How to Fix iPhone 7 Camera Not Working or Blurry Photos

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iPhone 7 cameras are usually reliable, but when problems hit, they can be a major headache. A lot of the time, camera issues are caused by software glitches and are easy to fix — but when hardware damage is involved, there’s not much you can do at home.

The golden rule: exhaust all software fixes first. If nothing works after resetting and restoring, it’s time to get Apple involved.

Here’s a breakdown of real-world camera problems and how you can troubleshoot them.

iPhone 7 Rear Camera and Flash Not Working

Problem:
The front camera works fine, but the rear camera is black and the flash doesn’t work. On FaceTime, the front camera is upside down.

Solution:
If you haven’t dropped your iPhone or exposed it to water, try restoring the software:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using the original Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
  3. Select your iPhone.
  4. Click Restore iPhone.
  5. Set it up as a new device (don’t use a backup).

If restoring doesn’t fix it, you’re almost certainly looking at a hardware problem.
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for repair.

How to Minimize Blurry or Out-of-Focus Photos on iPhone 7

Problem:
Photos are shaky, blurry, and the camera makes a buzzing noise. Apps like Snapchat and Facebook have the same issue.

Solution:
First, rule out user errors and simple fixes:

  1. Clean the camera lens:
    • Use a soft microfiber cloth.
  2. Remove any case or cover:
    • Some cases can put pressure on the camera module.
  3. Soft reset your iPhone:
    • Hold the Power button until the slider appears, turn it off, then turn it back on.

If that doesn’t help, try these steps:

  • Lock the focus manually:
    1. Open the Camera app.
    2. Tap and hold on the subject to activate AE/AF Lock.
    3. Take the photo.
  • Reset all settings:
    1. Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings.
    2. Enter your passcode if asked.
    3. Confirm the reset.
  • Factory reset your iPhone:
    1. Backup your important data.
    2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
    3. Set up your iPhone as new (not from a backup).

If the issue still happens after a clean wipe, it’s probably a hardware issue — bring the iPhone to Apple for diagnostics.

iPhone 7 Front Camera Not Working After Repair

Problem:
After a repair, the front camera stopped working. It’s black on the regular Camera app and won’t switch on Snapchat.

Solution:
If restoring your iPhone didn’t fix it, the repair shop most likely damaged the front camera module or its connector.

Here’s what to do:

  • Bring the phone back to the repair shop and explain the new issue.
  • If they won’t fix it, you’ll need to have the front camera module repaired or replaced by a professional.

Final Tip: When to Contact Apple

If you’ve done all the resets, wipes, and cleanups and your camera still isn’t working right, stop wasting time and talk to Apple. Hardware repairs aren’t something you should attempt unless you’re experienced with iPhone repairs — and even then, it’s risky.

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