iPad camera not working? How to fix it

Diagnose and resolve iPad camera issues with our comprehensive troubleshooting guide and online camera testing tool

Updated on November 8, 2026

How to fix a camera that is not working on iPad

Start with the camera test at the top of this page. If your picture appears here in Safari, the iPad camera works and only one app needs permission. If it does not, test the built-in Camera app next. That one check tells you whether to fix a single app or the device itself, and saves you from trying fixes that cannot help.

Quick checks first

  • Open the Camera app and switch between the front and back cameras. If both are black, restart the iPad.
  • Remove a case or screen protector that may cover the lens, and clean the lens.
  • Close every app that may be using the camera by swiping it away in the app switcher.
  • Use the app full screen: on some iPad models and older iPadOS versions the camera pauses in Split View, Slide Over or small Stage Manager windows.

Allow camera access

  1. Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera to see every app that asked for the camera, and turn on the one you need.
  2. For Safari and websites like this one: Settings › Apps › Safari › Camera must be set to Ask or Allow (iOS 17 and earlier: Settings › Safari › Camera).
  3. Check Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions › Allowed Apps & Features: if Camera is off there, no app can use it.

Restart, update and reset settings

  1. Restart the iPad, then install updates in Settings › General › Software Update.
  2. If permissions look right but apps still cannot use the camera, use Settings › General › Transfer or Reset › Reset › Reset All Settings. This keeps your data but resets settings such as Wi-Fi passwords and privacy choices.
  3. If the Camera app itself shows a black screen after a restart, contact Apple Support: it is likely a hardware fault.

Center Stage and camera position on iPad

  1. Center Stage follows you in video calls. If the picture seems frozen or zoomed, open Control Center during a call, tap Video Effects and turn Center Stage off and on.
  2. On newer iPads the front camera is on the long edge, so it works best in landscape; on older ones it is on the short edge and is easy to cover with a hand.

Camera not working in one app on iPad

If the test on this page works but one app does not, the fix is inside that app:

Skype

Skype was retired; use Microsoft Teams with your Skype account.

Messenger

Allow the camera for Messenger in Settings.

FaceTime

Turn FaceTime on and toggle Center Stage off and on if the picture looks frozen.

WhatsApp

Use the WhatsApp app for iPad and allow the camera in Settings.

Hangouts

Install Google Meet; Hangouts no longer works.

Viber

Allow the camera for Viber in Settings.

WeChat

Allow the camera for WeChat in Settings.

Microsoft Teams

Allow the camera for Teams in Settings and keep Teams full screen during calls.

Zoom

Allow the camera for Zoom and use it full screen; the camera can pause in Split View or Slide Over.

iPad guides to fix your camera not working

When you're facing camera issues on iPad within specific applications, it's crucial to find targeted solutions. Our collection of app-specific guides is here to help you troubleshoot and resolve camera problems. Each guide is tailored to address common and unique camera issues within different applications on iPad.

Our comprehensive guides cover camera troubleshooting for a wide range of apps, including: