iPhone 14 Camera app view opaque, photos not saving

Question

Level 1

24 points

iPhone 14 Camera app view opaque, photos not saving

Jan. 10, 2026

I have an up to date Iphone 14, with over 40 G of storage remaining unfilled.

I'm having a problem with the Camera app: When I open it to take a photo, whatever i'm aiming at appears normal and clear for about a second. But then it quickly completely clouds up / becomes opaque. If I take a photo quickly while the image is still clear, that photo doesn't appear in my Photo Library. This whole problem happens intermittently.

The lens of the camera on the phone is not dirty. I've tried

** completely closing and restarting the camera app

** restarting the phone

**completely deleting the camera app and re-installing it.

What is going on, and how can I fix it?

GROK says this is a known issue that is being discussed online.

(also, each time i've tried submitting this question, I get a 429 Too Many Requests error message!)

iPhone XR, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 10, 2026 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

Katana-San

Level 10

81,355 points

Jan 10, 2026 2:47 PM in response to kridgeway3

Hello~ Have you forced restarted?

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

As for the 429 error that’s an issue here in this forum right now.

As for your camera question…it may be best to make an appointment and have it checked out…

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Find Locations

Just a question…what’s your battery health?

Understand your iPhone battery usage and health - Apple Support*

*Review your iPhone battery health

iPhone displays information about your battery’s capacity. On iPhone 15 models or later, you can also see details like battery health, cycle count, manufacture date, and first use date.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Battery, then do one of the following:

- On iPhone 14 or earlier: Tap Battery Health & Charging.
- On iPhone 15 or later: Tap Battery Health.

~Katana-San~

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Answer 2

Jan 11, 2026 7:32 AM in response to kridgeway3

I'm of little help, but I'm curious-- if you take a picture while the display is clouded, does the picture come out OK? In other words, is this a problem with the camera itself or with the method of display?

I can see how a sick battery might not be able to provide enough power to operate the camera, and some problems might not be picked up by the Battery Health routines. I think that was a great suggestion. Can you take pictures when the phone is plugged in?

I'm not sure what "deleting the camera app" actually deletes. Have you tried a different camera app from the App Store? You may be able to get enough free use for a test.

If you can't get to a Genius Bar as Katana-San suggests, you might be able to get some diagnostic help from Apple Support:

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

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Answer 3

kridgeway3 Author

Level 1

24 points

Jan 10, 2026 3:03 PM in response to Katana-San

thanks !

My battery is at 82%

I did try today a forced restart, based on what Grok had advised.

I deleted and reinstalled the camera app, and restarted my phone again.

I also did the most recent update that had just come out and was set to update tonight.

Just now, the camera is working properly, but also, i've done these things before, and eventually the problem reoccured.

if this happens again, i'll try to get hold of Apple Support directly.

Reply

Answer 4

Katana-San

Level 10

81,355 points

Jan 10, 2026 4:22 PM in response to kridgeway3

Hello once more~ You may have the start of a hardware issue with your camera. Also Apple recommends replacing the battery at 80%…so you’re close there and if you’re going to keep your iPhone you may want to go ahead and replace the battery in a bit. Take care and good luck. You’re welcome.

~Katana-San~

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