9 Fixes for Front Camera Not Working on iPhone (16/15/14)

Is your iPhone’s front camera acting up? Whether you're trying to snap a selfie, hop on a FaceTime call, or take a quick video, it can be confusing when your front camera doesn’t work. Although hardware issues don’t happen often, some users do encounter the front camera not working on iPhone. What’s wrong with your front camera? Let's dive into the reasons why the iPhone selfie camera not working and how to fix a misbehaving front camera on your iPhone.

Why Is My Front Camera Not Working on iPhone 16/15/14?

When the selfie camera doesn’t work on your iPhone, quite a few aspects can be taken into consideration, including the Camera app itself, the hardware camera gadget, and even third-party tools.

Sometimes, the front camera on iPhone 16/15/14/13 may malfunction due to temporary software bugs. These issues can particularly arise after a system update, disrupting normal camera function. So, if you encountered the iOS 18.1.1 front camera not working, possibly it’s the update that caused the scene.

The problem can also lie in the Camera app itself. Glitches in the app can cause the front camera to stop working, making it important to check for app-related issues.

Physical damage to your iPhone can directly affect its camera. Dropping the device or exposing it to water can cause internal damage, affecting the front camera. Even if your phone seems fine on the outside, internal components might have been impacted.

Is there any third-party software that’s granted the front camera permission? If so, these tools may get in the way.

iPhone has a voice-over function that can possibly cause the front camera to turn black when in use.

How to Fix Front Camera Not Working on iPhone 16/15/14

Understanding the causes makes it easy for you to figure out the fixes. Keep reading to know the best fixes for iPhone front camera not working.

Restarting Your iPhone

It may sound too simple to be true, but restarting your iPhone often solves a bunch of minor issues. This resets any software glitches that might be causing the front camera to malfunction. Just power off your device, wait for a few seconds and turn it back on.

Updating iOS

This may sound weird since we just talked about updating the iOS can be the cause. However, Apple frequently releases updates that fix bugs, including camera-related issues. So always ensure you are running the latest version such as iOS 18.1.1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check if there’s an update available.

Force Quitting the Camera App

Sometimes, the camera app itself can freeze or glitch. Force quitting the Camera app and reopening it can refresh its processes and potentially fix the problem. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and locate the Camera panel. Then, swipe the Camera app away. Doing so can give the Camera a fresh start.

Checking Camera Permissions

As we said above, certain apps might restrict camera access, leading to issues when switching between apps that use the camera. Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera to ensure all apps that need camera access have permission and try to identify the suspicious ones.

Resetting All Settings

If simple troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to reset all settings on your iPhone, including those of the Camera app. This won’t delete any data but will reset preferences like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper. Go to Settings > General > Reset (Transfer or Reset iPhone) > Reset All Settings. Enter your password to confirm the action and wait for the whole process to be done. Try the front camera again now.

Turning off Voice-over

In case you are unfamiliar with it, the Voice-Over feature on iPhones is a powerful accessibility tool designed to help visually impaired users navigate their devices. It provides audible descriptions of what’s on your screen. However, it has been noted that this feature can occasionally cause the front camera to display a black screen.

If your iPhone’s front camera isn’t functioning, you might want to turn off Voice-Over. To do this, unlock your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Voice-Over, and switch off the feature.

Freeing Up Storage on Your iPhone

Insufficient storage space can also trigger the camera not working issue on your iPhone. To check your current storage status, navigate to Settings > General > Storage. If there’s limited space available, you can free up space by uninstalling unnecessary software or transferring photos to iCloud.

Related Article: How to Clear "System Data" Storage on iPhone (8 Methods)

Using iOS System Repair Tool

When the front camera doesn’t work due to iOS system issues, lucky you, there’s one powerful system repair tool for iPhone users that can save you from trouble. Here we have BuhoRepair, your one-stop iOS system repair software that troubleshoots 50+ iOS-related problems, including the front camera not working on iPhone.

BuhoRepair comes with two sets of repair modes, the Standard Repair, and the Advanced Repair. To fix the front camera not working on your iPhone, the Standard Repair by BuhoRepair would perform just fine. Download it on your iPhone and connect the device to a PC, be it a Mac or Windows PC. Then opt for System Repair and you can solve the camera not working issue.

Additionally, BuhoRepair can reset iOS devices, upgrade/downgrade iOS, and enter/exit Recovery Mode in a few clicks just to help you out. Try this all-in-one iOS repairing application to benefit from a hassle-free iPhone experience.

Inspecting & Repairing Physical Damage

With all software issues being explained, let’s move to the hardware part. Have you dropped your iPhone or been to a concert, musical festival, etc.? The laser used in these events can damage your iPhone camera for real. Carefully inspect your iPhone for any signs of physical damage. Cracked screens or damaged casing could be clues to internal damage affecting your front camera. Also, make sure no debris or dirt is covering the camera lens.

If you do notice hardware damage, it’s time to check in with Apple Support. They can run diagnostics and guide you through hardware repairs if necessary. The cost of replacing a front camera varies, but if you don’t have AppleCare, it could cost anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the model and repair service used.

Conclusion

In most cases, fixing your iPhone’s front camera not working is straightforward, whether it's through a simple restart, a software update, or a deeper system fix with BuhoRepair. However, if these methods don’t work, there may be an underlying hardware problem that requires professional assistance. Follow the troubleshooting steps in our guide, and you’ll be back to snapping selfies in no time.