Front camera not working usually looks like a black, blurry or frozen preview, or a message that the camera cannot be used. In most cases the lens is fine and something in the software is holding it back, so you can fix it yourself in a short time.
This page is written for the selfie lens above the screen, on both iPhone and Android. It starts with checks that cost nothing, then covers the cases where the camera hardware has really failed. If the rear lens is the one that fails, read back camera not working, and for both lenses together see phone camera not working.
Common causes
1Another app is already using the camera
How to tellBlack screen in one app, but it worked a moment ago
What fixes itClose all apps from the recent list and open the camera alone
2Camera permission is off for the app
How to tellVideo call or social app shows a black box or asks to allow access
What fixes itSwitch Camera on for that app under its permissions
3Software glitch or a bad update
How to tellBegan right after an update, or the phone has run for weeks without a restart
What fixes itRestart the phone and install the latest system update
4Camera switch button set to the wrong lens
How to tellYou see the rear view or a wide view instead of your face
What fixes itTap the flip icon in the camera app
5Dirty, scratched or covered lens
How to tellPhotos look foggy, hazy or have a smudge in one spot
What fixes itDry-polish the glass and peel off any guard that overlaps the lens
6Low storage or overheating
How to tellCamera closes by itself, shows a heat warning or says storage is full
What fixes itFree some space, cool the phone and try again
7Damaged camera module or loose connector
How to tellStays black in every app, or started after a drop or water
What fixes itVisit an authorised service centre
How to fix it, step by step
Flip the camera and look again
Open the stock camera app and tap the flip icon. It is easy to be on the rear lens without noticing, especially in video mode. If you now see yourself, the lens works.
Force close every app, then reopen the camera
Two apps cannot hold the camera at once. Pull up the list of open apps and clear them all, including video call apps and scanners. Then open only the camera app.
Check camera permission for the app
If the stock camera works but one app shows black, the app lacks permission. On iPhone go to Settings, find the app and switch on Camera. On Android open Settings, Apps, pick the app, then Permissions, and allow Camera.
Restart the phone
A restart clears stuck camera services. Use the power menu to restart, and give the phone a minute to finish loading before opening the camera.
Clean the lens and remove the guard
Use a dry microfibre cloth on the glass over the lens. Some tempered glass or privacy films cover the selfie lens or the notch area and blur or darken the image. Peel it off for a test.
Free storage and let the phone cool
A nearly full phone can fail to save pictures, which looks like a camera fault. Delete large videos or move them to a computer. If the phone is hot after charging or gaming, rest it for ten minutes.
Update the system and the app
Open the system update screen in Settings and install anything pending. Update the app that fails from its store page too, because old app versions sometimes break after a system change.
Try safe mode on Android
On most Android phones, holding the power-off option on screen offers safe mode. In safe mode, third-party apps pause. If the front camera works there, a downloaded app is the cause, so remove recently added apps one by one. Menu names vary by brand.
Why the front camera not working differs from the rear one
The selfie lens is smaller, has a simpler sensor and sits behind the screen glass edge. It has no flash and often no autofocus motor. That is why it fails in different ways: it is more likely to be blocked by a screen guard, and less likely to fail from a stuck focus motor. If only the front lens fails, the rear one working is a good sign that the camera app and system are healthy.
iPhone front camera not working: extra checks
On an iPhone, also try this: open Settings, Screen Time and Content and Privacy Restrictions, and confirm the camera is allowed. Face ID (see Face ID not working) uses its own sensors near the top, so a working Face ID does not prove the selfie lens is fine, and the reverse is also true. If the camera app shows a black screen only in Portrait or Cinematic mode, switch back to Photo and test.
Android front camera not working: extra checks
On Android phones, open the camera app settings and look for a reset option, which restores default camera settings. Android also lets you empty the camera's temporary files from its app info screen, which keeps your photos safe. Wiping its storage can reset camera options, so begin with the lighter option.
Do not install camera replacement apps from unknown sources to test your lens. Use only your phone's own camera app and apps from the official store.
Signs it is hardware and not software
| What you notice | Points to |
|---|---|
| Works after restart, then fails again | Software or low memory |
| Black in every app and in safe mode | Hardware or connector |
| Started after a fall or a splash | Hardware damage |
| Image is purple, green or has lines | Sensor or module fault |
| Blur only in one corner | Dirt or a loose guard |
When to go for repair
If a restart, an update and safe mode make no difference, the module needs a technician. The repair price comes down to the handset, to whether the selfie module can be changed alone or comes with the sensor assembly, and whether the phone has water damage. Ask for the part to be tested before it is replaced, and keep a phone that is still covered with the brand's own service, as outside repair may end the cover.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my front camera not working on iPhone?
The usual reasons are another app holding the camera, a permission turned off, a screen guard covering the lens or a software glitch. Close apps, restart and check Settings for the app's camera access.
Why is my front camera not working on Android?
Most often a recent update, a clash with another app or full storage. Try safe mode, clear the camera app cache and update the system. If it stays black in safe mode, the hardware may be at fault.
Why does my selfie camera show a black screen?
A black screen means the phone gets no image from the lens. Software blocks, a stuck app or a bad connector can all cause it. A restart fixes many cases.
Can a factory reset fix a front camera problem?
Only if the cause is deep in the software, and it deletes your data, so back up first. Try restart, update and safe mode before any reset.
Is a front camera repair worth it?
Usually yes if the phone is otherwise good, since the selfie module is a small part. Ask the shop for the cost before work begins.