9 hacks to stop iPhone camera from shaking

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How can you stop your iPhone camera from shaking?

Improved multi-camera versions have recently been released; anyone who owns an iPhone can be proud of their possession. Nonetheless, an iPhone isn’t completely impervious to problems as iPhone camera shaking.

Several iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8 customers have reported their cameras shaking in the last two years. Even if they are not holding their iPhones, the wobbly movement appears to be continuing.

As a result, Apple has taken steps to address the problem, one of which is the iSight camera restoration program for Apple’s customers.

Have you got a camera that shakes? Why not attempt repairing your iPhone yourself before taking it to an Apple store or enrolling in the iSight program?

The iPhone camera shaking problem was explored in this post, and several tips that may help you accomplish it.

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About the iPhone camera shaking/blurry photo issue

When did the issue occur?

The issue first surfaced in the mid-2010s. Users started to complain about their cameras wobbling in early 2015 and early 2016, resulting in hazy photographs all of the time.

However, the issue could have been caused by a number of factors. A manufacturing flaw most likely caused it. Apple discovered the camera issue on its own.

Manufacturing flaws were discovered in iPhone 6S Plus models sold around September 2014 and January 2015. As a consequence, they introduced the iSight Camera Restoration Program to assist people who are having issues with their iPhone camera wobbling.

The iSight Camera Replacement Program

Even having a valid registration number does not assure a camera replacement.

Apple has undertaken this attempt to assist people whose iPhones’ rear cameras have been impacted. If the registration number on your iPhone camera is qualified for replacement, they will end up replacing it for free. You can enter your product code on this Apple Support website to see if your camera is qualified for a refund.

The program, however, is only accessible for three years from the date of purchase. So, if you purchased your iPhone 6S Plus in 2014, 2015, or 2016, you might be too late to register.

Furthermore, numerous users stated that having an acceptable product code does not assure that an Apple Genius will restore your camera. They still test the camera’s performance for around an hour, and it turns out. They will next decide whether or not to replace your camera.

You don’t want to deal with the hassle? Don’t get too worked up just yet. Just before you take it to the Apple store, you can still try to address the shaking issue yourself. Please start looking at our suggestions below!

How to stop your iPhone camera from shaking?

How to stop your iPhone camera from shaking

1. Clean your rear camera’s lens. 

Dirty: Wipe your lens to see if it improves the shaking!

Let’s begin with the most basic but not always successful solution.

The lens on your iPhone camera can be filthy if it shakes excessively.

The problem is that if your lens has gathered dirt or dust, the auto-focus (AF) of your camera will go nuts. So, use a delicate microfiber cloth to wipe off your lens. Get the ProCase screen-cleaning pad cloth wipes if you’re seeking a durable scratch-durable cloth.

These can readily collect grime and dust from your iPhone displays due to their faux suede construction. Use a dry cleaning product instead of a liquid! 

Check to see if the shakiness has gone away after clearing the lens.

If your iPhone was recently repaired, though, the technician may have overlooked clearing debris from inside your camera. We understand how inconvenient this is, but consider returning it to the technician.

So, if the camera on your iPhone is shaking, which is still under warranty, bring it to an Apple store near you.

2. Restart or soft reset your phone.

It’s starting to sound cliche, but…

Simply reboot your iPhone to see if it helps. We’ve talked about it before, but simply resetting your device will solve your problem. Yes, it’s trite at this point, but restarting your iPhone can solve a variety of problems, from camera glitches to making the gadget speedier and more efficient. 

If your iPhone has a Home button, follow these steps:

  1. Long-tap on the Home and Sleep/Power buttons together.
  2. Keep your eyes peeled for the Apple logo and release the buttons.
  3. Restart the camera after unlocking your phone.
  4. Check to see whether the tremors have subsided.

For iPhones with a broken power button or no actual Home button:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to the Accessibility section.
  3. You’ll see a prompt requesting you to restart your device.
  4. Continue by pressing the “Continue” button.
  5. Your iPhone will resume on its own after that.

3. Perform some quick software fixes.

It won’t harm to try out these easy yet useful remedies.

You can restart your iPhone or perform a hard reset, which we will cover later. However, before you recover your iPhone or perform a system reset, try these options. Watch to see whether the camera’s tremors go away:

  1. Restart the camera app.
  2. Closing and then reopening your primary camera app will “refresh” it.
  1. Push the camera to close and then reopen.
  2. Place it on a table and direct it towards a topic.
  3. Check to see if the shakiness continues.
  4. All of your settings should be reset.

Your apps and files won’t be deleted, but your phone’s system configuration will be reset to default.

  1. Go to your Settings screen.
  2. Go to the General tab.
  3. Reset all settings by tapping Reset.
  4. Reset your iPhone to factory settings by performing a hard reset.

You don’t always have a choice except to resort to atomic weapons.

We highlighted several things you should do before conducting a factory reset in one of our blogs. Rebuilding your iPhone to its default configuration will effectively “delete” it. All of your data and related settings will be erased as a result.

Take a look at those instructions before performing a hard reset, as the latter would completely erase your iPhone.

Also, keep in mind that periodically making a backup of your preferences or files and uploading them to iCloud is required. In this manner, if you need to do a hard reset, you’ll be able to return to your stable version quickly.

4. Do a hard reset a.k.a. restore your iPhone to its factory settings.

Have the fast fixes above failed to remove the shakiness? Here’s how to reset your iPhone after you’ve finished backing up your stuff.

  1. Go to your Tools menu.
  2. Go to the General tab.
  3. Reset the device > Delete all data and settings.
  4. If your iPhone asks for it, enter your passcode.
  5. Select “Eliminate iPhone” from the drop-down menu.
  6. Enter the password for your Apple ID.
  7. The hard reset on your iPhone will now begin.
  8. Change the case of your phone.

If your case contains magnetic or metallic embellishments, inspect it.

Your camera includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) if you have an iPhone model launched after the iPhone 6s Plus.

This feature compensates for your hand motions by using a small gyro built into your iPhone. Magnetic sensors in the gyro measure the position of the lens.

Consider photographing as a dance competition, with the OIS as a nice dance partner. It allows the camera to move in sync with your hand, allowing you to snap beautiful, blur-free photographs.

If you just purchased an iPhone case with polished nickel hardware or an iPhone case with a magnetism, this could be the cause of your camera’s malfunction.

Because your iPhone has magnets, using a cover that contains metals or magnets may create a magnetic flux. Your back camera may be malfunctioning as a result of this.

As a result, consider withdrawing your case. Reboot your iPhone after that to see if the shakiness has gone away or at least enhanced.

5. Try adding a magnet to your phone case.

Add a couple of small magnets and check whether the shaking stops. A magnet, as previously indicated, could cause your gyro to malfunction. If you have a gel case for your iPhone, however, sticking a magnet to it may eliminate the shakiness. Adding a magnet to your case has worked for some users. The tremor was immediately eliminated by placing a tiny magnet right beneath the back camera.

Nevertheless, it is possible that it will not work for everyone.

Whether you’re out of ideas, it’s worth a shot to see if a magnet can help you stop trembling.

When compared to taking it to a service center, it’s also not too pricey. You’ll only need a smartphone repair superglue, a 1/4-inch little magnet, and your device case.

6. Replace your iPhone camera

You can upgrade your old iSight camera with a new one if you have the funds.

What if the magnet isn’t working?

It’s possible that you’d be better off changing your camera.

You can certainly do that, particularly if you’re familiar with fundamental troubleshooting techniques.

Nevertheless, you should be aware that this could be a costly endeavor.

You’ll need an iPhone repair kit and follow DIY rear camera replacement methods if you have the cash and are comfortable in your diagnostic abilities. 

To conduct the DIY replacement, you’ll need the following items: 

Instruments:

  • Tweezers\sHairdryer
  • suction cup number one 
  • Table should be clean and dry.
  • a single spudger
  • Screwdriver bits with a diameter of 4 mm
  • For the iPhone, one (1) Pentalobe screwdriver
  • For computers, one (1) standard Phillips screwdriver
  • iOpener by iFixit and 
  • Rear camera for your iPhone /opening kit 

Parts of an iPhone:

  • Bracket for connecting the camera on the back.
  • Bracket for locking the camera on the back.
  • Foam Pads for the Back Camera
  • Epoxy for display assembly.

On an iSight, how do you change the back camera?

Before you do anything else, ensure sure your iPhone’s battery is at least 25% charged for safety reasons.

If you accidentally puncture the battery, any number greater than that could cause it to combust. 

7. Contact Apple support.

Contact Apple support

Call Apple Service and inquire about solutions before paying money on a remedy. If you don’t want to risk replacing your camera on your own, you can contact Apple’s Customer Support. You can reach them at 1-800-275-2273 in the United States. But, before you call, ensure you have your iPhone’s product code handy.

Here’s the way to get in touch with Apple Customer Support about your issue.

  • Determine your product code.

On your iPhone, to be precise.

  • Go to the Menu bar.
  • Select General > About from the menu bar.
  • Read down until you see the serial number, which is written next to the model number on your iPhone.
  • Please make a note of it or take a screenshot of it. 

Using your Apple ID

  • Link the iPhone to your Mac or PC using the USB cable that comes with it.
  • On your computer, launch the iTunes software.
  • Your iPhone will be recognized by iTunes now.
  • Select the iPhone-shaped symbol from the top left corner.
  • Select Summary from the left sidebar’s “Settings” menu.
  • The info concerning your iPhone will be displayed in iTunes. Your registration number will be shown next to your mobile number.
  • Please visit this page to submit an online service request.

You’ll be able to pick from a variety of Apple products. To see a larger version of the iPhone photo, hover your mouse over it.

  • Click “Repairs and Physical Damage.”

The web page will load the range of issues they can cure after selecting the iPhone picture. Select “Repairs and Direct Damage” from the drop-down menu.

  • Choose “Camera isn’t working as it should.”

After that, you’ll be able to pick between face-to-face consulting or a chat discussion with Apple. Aside from that, you can contact Apple’s customer service team via phone or email. You’ll be prompted to login in with your password and Apple ID if you choose “Bring in for repair.” Following that, a search box will appear on the page, allowing you to look for Apple-approved service locations in your area. If you choose “Chat,” on the other hand, Apple will prompt you to enter your product code. Following that, you will be requested to wait for 2 minutes or less before beginning the chat conversation. 

8. Bring your iPhone to an authorized technician.

Bring your iPhone to an authorized repair shop in your area.

Are you getting irritated yet? You can forego contacting Apple for assistance and instead seek out a certified service provider.

Apple has qualified these professionals to handle any maintenance on Apple products. They also use genuine Apple tools and components when repairing smartphones.

Follow these steps to locate an Apple-approved technician. 

  • Use your password and Apple ID to Log in here.
  • Type your address into the search box.
  • The Apple webpage will provide a map with the locations of Apple-approved centers or experts in the area.
  • You can tap on any of the center/addresses stores in the left panel.
  • The map will then show you if the store has any available diagnostic appointments.
  • If no bookings are accessible, reach out to the store via their site, mobile number, or social network page. You can also come back to the site later.

How to avoid taking blurry pictures on iPhone?

Experiment with your camera’s auto-focus (AF).

Don’t rely on the autofocus of your phone’s camera to avoid fuzzy pictures. If your main topic in the shot is fuzzy, it’s a sign that it’s not functioning.

As a result, before you press the shutter button, make sure you’ve selected the most crucial topic in your viewfinder. This will draw attention to the main issue rather than the insignificant or secondary foreground/background. 

Why does my iPhone camera shake when I zoom in?

Unless your iPhone is put on a tripod, it rattles when you zoom close in due to your hand/s. Consider purchasing a Gorillapod, such as the Akron iPhone tripod mount, whenever you need to reduce trembling. It boasts 11-inch bendable legs that can wrap around anything for a steady, crisp photo.

iPhone video stabilizers such as the DJI Osmo Mobile and the Zhiyun Smooth 4 are also available. For precise camera movement, DJI is a folding stabilizer with brushless dc motors. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a gimbal with hotkeys, eliminating the need to tap the display to adjust camera settings. The majority of these are compatible with subsequent models or iPhone 7, as well as GoPros.

How do you take flawless pictures with an iPhone?

Please find a way to take better images with your iPhone by getting to know it better. Taking virtually perfect images necessitates a high level of skill. However, you may need to acquire a few iPhone tips and tricks from time to time.

Other apps aside from your camera, according to experienced iPhone photographers, should be explored.

Some software, like Lightroom and SnapSeed, has more photography options, allowing you to play around with your photos.

In addition, you can use the HDR function in your native camera app to capture photographs that are clearer and more apparent.

You have two options if you want to get rid of the motion artifacts: 

  • So that the shutter of your camera lens stays open longer, ask your topic to hold motionless while exposing the highlights in your photos, or you take their picture.

This eliminates the frame rate effect on the images.

Wrapping it up

It’s frustrating to deal with the shaking issue, specifically if you bought your iPhone for its camera. Therefore, before buying a newer model like the iPhone X, give our tips a shot. You might be able to repair it by simply performing a factory reset! 

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.