How to Fix iPhone 7 Plus Camera Problems (Black Screen, Flash Issues, Blurry Photos)

While the iPhone 7 Plus is known for its powerful camera system, some users have run into frustrating issues like a black camera screen, flashes of purple or green, color tinting, a faulty shutter, or one rear camera lens not working at all.
If you’re facing any of these problems, don’t worry—you might be able to fix them yourself without heading to a repair shop.

Here’s your complete guide to troubleshooting and fixing iPhone 7 Plus camera issues.


Why Your iPhone 7 Plus Camera May Not Be Working

  • Software bugs in the Camera app
  • Glitches after iOS updates
  • Blocked or dirty lenses
  • Hardware damage (especially from drops or liquid exposure)
  • Faulty third-party cases or accessories

If your phone hasn’t been dropped or exposed to water, there’s a good chance a quick software fix can solve the issue.


Step-by-Step Fixes for iPhone 7 Plus Camera Problems


Step 1: Quit the Camera App and Restart Your iPhone

A quick restart often clears minor app glitches.

To restart:

  • Press and hold the Power button until the “slide to power off” appears.
  • Turn the device off.
  • After 30 seconds, press Power again to turn it back on.

If your phone is frozen:

  • Press and hold Power + Volume Down until you see the Apple logo.

Step 2: Force Close Background Apps

A rogue app might be interfering with the Camera.

To force close:

  • Double-press the Home button.
  • Swipe up on all open app previews to close them.
  • Relaunch the Camera app.

Step 3: Check for Lens Blockages

  • Remove any case or accessories that might cover the lens.
  • Tap the Camera Swap icon to test both the front and back cameras.

If only one camera shows a black screen, the lens or sensor might be damaged.


Step 4: Clean the Camera Lens

Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens.

  • Smudges or dirt can cause blurry, dark, or distorted photos.

Step 5: Remove Metallic Cases or Magnetic Lenses

If you’re using a metallic case or magnetic lens attachment, remove it.

  • These can interfere with the optical image stabilization system, causing blurriness or focus issues.

Step 6: Adjust Focus Manually

Before taking a photo:

  • Tap on the screen to set focus on your subject.
  • Stay steady while focusing; moving too much will cause the camera to re-center automatically.

Step 7: Test the LED Flash

To check if your LED flash is working:

  • Swipe up to open Control Center and tap the Flashlight icon.

If the flash doesn’t work here, it likely won’t work in the Camera app either.

Tip:
If you see a “Flash is Disabled” message, let your iPhone cool down—it happens when the device overheats.


Step 8: Check If the Camera Is Restricted

If you can’t find the Camera app:

  • Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
  • Make sure Camera is allowed.

Step 9: Update to the Latest iOS Version

Sometimes, camera issues are fixed through software updates.

To check for updates:

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • If available, download and install the update.

Note: Updates can take time, especially over Wi-Fi, so make sure your iPhone is fully charged.


Step 10: Try a Third-Party Camera App

If nothing else works:

  • Download a reputable camera app from the App Store and test if it can access the camera hardware.

If third-party apps also fail, it’s likely a hardware issue.


When to Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all of these steps and your iPhone 7 Plus camera still isn’t working:

  • Contact Apple Support.
  • Visit a Genius Bar or authorized service center.
  • If your iPhone is under warranty or AppleCare+, you may qualify for a free repair or replacement.

3 thoughts on “How to Fix iPhone 7 Plus Camera Problems (Black Screen, Flash Issues, Blurry Photos)”

  1. Much like the issue posted in regards to the iPhone 7 camera not working after iOS 10 update, I am having same with iphone6S. The screen goes black or out of focus randomly when in the camera app & I have to restart my phone in order to use the camera. I have replaced my phone with a new phone (not refurbished) so the camera hardware is undamaged and still have the issue. Leaving me to believe it is a bug in the apple camera app. I’ve contacted apple 10 separate times and gone through all of their troubleshooting even restoring a brand new phone. Nothing has worked and they want to keep giving me a new phone insisting it must be hardware issue instead of acknowledging that it has to be software. So far each new phone has same issue. I’m at a loss on what to do.

  2. My iPhone 7 Plus camera has proved itself more blurry than an iPhone 5, and problem with close up macro images (which i have to take every day of my small products i sell online), is immense. The telephoto and digital zooms argue with each other when zooming in close, and refuse to focus properly. Apart from this, indeed, even normal photos, when i have taken them and look at them by zooming in on my desktop screen, they look like blurry pixelly rubbish. The wors camera since iPhone 5. My iPhone 5 is still the camera of choice, and since i got this iPhone 7+, am reluctant to buy any more releases of iPhones at all. They are for selfies and other narcisssistic crap, but not good for professional use. emojicons and selfies.. = iPhone. noting for productivity anymore. By the way this website is tasteless due to the popup floating video ads which are a terribly bothersome thing.. wont be returning to this site due to bad taste video overlays

  3. I am incredibly frustrated with this issue. The rear camera was replaced on my last iPhone 7 and after a few months the blurry issue came back. After all the usual troubleshooting steps I took the phone to an Apple store when the issue started happening again. They swapped out the phone as a last resort but after using this new iPhone 7 for less than a week, the issue is back.
    It seems Apple refuses to acknowledge it and closing/reopening an app to capture a photo is not functional if you take a lot of photos.

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