iPhone back camera not working can look like a black screen, a camera app that closes, a blurry or shaking picture, or a message that the camera is unavailable. The rear camera is a complex part with several lenses and image stabilisation, so it can fail in more ways than the selfie lens.
Good news first: most cases are fixed by a restart or by removing a case or accessory. Android phones show the same signs and the same fixes apply with different menu names, so this page covers both. If only the selfie lens fails, go to front camera not working, and for the general picture read phone camera not working.
Common causes
1Software glitch in the camera app or system
How to tellBlack screen or freeze that clears for a while after restart
What fixes itForce close the camera, restart, then update the system
2Magnetic case, mount or ring near the lens
How to tellShaky, vibrating or blurry live view, especially in video
What fixes itRemove magnets, car mounts and metal rings and test again
3Dirty, fogged or scratched lens glass
How to tellHazy photos or a smudge in the same spot every time
What fixes itClean the glass with a dry microfibre cloth
4Another app is holding the camera
How to tellBlack screen only after using a scanner or video app
What fixes itClose all apps and open the camera alone
5Low storage or heat
How to tellCamera closes, cannot save, or a temperature warning appears
What fixes itFree space and let the phone cool
6Damaged camera module after a drop or water
How to tellBlack or flickering in every app, or lines and spots on pictures
What fixes itAuthorised service for a part check
How to fix it, step by step
Switch lenses and modes
Open the camera and tap the flip icon, then flip back. Change between photo, video and portrait, and tap the zoom values such as 0.5x, 1x or 2x if your model has them. If one lens works and another does not, you have narrowed the fault to that lens.
Remove the case and everything magnetic
Metal rings, magnetic car mounts and some wallet add-ons can disturb the lens stabiliser. Take them all off, wait a minute and test video in particular.
Close the camera app completely
Swipe the camera app away from the app switcher and open it again. Also close scanning, video call and social apps that have an inside camera, so nothing else uses the lens.
Restart the phone
Switch the iPhone off with the slider, wait half a minute, and switch it on. Test the rear camera before opening other apps.
Clean the lens glass
Use a dry microfibre cloth in a circle on each lens. Skip sprays. If you use a lens protector or cover, remove it for the test, since cheap ones blur pictures.
Check storage and temperature
Open Settings, General and storage to see free space. Delete or back up big videos. If the phone feels hot, rest it in shade for a while and try again.
Update iOS
Install the newest update from Settings, General, Software Update. Camera bugs after large updates are normally corrected in the next small one. Stay on Wi-Fi with enough charge.
Reset settings only after everything else
Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, then Reset all settings keeps your photos and apps but clears preferences and Wi-Fi passwords. Back up first. Do not erase the whole phone unless a technician asks.
Why iphone back camera not working is not always hardware
People often think a black screen means a broken camera. In practice a black preview with a normal front camera is as likely to be a software hang as a dead module. A good clue is timing: if a restart brings the camera back for hours, software is involved. If it fails the moment you open the app after a drop, expect hardware.
You open the camera and the view is black with the shutter button still visible. You flip to the selfie lens and it works. The rear module is the suspect, but try a restart and a case-free test before booking repair.
Shaking or buzzing rear camera on iPhone
A camera that vibrates, rattles or shows a jumpy picture often has a stabiliser that is being pulled by a magnet or has been jarred by a fall. Remove magnetic accessories first. Strong vibration from a motorbike mount can also damage the stabiliser over time, which is a known risk for phone cameras in general. If the rattle continues with no accessory, a technician must check the module.
Android rear camera not working
On Android, the same tests apply, plus two more. Empty the camera's cache from its app info screen; your photos stay untouched. Then use safe mode to see whether a downloaded app is responsible. Names of menus vary by brand. Many models also show messages like camera failed, which are worth noting down for the technician.
Quick check table
| What you see | Likely reason |
|---|---|
| Black screen, front lens fine | Software hang or rear module |
| Shaking video | Magnet or stabiliser problem |
| Hazy photos | Dirty glass or protector |
| Camera app closes | Low storage, heat or bug |
| Spots, lines or colour tint | Sensor damage |
If the torch also fails, see flashlight not working, since both sit on the same back module area.
Repair and warranty notes
If the camera still fails after the steps above, take the phone to an authorised service provider. The repair cost depends on the model, how many lenses the module has, and whether water or a crack is involved. A phone in warranty may be covered if there is no physical damage, and opening it elsewhere can end that cover. Ask the shop to show the fault before replacing parts.
Back up your photos before you hand the phone over. Do not share your passcode or screen lock details outside the service desk.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone back camera not working and showing black?
It is often a software hang, an app holding the camera or a magnetic accessory. Close the app, remove the case, restart and update. A black screen after a drop suggests hardware damage.
Why is my back camera not working on iPhone 14 or iPhone 15?
Newer models have stabilised lenses that can be disturbed by magnets and car mounts. Remove accessories, restart and update. If the lens rattles, get it checked.
Why is my rear camera not working on Android?
Common causes are cache problems, a conflict with another app, low storage and heat. Clear the camera cache, test in safe mode and update the system.
Can a lens cover cause a camera problem?
Yes. Cheap protectors or covers can cause haze, glare or focus trouble. Peel it off for a test.
Is a rear camera repair expensive?
It depends on the model and how many lenses the module holds. Ask for a quote first and have the fault confirmed.