What Should You Do If Your Phone Camera Loses Focus?

Many smartphone users will go through a frustrating phase where their phone cameras lose focus and take blurry pictures. Often, the issue stems from something as minor as a smudged lens. Other times, however, software flaws or a virus may go undetected. In any case, before you know what to do when your smartphone camera loses focus, you must first understand why it happens.

As previously stated, there are numerous reasons why a smartphone camera may experience focus issues. The majority of the causes are common and simple to fix. However, if the issue is caused by software, the user may need to take drastic measures to resolve it. If the problem stems from the phone’s hardware, then the services of an expert should be employed.

This guide investigates why a smartphone camera loses focus and how to resolve the issue.

What Should You Do If Your Smartphone Camera Loses Focus?

There are numerous reasons why smartphone cameras may become blurry at times. The phone camera could be experiencing physical or software issues. Whatever the case, many times a few tweaks can solve the problem. In other words, when a user's smartphone camera fails to focus, they have several options.

Method 1 – Clean The Lens
One’s smartphone camera lens can get smudged easily during day-to-day activities. This is because it is exposed to dust, water, fingerprints, and even food particles. Smartphones spend a lot of time in one’s pocket, purse, or on surfaces at home or work where they can get dirty quickly.

When the camera lens becomes cloudy due to dirt, the camera can no longer focus on objects. As a result, the user will not be able to take crisp, clear photos. Hence, before taking pictures, it is essential to clean the phone’s lens first.

Users should endeavor to wipe the phone camera and the glass regularly. One can use an Air Duster or a microfiber cloth to clean the phone’s lens. The microfiber cloth should be folded into a tiny triangle before use to enable it to reach all the corners. Alternatively, the user may use a cotton swab dipped in a little bit of distilled water. Then, use it to wipe the camera lens carefully.

Method 2: Restart Your Phone

Restarting the device may be all that the camera requires. This is especially true in the case of a phone with limited storage and a processor. One of the reasons why the camera app may be blurry is that many programs are running at the same time. As a result, restart the phone and then reopen the camera app.

Method 3: Delete the Cache

Smartphones store a large amount of data from apps. They save this information in the cache of the associated application. When the camera's cache is full, the phone camera's quality may suffer. To clear the cache on your phone, navigate to Settings >App> Camera App. After selecting the phone's camera, press the Clear Cache button.

Method 4 – Reinstall the Camera App

Most smartphone apps must be constantly updated because new versions are released on a regular basis. When an app becomes outdated, it may begin to malfunction. As a result, if you have an android camera focus issue, it could be due to an outdated camera app.

To fix the issue, go to the Google Play Store for Android phones or the Apple App Store for Apple users. Select 'Apps,' then look for the camera app and update it if necessary.

Method 5 – Gently tap the phone

Taping the back of the phone with one's hand or finger, as counterintuitive as it may sound, may solve the problem. This can bring the lens back into focus.

By adjusting the distance between the sensor and the lens, smartphone cameras can switch focus. However, the camera's tiny components can occasionally fall out of place. When this occurs, a gentle tap on the back of the phone should resolve the issue.

Method 6 – Virus Scan The Phone

If the device is infected with a virus, that could be the source of the problem. A virus will either slow down or completely disable one's camera app. Downloading an antivirus app is therefore recommended if you want to know what to do when your smartphone camera loses focus. AVG Anti-Virus, Safe Security, Norton, and McAfee are some good antivirus apps.

Method 7 – Install a Different Camera App

If all other methods fail, it is possible that the issue is with the phone's default camera. After some time, the camera app may become faulty for unknown reasons. In that case, the user can resolve the issue by installing a third-party camera app.

The user can use this method by downloading any camera app with a high rating from the Google Play Store. Lightroom, VSCO Photo, and Video Editor are some good options. Set a new camera app as the default camera after installing it.

Method 9 – Go To An Expert
If all else fails, the user may have no other choice than to take the phone to an expert for repair as it could be a hardware problem. If the device is still under warranty, contact the seller and explain the issue. If not, have the camera lens replaced at a phone service center. It is usually done at a low cost.

Why Does A Smartphone Camera Lose Focus?

Knowing why a smartphone camera loses focus may help the user prevent or reduce any future occurrence. The reasons a smartphone camera may lose focus includes;

1. Water Invasion

Even if one's phone is waterproof, it is critical to keep the lens of the phone away from liquid. Smartphones contain highly complex circuitry, and water or other liquids can damage the camera.

2. Shock Injury

Using low-quality chargers or replacing batteries with inferior quality can result in shock damage. High and unstable voltages, on the other hand, may cause shock damage to the camera.

3. Physical Damage

Camera focus problems can also arise when the phone suffers from physical damage. Physical damage occurs when the phone falls on a hard surface. When this happens, the phone’s components may short circuit affecting the camera.

Conclusion

What should you do if your camera loses focus? Begin by cleaning the lens before restarting the device. If the first two methods do not work, try another. Hopefully, you'll be able to get your camera working before attempting the first eight methods. If not, a trip to the phone service center may be your only option.