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User profile for user: jstanley0
jstanley0 Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Rear camera / flashlight stopped working

I noticed this morning as I went to take a picture that my iPhone 6 rear camera no longer works. As luck would have it, my warranty expired 11 days ago.


The front camera still works, but I see a black screen when I try to use the rear camera. Also, where the flash icon should be, there is a yellow exclamation mark symbol. If I tap it, I see a message that says "Flash is Disabled. The iPhone needs to cool down before you can use the flash." (The iPhone is not noticeably warm.)


Also, the flashlight will not turn on. Tapping the button does nothing.


Stuff I have tried:

* Kill and restart camera app

* Reboot phone

* Recharge to 100%

* Turn off phone, wait 15 minutes, turn back on

* Reset All Settings

* Erase All Content and Settings followed by Set Up as New iPhone


At this point I'm sure it's a hardware problem.


12 days ago (a day before the warranty expired), I had my phone serviced by Apple to repair the front camera, which was misaligned (search "crescentgate"). The camera and flashlight worked yesterday, but not today. The phone has not been dropped or dunked--it just stopped working.


I suppose this might be covered under the 90-day service warranty? An Apple online chat rep told me it should. But if not, what will Apple charge me to replace the camera? I can only find a single $299 out-of-warranty repair fee listed, and there's no way I'm paying that much when third-party repair companies will do it for $80. Anyone have experience with this?

iPhone 6, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Feb 23, 2016 6:27 PM

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User profile for user: Philly_Phan
Philly_Phan
User level: Level 7
20,731 points

Posted on Feb 23, 2016 6:30 PM

A C&P is appropriate here...


Here are some standard repair procedures:


First, try a system reset. It cures many ills and it's quick, easy and harmless...

Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears. You will not lose any apps, data, music, movies, settings, etc.


If the Reset doesn't work, try a Restore. Note that it's nowhere near as quick as a Reset. It could take well over an hour! Connect via cable to the computer that you use for sync. From iTunes, select the iPad/iPod/iPhone and then select the Summary tab. Follow the on-screen directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup. You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad/iPod/iPhone. Again, say "yes."


At the end of the basic Restore, you will be asked if you wish to sync the iPad/iPod/iPhone. As before, say "yes." Note that that sync selection will disappear and the Restore will end if you do not respond within a reasonable time. If that happens, only the apps that are part of the IOS will appear on your device. Corrective action is simple - choose manual "Sync" from the bottom right of iTunes.


If you're unable to do the Restore (or it doesn't help), go into Recovery Mode per the instructions here. You WILL lose all of your data (game scores, etc,) but, for the most part, you can redownload apps and music without being charged again. Also, read this.

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User profile for user: Philly_Phan
Philly_Phan
User level: Level 7
20,731 points

Feb 23, 2016 6:30 PM in response to jstanley0

A C&P is appropriate here...


Here are some standard repair procedures:


First, try a system reset. It cures many ills and it's quick, easy and harmless...

Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears. You will not lose any apps, data, music, movies, settings, etc.


If the Reset doesn't work, try a Restore. Note that it's nowhere near as quick as a Reset. It could take well over an hour! Connect via cable to the computer that you use for sync. From iTunes, select the iPad/iPod/iPhone and then select the Summary tab. Follow the on-screen directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup. You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad/iPod/iPhone. Again, say "yes."


At the end of the basic Restore, you will be asked if you wish to sync the iPad/iPod/iPhone. As before, say "yes." Note that that sync selection will disappear and the Restore will end if you do not respond within a reasonable time. If that happens, only the apps that are part of the IOS will appear on your device. Corrective action is simple - choose manual "Sync" from the bottom right of iTunes.


If you're unable to do the Restore (or it doesn't help), go into Recovery Mode per the instructions here. You WILL lose all of your data (game scores, etc,) but, for the most part, you can redownload apps and music without being charged again. Also, read this.

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User profile for user: Aspen65
Aspen65
User level: Level 1
4 points

Apr 17, 2016 3:25 AM in response to jstanley0

My boyfriend's 5s back camera stopped working. Front camera was fine. After trying every reset imaginable and every setting suggestion given, I was getting nowhere. It was suggested that the camera cable needed to be reset but he was uncomfortable with me opening up his phone. Then I saw a YouTube video that suggested that I lightly press on the case around the rear camera and low and behold it worked. Evidentially there is something to the connection theory and the pressing seemed to solve the problem. Ive never posted on the discussion page but the frustration and eventual fix made me want to share. Hope this helps.


http://youtu.be/DFr9JA3m6OU

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Rear camera / flashlight stopped working

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