Device’s camera flash not working? Try these tips from our in-house tech experts for a quick fix.
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Troubleshoot your camera and flash
Force your device to restart
iOS devices
Force-restart your iPhone with Face ID:
- iPhone 8, SE, X or later:
- Press the volume up button and rapidly release it. Then do the same with the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button.
- Release the button when you see the Apple logo pop up.
If your iPhone doesn’t have Face ID:
- iPhone 7:
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button and the volume down button at the same time.
- Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo pop up.
- iPhone 6s or iPhone SE (1st generation only):
- Press and hold the sleep/wake button and the home button at the same time.
- Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo pop up.
Android devices
To force-restart your Android smartphone, press and hold the power button and the volume down button for 7–10 seconds.
Troubleshoot your camera and flash
iOS devices
- Make sure that you remove all accessories, films or cases that may be blocking your flash or camera
- Take a few photos.
- If the photos come out blurry, try cleaning the lenses with a microfibre tissue or cloth – these types of cloth are gentle enough to use on your camera.
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Try testing your device’s LED flash with your torch in Control Centre:
- iPad or iPhone X or later: Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen.
- iPhone 8 or earlier: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
- Select the Torch icon in the Control Centre.
- If the flash only works sporadically, open the Camera app and choose a different flash setting by clicking on the flash button.
- If your flash or your camera is still presenting issues, follow the next step.
Android devices
If you notice that your camera is unable to focus, or your photos seem murky or blurry, try cleaning your lens first.
If that doesn’t work:
- Reset your Camera app:
- Open the Camera app then select “Settings” > “Reset settings” >“Reset”.
- Clear the cache of the Camera app:
- Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “See all apps” > “Camera”.
- If you can’t see the “See all apps” option, go to “App info” > “Storage & cache” > “Clear cache”.
Force your apps to close
iOS devices
iPhone with Face ID:
- From the home screen of your iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and stop when you reach the middle of the screen.
- You can swipe either right or left to find the app(s) you want to close.
- Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
If your iPhone doesn’t have Face ID:
- Double-click the home button to see your recently used apps.
- You can swipe either right or left to find the app(s) you want to close.
- Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
Android devices
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen, hold and let go.
- Swipe from left to right.
- On the left, select “Clear all”.
Update your software
iOS devices
- Back up your device with iCloud or on your computer
- Plug your device into a power source and make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”.
- You may see two software updates – pick the one you want to install.
Android devices
- Go to “Settings” > “System” > “System update”.
- You’ll be able to see your update status – follow the steps that appear on the screen.