloaded the firmware. Your iPhone will now reboot normally and eliminate the problems for you.

Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your iPhone camera still isn’t working, it might be time to contact Apple Support. Their experts can help you with advanced troubleshooting or suggest repairs if needed. You can also visit a nearby iPhone repair store to get professional assistance.

Conclusion

Just follow these effective solutions to resolve the iPhone camera black screen or other malfunction issues. Before taking more drastic steps such as performing a full device reset, it’s worth trying FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. Known for its reliability and safety, this powerful tool can repair your iPhone’s camera problems without any data loss.