Camera black after IOS 16 Update

I've heard a lot of people are having a black screen in the camera App after the IOS 16 Update and I'm one of them. Is there already a fix for this, because it's been almost a month and now you can't even downgrade to IOS 15. Is Apple even aware of this problem?

iPhone 12, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 3, 2022 8:25 AM

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Posted on Aug 3, 2023 6:30 AM

Apparently on my iPhone 8 Plus, my camera app suddenly stopped working and it only shows black screen when I opened up the Camera app and I can’t take pictures, but the selfie camera works for me only, I tried to fix it by freeing up storage and memories and I updated my software to iOS 16.6 (The maximum of the software version), but still, it never works, and my flashlight is also not working

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Aug 3, 2023 6:30 AM in response to Dorden122

Apparently on my iPhone 8 Plus, my camera app suddenly stopped working and it only shows black screen when I opened up the Camera app and I can’t take pictures, but the selfie camera works for me only, I tried to fix it by freeing up storage and memories and I updated my software to iOS 16.6 (The maximum of the software version), but still, it never works, and my flashlight is also not working

Mar 3, 2024 8:29 PM in response to Dorden122

I found a solution guys!!


For me when fiddling with the magnifying, once I can get it to 0.5x the back camera turns on. (Tap the magnifying number while on the back camera) Is a bit fiddly but it works. I’d guess apple thru software shuts off the back camera if it detects some hardware issue. (My phone is a bit beaten so I wouldn’t be surprised but curious if you guys have good condition phone that have this issue or are like me and have potentially water or fall damage like me) it’s more of an work around to apples software than a solution but it somehow bypasses whatever the iPhone is trying to do. Maybe a camera expert knows about if changing magnifying changes some detectors because that would probably be the issue. (I have ios15.6.1) Anyways God bless, have faith in whatever god has for your path and I hope it work

Oct 7, 2022 1:39 PM in response to jeffd55

They really said, “Remove any case, accessory, or film that might block the camera.” Yeah let me take photos and every other time I have to restart my phone. Wait! Let me make sure nothing is blocking it each time! Lmao. I know this is only community specialist but come on. Only reason I updated to ios 16 was because the AirPods Pro 2 could not figure out how to make calls on ios 15, now I can’t take photos without having to restart phone every other time. Please fix bug.

Dec 17, 2023 7:42 AM in response to Dorden122

I'm now experiencing this with iOS 17.2 (21C62). It mostly happens when I launch the Camera app from the Action Button. The preview is either entirely black or dark and blurred. Sometimes, it starts working after waiting 5–10 seconds. Other times, it won't work even after waiting minutes. In those cases, I just relaunch the Camera app.


Filed as feedback item FB13473854.

Jan 19, 2024 8:47 PM in response to Dorden122

I just got this after the 17.2.1 update on an XS Max. The user's suggestion of holding down the switch camera button for a few seconds got the front camera working, so thanks for that suggestion!


My torch does not work anymore either.


I tried seeing if other apps were able to use the camera and Adobe Scan had a notification that said "Unable to access the camera." All other apps just show the black camera screen.


This is definitely the most frustrating glitch that Apple has had (after putting up with others that have come and gone over the years). I need my phone camera for work, and given the wide array of Apple devices and iOS's that this has affected, and potentially could affect, I'm going to have to make the switch to Android.

Nov 28, 2023 9:36 PM in response to Dorden122

Don’t know if this will work for anyone else but was having the same problem on iPad 6th gen. Camera worked for FaceTime but not for the camera app. After updating to iOS 17 the problem still persisted. I power cycled and went back to the camera app, still showing black screen, held down the camera rotation icons for a few seconds (to switch from front to back camera) and suddenly started working. I hope someone else gets lucky too!

Oct 4, 2022 6:43 PM in response to Dorden122

Hello Dorden122,


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!


We would want to recommend basic troubleshooting of the camera on your iPhone first to rule out issues with the camera. Take a look at this article: If the camera or flash on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch isn't working - Apple Support

  1. Remove any case, accessory, or film that might block the camera or flash or that places a magnet near the camera.
  2. Test the camera by trying to take a photo
  3. Restart your iPhoneiPad, or iPod touch
  4. Test the camera again by taking a photo. If your device has a front and rear camera, check if one or both isn’t working. To switch cameras, tap the rotate button .


If there is no change and you are still seeing a black screen in the camera, contact Apple Support directly for more specific assistance.


Take care!

Camera black after IOS 16 Update

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