Camera App Is a Black Screen

Updated: April 9, 2026

A black preview can be a crashed camera daemon, denied microphone/camera access for some modes, or a failed rear sensor.

Software steps

Force close Camera; open again.
Switch between rear and ultra-wide; test in FaceTime camera menu.
Restart the iPhone; install pending iOS update.
Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Allowed Apps → ensure Camera is allowed.

If only one lens is dead after a drop, assume hardware. Read Face ID after repair for related service context.