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 record a quick video, it can be frustrating when the front camera doesn't work. Although hardware failures are rare, some users have experienced the issue of the iPhone front camera not working. So, what’s wrong with your front camera? Let’s dive into the possible causes and how to fix a malfunctioning front camera on your iPhone.

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

When the selfie camera stops working on your iPhone, several factors may be involved — including issues with the Camera app, hardware components, or third-party apps.

Sometimes, the front camera on iPhone 16/15/14/13 may malfunction due to temporary software bugs, particularly after a system update, which can disrupt normal camera function. So, if you experienced the "iPhone front camera not working" issue, it may be related to the update.

The problem could also stem from the Camera app itself. Glitches in the app may prevent the front camera from functioning, so checking for app-related issues is important.

Physical damage can directly affect your camera. Dropping your device or exposing it to water can cause internal damage, even if the phone appears fine externally.

Have you granted any third-party apps permission to access the front camera? If so, those tools could interfere with its operation.

Also, iPhone's VoiceOver function can occasionally cause the front camera to display a black screen during use.

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

Now that you understand the causes, let’s explore the best fixes for the iPhone front camera not working.

Restart Your iPhone

It may sound too simple to be effective, but restarting your iPhone can often resolve minor glitches. This resets temporary bugs that may be causing the front camera issue. Just power off your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

Update iOS

Yes, system updates can cause bugs — but they also often include important fixes. Apple regularly releases updates to resolve issues, including camera-related bugs. Make sure you’re running the latest version (e.g., iOS 18.6). Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.

Force Quit the Camera App

Sometimes, the Camera app may freeze or glitch. Force-quitting and reopening it can reset its processes and resolve the issue. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, find the Camera app, and swipe it away to close it. Then, reopen it for a fresh start.

Check Camera Permissions

As mentioned earlier, some apps may restrict or override camera access. Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera to review which apps have access. Ensure the necessary apps are granted permission and look out for any suspicious ones.

Reset All Settings

If basic troubleshooting doesn't work, you might need to reset all settings on your iPhone — including those affecting the Camera app. This won't delete your data but will reset settings like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings, enter your passcode, and wait for the process to complete. Then try using the front camera again.

Turn Off VoiceOver

If you're unfamiliar with it, VoiceOver is an accessibility feature that provides spoken feedback for users with visual impairments. However, this feature has occasionally been linked to the front camera displaying a black screen.

To disable it, go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver and toggle it off.

Free Up iPhone Storage

Insufficient storage space may also cause the front camera to malfunction. To check your storage, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If space is low, try uninstalling unused apps or transferring photos and videos to iCloud.

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

Use an iOS System Repair Tool

If the issue is due to a deeper system error, you're in luck — there’s a reliable iOS system repair tool that can help. BuhoRepair is an all-in-one iOS system repair software designed to fix over 50 common iOS problems, including the front camera not working.

BuhoRepair offers two modes: Standard Repair and Advanced Repair. For this issue, Standard Repair is typically sufficient. Download the software, connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC, and select System Repair to get started.

BuhoRepair can also reset iOS devices, upgrade or downgrade iOS, and enter or exit Recovery Mode in just a few clicks — offering a seamless iPhone repair experience.

Inspect and Repair Physical Damage

Once software issues are ruled out, consider the possibility of hardware damage. Have you dropped your phone or attended an event with strong lasers (like concerts or festivals)? These can damage the front camera hardware.

Check your iPhone for signs of damage, such as a cracked screen or dents near the camera. Also, ensure there’s no dust or debris on the lens.

If you find any signs of physical damage, contact Apple Support. They can run diagnostics and assist with repairs. Without AppleCare, replacing a front camera could cost between $50 and $200, depending on your model and service provider.

Conclusion

In most cases, fixing a front camera that’s not working on your iPhone is simple — whether it’s a restart, software update, or a quick fix with BuhoRepair. If none of these solutions help, the problem may be hardware-related and require professional repair. Try the steps in this guide, and you’ll be back to snapping selfies in no time.