Unable to get my camera to focus on my iPhone 12

ok so i went to the genius bar and after running diagnostics they saw my 1x and 2x lenses were broken (i guess the OIS but they didn’t specify). it would’ve been almost $500 to fix it since my screen was cracked so i just got a new phone but like why are we all having this issue in the past two months…..it’s a conspiracy theory i’m actually interested in

My phone did the same thing,I was still under a warranty and took it to Best Buy,they ran a diagnostic on it and it ended up being the rear camera control module, they have to take it apart and replace that part,hope this helps

Mine was doing the same thing, took it to Best Buy they ran a diagnostic on my phone, the camera control module was going bad, I got it fixed I had a warranty from apple, it’s a hardware issue and they have to open your phone up to fix it. Hope this helps

Same issue with my iPhone 12 Mini. I took it to Apple Genius Bar in Sydney today. He tested it and said the 1.0x rear camera needs to be replaced and the cost would be $275. The 0.5x and front camera were fine. On top of that the battery would be $150 to replace as its health getting low at 83% so he recommended trading it in for $250 a new phone.

Based on a lot of others having the same issue I think I will hold off for a while to see if there is any resolution.

Rweiss77 wrote:

I have an iPhone 12 mini and this problem literally starting happening on May 25. Won’t focus and is making a grinding sound. Does anyone have any updates? I did not drop it.

That's a hardware issue. Contact Apple:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

I went to Apple and was advised the camera needs to be replaced. Since I have a small crack on the screen they said the screen would need replacing too. And the battery.

so I ended buying a new iPhone, but I feel like I’m being scammed. When testing the front camera didn’t work well either.

Hey! what i believe is happening with everyone in the discussion including myself, is that we may have dropped our iphones, which may have caused a lens detachment and that's why the phone struggles so much to focus along with underwater noises, i recommend getting it checked at with any technician to solve this issue! sometimes the updates don't work and neither does restarting, which just leaves us with one answer, the detachment of lens.

My wife and I have iPhone 12 and have the exact same problem that started late February/early March 2024. All of a sudden the camera focus started going wonky. someone on this thread recommended downloading a third-party camera app. Turns out that solves everything. The default Apple camera app is the problem. It is not a hardware issue.

Friendly_Fire_Wojtek wrote:

I have updated to the newest software version, reset the iphone and settings and still not working.

Then its time to schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for evaluation and options.

Schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar for evaluation and service options.

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar to have it diagnosed.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Hello ThomasMauritz,

If the camera is not working correctly, the following resource can help:

"Remove case, accessory, or film and test

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. Test the LED flash:
   1. Try the flashlight in Control Center on your iPhone or Control Center on your iPad. On an iPhone X or later or an iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen. On an iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen.
   2. Tap the Flashlight button .

If the flash works only sometimes, open the Camera app and tap the flash button  to choose a different setting.

Contact Apple Support

If the camera or flash still isn't working properly, contact Apple Support to discuss service options.

If you want to try more steps on your own

If you prefer, here are some more steps you can try on your own if the camera isn't working. You might still need to contact Apple Support after following these steps. 

1. If the photo is blurry, clean the front and back camera lenses with a microfiber cloth. If you see dirt or debris inside the lens or if the camera lens appears to be misaligned or blocked, contact Apple Support to discuss service options.
2. Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. 
3. 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 the camera or flash on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch isn't working - Apple Support

Cheers.

My wife and I had the same issue; and it started around March 2024. I've downloaded Camera+ and VideoCam+; and the camera zoom works perfectly. The issue is with the default Apple Camera app...it is not likely a hardware issue.

I head this is happening to the people who is using their phone on bikes. If you keep your phone on bike handle while you travel then some sort of damage is happening to the camera because of continues shaking

What you've described would not be symptomatic of a software issue. You have a hardware issue and the scratching sound you hear is proof of such. It may be intermittent, but it's hardware just the same.