Not sure if this is a bug or a settings but i couldnt find a fix online. When opening the camera while the phone is locked the camera is black. Only after unlocking does the camera work again. I use the camera button to instantly open the camera but it shows up as black screen.
The phone being locked means accessing from lock screen when still locked. (Havent scanned face id)
iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18
Which iOS version are you on?
This really sounds like a system bug. I had the exact same issue — camera goes black when opening it from the lock screen (before Face ID). Tried everything, nothing worked. Felt like I wasted a thousand bucks for nothing 😩.
In my case, I’m using an iPhone 16, and it only started working again after I downgraded from iOS 18.4 to 18.3.2. So I'd suggest trying to either upgrade or downgrade your iOS version — Apple may have fixed it (or introduced the bug again ).
[Edited by Moderator]
Same problem here. I noticed that I can reproduce this problem when I have Instagram open and lock the screen. If I press the camera control button it appears black and stays that way for at least 20 seconds then after you miss the scene you wanted to capture the camera comes back on. I'll be back to Samsung's side this year. S25Ultra take my money!
I have the same issue on iphone 16 , i waited for many updates but nothing seems to ha e fixed it , everybonce in a while i see the black screen while starting the camera from lock screen or while switching between the front and back cameras . Its frustrating, i dont know why apple has still not taken notice of this existing glitch / bug .
When opening the camera from any location, it displays a black screen. It’s not a freezing issue; rather, it seems to be an 'initializing' problem. This happens at random times, and the only way to get the camera to work again is to shut down and restart my iPhone 16. This is incredibly frustrating and annoying. It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment—when I have only seconds to take a picture, but I can’t because it takes so long to restart the phone. I’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked. The iPhone 16 is clearly defective, at least mine is. I’ve always been a loyal customer, and I’m very disappointed. So much money for such poor quality. Not good!
When opening the camera from any location, it displays a black screen. It’s not a freezing issue; rather, it seems to be an 'initializing' problem. This happens at random times, and the only way to get the camera to work again is to shut down and restart my iPhone 16. This is incredibly frustrating and annoying. It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment—when I have only seconds to take a picture, but I can’t because it takes so long to restart the phone. I’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked. The iPhone 16 is clearly defective, at least mine is. I’ve always been a loyal customer, and I’m very disappointed. So much money for such poor quality. Not good!
My phone was just upgraded to iOS 18.6. I wouldn’t be surprised if the issue was related to that. I saw advice to restart the iPhone. I haven’t done that yet. But just closing the camera app seem to bring picture back.
Same problem here and I want to dump this phone. It’s getting worse day by day. This was not a restore of a previous phone, set it up as new. Hopefully it’s resolved in iOS 26. If not, Apple can shove this phone where the sun doesn’t shine. Over 1k usd for a phone with so many problems it’s frustrating and not reliable.
I’m having the same issue. Tried force resetting the phone, tried fully charging etc etc etc. it’s very frustrating. Can be a black screen for 10+ seconds for me.
I’m having the same issue. Also WhatsApp keeps crashing.
Experiencing the same issue too!
Sooo frustrating for a very expensive phone!
I hope Apple fix this with a software update or something…
I have the same issue
I also have this issue. Sometimes the same issue with the flashlight when the phone is locked.
Same issue. Been happening since day 1, no iOS updates have corrected it.
Same issue no fix in sight, shouldn’t have to restart my phone every time I want to take a picture, multiple updates from apple in iOS 18 no fix, it’s a joke
Hi, facing it on Iphone 16 when having more apps in background and switch from rear to front camera, Update to latest ios as well, my phone is a month old, does anyone knows whats the fix ?
Issue I find is now affecting the measure app and the torch. Seems anything that runs via the back camera pad is an issue
Iphone 16 Pro Max Camera Shows Black Screen When Accessed from Lock Screen
