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Just updated to iOS 8.1.2 on an iPhone 5. The camera app now just freezes and crashes. No other camera app works either. I've tried restarting, and full power down and starting to no avail. Just seeing a black screen instead of the viewfinder. This is the same in all camera apps - black viewfinder.
Hello Nathan,
After reviewing your post, I have located an article that can help with your iPhone's camera. It contains a number of troubleshooting steps and helpful advice for the issue you are experiencing:
Get help with the camera on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
You see a closed lens or black screen
If you see a closed lens or black screen when you open the Camera app, try these steps:
- Make sure that there’s nothing blocking the camera lens. If you’re using a case, try removing it.
- Force the app to close, then open the Camera app again.
- Restart your device, then open the Camera app again.
- If your device has a front and rear camera, try both cameras by tapping
(camera swap icon). If you see the closed lens or black screen on only one camera, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Authorized Service Provider for more help.
Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
BobbyD
Hi Bobby_d,
I should have mentioned I also did a full restore. iTunes wouldn't allow going back to 8.1.1 (the lack of downgradability a common complaint of iOS8). I tried with and without restoring the backup. It markedly happened on the 8.1.2 update. The front (selfie) camera sort of works… some the other apps have now defaulted to using this (which is useless), but the main camera still shows black. I'm not aware that an Apple store can or will downgrade the iOS to a working version?
I've just bought an Iphone 5c, it had ios 7, everything went fine. But then, when I upgraded to ios 8.1.2, the camera and flashlight stopped working.
I've just bought an Iphone 5c, it had ios 7, everything went fine. But then, when I upgraded to ios 8.1.2, the camera and flashlight stopped working.
OOh, you're right, the torch/flashlight also does not work...
BtW, it's a little ironic the forums do not work on iPhone Safari???
Delete the old iPhone software update file(.ipsw file) located on your computer and do a restore by downloading a new iOS 8 file from apple.
On Windows 7/Windows 8:
Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates
On Mac:
~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
Thanks for this, it's useful to know. The trouble is, this simply downloads the faulty 8.1.2 software again. What I need to do is put 8.1.1 back on the phone.
Further to this… iCloud is repeatedly asking for verification now, every few minutes… Something is very wonky with this update.
ios 8.1.2 is not faulty. Millions of people are already using it without the issue you mentioned. The file got corrupted when you updated your phone. That's why you should install again.
I did reinstall. Twice. Others are also reporting the fault. I appreciate the help about getting a fresh install, so I could cross this off the check list. Pre iOS8, it was possible to downgrade. This is logically the next step in a software issue, but Apple now prevent this.
Apple stops signing the previous version after they made sure the current version is stable. In your case I can clearly see this is due to a corrupted iOS Update file. That's why I suggested you to do a fresh install.
I've reinstalled twice now, which is why I'm sure it relates to the update itself - as other users are now reporting too.
Actually, No it was never possible to ever downgrade any IOS. Pre IOS 8 or IOS 6. As Roshanalex mentioned millions upon millions of ppl are using the new IOS with no issues you are describing. So there for we have to look at your update itself or the device itself. I would delete the .ipsw file and update again too be honest. That sounds like the major fact in this puzzle.
It has been possible to downgrade the iOS prior to iOS8 - for a short time at least (I have done this). However, this is an off topic issue.
I deleted and reinstalled the software several times as previously mentioned. I'm not sure that repeated downloads would incur the same 'corruption' mentioned.
Possible troubleshooting of the exact issue and cause:
For anyone who has this issue - camera and flash/torch not working, the issue appears to be hardware related, and nothing to do with software as suggested above. It is extremely difficult to research the issue on this new Apple Discussion forum due to it's shonkiness, but there are posts suggesting to 'squeeze' the phone - at the camera area. This does in fact make the camera function for a short time (I assume loose connections behind the camera), but ultimately the camera fails again. There are also scary stories of Apple charging nearly $300 (I can't find a UK price for this) for some kind of repair, or refurb replacement possibly.
As far as I'm concerned, the camera has simply stopped working for no apparent reason during the iOS upgrade, but there is definitely a mechanical factor here, and is reported by others.
I will attempt to make a reservation with an Apple Store and will report back later with an update.
Related post:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6126141
Related post with good troubleshoot list from PaulCB:
Camera not working after iOS 8.1.2 update
