Does this sound familiar?
- Photos are blurry or won't focus, and cleaning the lens doesn't help
- The camera app opens to a black screen
- The camera image shakes or vibrates by itself
- The lens glass is cracked, and photos show flares or haze
- One of the lenses works, but another doesn't
Why cameras fail
Most camera trouble starts with a drop. The lens cover sticks out from the phone, so it takes the hit, and the shock can knock the tiny focus and stabilizing parts inside. Water and condensation can also fog the lens from the inside, which is a clue that moisture got farther into the phone than you'd like. If you see fog, look at our notes on water damage.
What the repair involves
We look at the lens cover first. If it's only the glass, that's often a smaller job. If the module has failed, we open the phone and replace it, then test every lens, the flash and video before you get it back. Some new iPhones and other phones may show a notice about a replaced camera part, and we'll let you know what to expect for your model before we begin.
We know what this is really about. It's the school concert next week and the grandkids at the lake this summer. If you need the phone back by a certain day, tell us and we'll say honestly whether we can make it.
Fast, friendly great service. Pleasant to work with, knowledgeable and efficient.
Questions we get a lot
Is it the camera or just the lens glass?
If there's a visible crack in the lens cover and the photos look hazy or flared, it may be the glass alone. If the glass is fine but the picture is shaking, black or won't focus, the camera module itself is likely the problem.
Why is my camera shaking?
Many phones have small moving parts that steady the lens. A hard drop can damage them, and strong vibration can too. Riding with your phone mounted on a motorcycle is a known cause.
Is there anything I should try first?
Clean the lens with a soft cloth, remove your case, restart the phone and try a different camera app. If it's still wrong after that, it's probably hardware.
Will my photos be safe?
Yes. Camera repairs don't affect the photos already on your phone.