3 Easy Ways to Clean Your iPhone Camera Lens

Co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: January 8, 2023 Tested

Wiping the Lens

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Dusting the Lens

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Maintenance

Is your iPhone camera lens dirty with dust and fingerprints? You can safely clean your iPhone camera and screen by dusting with compressed air or wiping with microfiber cloths. However, if dust is trapped underneath the lens or if the lens is damaged, you'll need to see a certified technician as opening your phone by yourself can damage the device and void your warranty. This wikiHow will show you how to clean and maintain your iPhone camera lens to keep it free of debris and smudges.

Things You Should Know

When dusting your phone, use compressed air without added chemicals. Dispense the compressed air at least a few inches away from the device.
When wiping the lens, use a microfiber cloth to avoid debris scratching your lens. Avoid using chemical cleaning products.
If the lens itself is damaged, you will need to see an Apple technician to repair or replace the lens.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wiping the Lens

1
Opt for microfiber cloths. Similar to cleaning your phone screen, you can use a lint-free cloth to wipe away fingerprints, dust, fogginess, and stains from your camera lens. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} You can purchase microfiber cloths at most drug stores or department stores. The texture of these cloths can easily remove fingerprints and stains.^{[2]
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- Do not substitute the microfiber cloth with soft tissues like Kleenex. These can break during the cleaning process and stick onto the lens or scratch it.
- The microfiber cloth sold with eyeglass cleaning kits is perfect for cleaning your iPhone's camera lens.
2
Wipe down the lens gently. Take the microfiber cloth out of its package. Gently wipe the surface of your iPhone's camera lens. Wipe your lens down as long as necessary to remove unwanted stains and fingerprints.^{[3]
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- If your microfiber cloth is not brand new, be sure it's completely clean. Trapped debris in a microfiber cloth can scratch and damage your device.
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3
Avoid using chemical cleaning products on your iPhone screen. It is not necessary to use cleaning products on your iPhone's screen to remove stains. In fact, cleaning products could potentially damage the iPhone screen. Stick to dry microfiber cloths without added water or products to clean your iPhone.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dusting the Lens

1
Buy compressed air without chemical additives. You can purchase compressed air at most department stores or hardware stores. Choose products that use only air and do not include chemicals.
2
Dispense the compressed air onto the lens. An iPhone screen is well-protected, but you do not want to risk breaking it as compressed air can be strong. When you blow the air onto your iPhone's camera lens, hold the nozzle at least a few inches away from your screen. Dispense compressed air until any dirt has cleared from the screen.
- Always hold cans of compressed air upright. Do not dispense compressed air upside down or at an angle.
3
See an Apple technician for dust trapped inside the camera. In some cases, compressed air will not remove dust from the lens. You can try to wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, but if the dust remains, it's likely the dust is trapped below the camera lens. In this case, you'll need to see an Apple technician. Find a local Apple store in your area and make an appointment.^{[4]
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- Check your iPhone warranty before you contact Apple.
- A qualified technician can open your iPhone and clean the screen from the inside.
- Do not attempt to disassemble your iPhone on your own unless you have extensive experience working with Apple products.
- Taking your phone apart on your own could damage the device and void the warranty.
- If you're still under warranty, Apple technicians may fix this problem at no cost.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintenance

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Set your phone down with the camera facing upwards. When you set your phone down, keep the camera lens facing upward. This will prevent the lens from coming into contact with contaminants from surfaces like counters and tables.^{[5]
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Store your item in safe places in your bag or pocket. When you store your phone in your pocket or bag, make sure you keep it away from hazardous objects. Ideally, your phone should be stored alone in your pocket or in its own compartment in your purse or bag. Keep it away from abrasive items, like keys, that could scratch the camera lens.^{[6]
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3
Invest in an iPhone case. An iPhone case can help protect both your iPhone's screen and camera lens from damage. The Otterbox is the strongest protective case, but the EyePatch case has a movable cover for the camera lens. If you use your camera frequently, the EyePatch may be worth the investment to protect your lens.^{[7]
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- Depending on the brand, some cases may be more expensive than others. Consider using eBay or Craigslist to find secondhand cases.
4
Store your phone in clean areas. When you set your phone down in your home, keep it in clean areas. Store your phone on clean surfaces to avoid contaminants that could dirty the camera lens. For instance, avoid setting your phone down in the bathroom or on a dirty kitchen counter.^{[8]
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