Symptoms
- Photos come out blurry even in good light and a steady hand
- Video looks unusually shaky compared to before
- Faint rattling felt or heard from the camera area when shaking the phone
Likely causes
- CommonOIS (optical image stabilization) mechanism jarred out of alignmentThe stabilization mechanism uses small magnets and springs that can shift on impact.
- PossibleCracked lens element affecting focusInternal lens elements can crack or shift without visible external damage.
- PossibleAutofocus motor damagedCan cause persistent blur since the camera can't lock focus properly.
What to do
- Clean the lens first to rule out a simple smudge or scratch causing the blur.
- Test both photo and video modes, and both hand-held and on a stable surface, to isolate whether it's stabilization or focus.
- Compare shots from the main camera versus other lenses (wide, telephoto) if your phone has multiple, since only one may be affected.
- Restart the phone in case a software glitch is affecting camera calibration.
- If blur or shake persists across multiple tests and the timing matches the drop, the camera module likely needs professional repair.
Tools and parts
- Microfiber cloth (for lens cleaning)
Camera module replacementSearch: “camera module replacement for your model”
When to call a pro
A repair shop can test the camera module's stabilization and autofocus function and replace it if the mechanism is damaged.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.