Camera won't flip to back camera

My mother has an iPhone 13. Bought brand new directly from Apple. Never had to do repairs. Today the camera refused to work. Tried suggested solutions and nothing helps. It remains in selfie mode, sometimes the capture screen becomes very small and I have to click on the extend icon to get it to be the regular capture size. It refuses to flip to back camera. Checked the setting and it says it’s an « unknown part ». I see that others have also experienced this. Currently running iOS 26.3. Hoping this is a bug and can be fixed.

iPhone 13

Posted on Feb 27, 2026 5:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 28, 2026 6:25 PM

Hello tinukefromdover,


The rear camera is likely damaged in some way and the phone is unable to recognize the part. You will need to get in contact with Apple Support and have the device repaired most likely.


If you haven’t already, I suggest trying these troubleshooting tips before setting up a repair appointment at your nearest Apple Store.


  1. Restart the Camera app (Swipe up and hold for a short but to access the App Switcher, then swipe up on the camera app to close it, then reopen and see if the flip camera button works).
  2. Restart the phone, sometimes it can be a software glitch and the device needs to be rebooted. (Quickly press the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the volume up button and power button at the same time to access the slide to power off screen or swipe down from the top right of the screen to open Control Center and tap and hold the power button in the menu.)


To call or text Apple Support, use +1 (800) MYAPPLE


I hope this helps!


Sincerely,


Captain

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 28, 2026 6:25 PM in response to tinukefromdover

Hello tinukefromdover,


The rear camera is likely damaged in some way and the phone is unable to recognize the part. You will need to get in contact with Apple Support and have the device repaired most likely.


If you haven’t already, I suggest trying these troubleshooting tips before setting up a repair appointment at your nearest Apple Store.


  1. Restart the Camera app (Swipe up and hold for a short but to access the App Switcher, then swipe up on the camera app to close it, then reopen and see if the flip camera button works).
  2. Restart the phone, sometimes it can be a software glitch and the device needs to be rebooted. (Quickly press the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the volume up button and power button at the same time to access the slide to power off screen or swipe down from the top right of the screen to open Control Center and tap and hold the power button in the menu.)


To call or text Apple Support, use +1 (800) MYAPPLE


I hope this helps!


Sincerely,


Captain

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Camera won't flip to back camera

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