Symptoms
- Crack visible on the small glass over the camera
- Photos look hazy, foggy, or have odd light flares
- Autofocus may hunt or fail near the crack
Likely causes
- CommonImpact from a drop, especially back-firstRaised camera bumps take direct hits when a phone lands on its back.
- PossibleScratches from sand or grit in a pocket without a caseCan weaken the glass before a crack fully forms.
What to do
- Avoid using flash near the crack, which can create more glare in photos.
- Cover the crack with a small piece of clear tape to keep debris and moisture out until repaired.
- Check whether dust or moisture has already gotten past the crack into the camera housing.
- Back up existing photos in case the camera stops focusing correctly.
- Get the lens cover (or full camera module, depending on the model) replaced at a repair shop.
Tools and parts
- Clear tape (temporary)
Camera lens cover or moduleSearch: “camera lens replacement for your model”
When to call a pro
A repair shop can usually replace just the lens cover for less than a full camera module swap — ask them to check both options.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.