Fix iOS 13 Camera Not Working: 9 Real Fixes

If your iPhone camera shows a black screen, freezes, or fails to focus after updating to iOS 13, the fix usually starts with a simple restart or a quick settings check. Here are the most effective solutions, from the simplest to the most involved.

Why the iOS 13 Camera Fails

The iOS 13 update introduced a new photo picker, redesigned editing tools, and a new camera interface. These changes can conflict with older apps, corrupted settings, or even a low battery. Common symptoms include:

Black screen instead of the viewfinder
Camera app crashes immediately after opening
Shutter button is grayed out or unresponsive
Photos are blurry or the focus won’t lock
Flash or HDR options are missing

Most of these are software-related, not hardware failures. The steps below address the most likely causes in order of probability.

Step 1: Force-Quit and Restart the Camera App

The quickest fix is to close the Camera app completely and reopen it. On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom edge and pause. On a Home-button iPhone, double-click the Home button. Swipe up on the Camera app card to dismiss it. Then tap the Camera icon again.

If that doesn’t work, restart the iPhone itself. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider, wait 30 seconds, then power back on. This clears temporary glitches and is the first step Apple recommends for any app misbehavior.

Step 2: Check Microphone and Camera Permissions

iOS 13 tightened privacy controls. If you previously denied camera access to an app—or the system mistakenly revoked it—the Camera app may behave oddly. Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and ensure the Camera app itself is toggled on. Also check Settings > Privacy > Microphone because video recording needs both.

If you see a message like “Camera Unavailable” or “Face ID has been disabled,” it usually means the camera hardware is not responding—see Step 6.

Step 3: Reset All Settings (Not Your Data)

This is a safe, non-destructive step that clears system preferences like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and, importantly, any corrupted camera-related settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair Bluetooth devices, but your photos, apps, and files remain untouched.

This often fixes issues that persist after a restart, especially if the camera worked before the iOS 13 update but broke afterward.

Step 4: Update to the Latest iOS 13 Version

Apple released multiple iOS 13 point updates (13.1, 13.2, 13.3, etc.) that fixed many camera bugs. Check Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, back up your iPhone and install it. Many users report that a specific camera black-screen issue was resolved in iOS 13.2 or later.

If you are already on the latest version, skip this step.

Step 5: Check for App-Specific Conflicts

Sometimes third-party apps like Instagram, Snapchat, or WhatsApp can interfere with the camera. Try using the camera in each app individually. If only one app fails, delete and reinstall that app. If the built-in Camera app works but third-party apps don’t, the issue is the app, not your iPhone.

Also, check if you have a screen protector or case that covers the camera lens. A dirty or smudged lens can cause blur, and a thick case can block the flash or the microphone. Clean the lens with a soft, dry cloth.

Step 6: Hardware Checks and DFU Restore

If none of the above work, the problem may be hardware-related. Try the following:

Open the Camera app and switch between front and rear cameras. If only one works, the other lens may be physically damaged.
Test the flash by turning on the flashlight from Control Center. If it doesn’t light, the flash module could be faulty.
Use the camera in a dark room. If the screen remains black but the shutter sound plays, the camera sensor is likely dead.

If you suspect hardware failure, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. Do not attempt to disassemble the phone yourself—you may void the warranty or cause further damage.

As a last software resort, you can perform a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore. This re-installs the entire operating system and is more thorough than a standard reset. Connect your iPhone to a computer, open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS), and follow the DFU steps for your specific model. This will erase all data, so back up first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my camera black after iOS 13 update?

A black screen usually indicates a software glitch or a permissions issue. Start with a restart, then check camera permissions in Settings. If that fails, reset all settings. If the screen is still black, the camera module may be damaged.

Will resetting all settings delete my photos?

No. “Reset All Settings” only resets system preferences like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and notification settings. It does not erase photos, apps, or other personal data.

How do I know if it’s a hardware problem?

If the camera fails in every app, the flash doesn’t work, and the phone has been restarted and updated, it’s likely hardware. Also, if the camera worked fine before iOS 13 but stopped after the update, it’s more likely a software bug that a restore can fix.

Can I downgrade from iOS 13 to fix the camera?

Apple rarely allows downgrading to older iOS versions. Once a version is no longer signed, you cannot install it. If you are still on iOS 12, you can restore to it, but if you’ve already updated to iOS 13, your only options are the fixes above or waiting for the next update.

Why does my camera freeze when I take a photo?

Freezing after a shot can be caused by low storage space. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and free up some space. Also, close other apps running in the background to free up RAM.

Is there a way to fix the camera without restoring?

Yes, try all the steps above first. Most iOS 13 camera issues are resolved by a restart, a settings reset, or an app reinstall. Only if those fail should you consider a full restore.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →