Symptoms
- Photos look slightly blurry or hazy in one area
- Visible fine scratches on the lens glass
- Issue is worse in bright sunlight or with flash
Likely causes
- CommonCarrying the phone loose with keys or coinsHard objects in the same pocket are the most common cause of lens scratches.
- PossibleSetting the phone face-up on rough or gritty surfacesSand or grit can scratch the glass even without a drop.
What to do
- Stop carrying the phone with keys, coins, or other hard items in the same pocket.
- Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth to rule out smudges before assuming it's a scratch.
- Add a camera lens protector or a case with raised edges around the camera to prevent further scratching.
- Test photos in different lighting to confirm the haze is from the scratch and not a software or focus issue.
- If photo quality is significantly affected, consider a lens cover replacement at a repair shop.
Tools and parts
- Microfiber cloth
- Camera lens protector
Camera lens protectorSearch: “camera lens protector for your model”
When to call a pro
If scratches are deep enough to noticeably affect photo quality, a repair shop can replace just the lens cover.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.