The iPhone 5 has a reasonably good camera that is incredibly convenient because it is always in my pocket. Unfortunately, I noticed a few weeks ago that there were two spots on pictures that I took with my camera. In most pictures the spots were almost invisible, but a picture of a light, solid color would reveal the spots.
For example, here is a picture that I took using the ABBYY FineReader Touch app that I recently reviewed, and another picture that I took of the floor of an Apple Store. I’ve added red ovals to emphasize the spots:
At first I thought my lens was just dirty, but cleaning was not a solution. Then I thought that the lens had gotten scratched, but I try as I might, I certainly couldn’t see anything. Some research on the Internet led me to discover others with this problem, and the working theory was that dust had somehow gotten inside of the iPhone 5. I gave my phone several vigorous shakes to try to dislodge any dust, but that wasn’t a solution either.
So I decided to make an appointment at the Genius Bar at an Apple Store. As always, the experience was fantastic. Before I left home, I backed up my iPhone to iTunes on my computer. As I entered the store I launched the Apple Store app, which instantly noticed that I was in an Apple Store and knew that I had an 11am appointment, so it immediately asked me if I wanted to sign in. I tapped one button to do so, and a few minutes later, the Apple Genius called my name. Perhaps he had seen this problem before because as soon as I started to describe it, he quickly said that he would just swap out my iPhone 5 for a new one. A few minutes later I had a new iPhone 5 in my hand, and when I got home I connected it to my computer, restored from a backup (which took a long time … maybe two hours for my 64 GB iPhone 5), and then I was back in business again. A shiny new iPhone 5 with no dots in my pictures.
I have not had many hardware problems since I started using an iPhone in 2008, but it is nice to know that if there is a problem, the Apple Store makes it as fast and easy as possible to get customers up and running again. Can you imagine if other business worked the same way — car mechanics, cable companies, the DMV?
If you see consistent, reproducible spots in the pictures you take, I recommend that you swap it out at an Apple Store.
I had a similar issue with my iPhone 5 (insead of spots it looked like a large cluster of dead pixels or a similar defect on the sensor). Like you, a few minues after walking into an Apple store I was on my way with a new iPhone without such a defect.
I have exchanged once back in December now it is happening again with new phone
I dont have apple care. Can i still swap it out? I have the same spots
I don’t have Apple Care either, but I suppose my iPhone 5 was still within a one year warranty.
I have the same issue–it’s like a dark circle.
I’ve had mine for a year and a half. Do you think I’m screwed? (Probably, I usually am.)
I don’t know, but you can always go to an Apple Store and see what they offer to do.
-Jeff
Yeah the offered to swap out my phone too until they found out I was out of warranty. I’m really upset as this is a consistent problem over the while line and now I’m out a decent phone because if build quality. Real frustrated with Apple.
Today they denied replacing my phone because I was out of warranty.
All the options they reviewed cost over $200 out of pocket.
same problem. I’m real frustrated too
Guys, the solution is simple!
It’s just a spec of dust that has collected somewhere onto the back plate.
Here’s how to get rid of it (trust me, I did this twice myself and it works like a charm)!
1. Grab a piece of paper or two and set them flat on a desk (so you don’t scratch the back of your phone).
2. Pinch the phone by the top corners at a 45 degree angle with the bottom back edge rested on the paper (back camera lifted a few inches from the desk and pointing down).
3. Apply slight pressure downwards with your other hand.
4. Release the first hand, causing the phone to slam flat on the paper.
5. Check the camera app.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the spots are no more.
Now I know this sounds silly but give it a try. Seriously. Just don’t bang the phone too hard.
This also works for newer iPhones!
It actually worked!
WOW, Totally worked! Took my case off, two smacks against my desk calendar, dark spot gone. Thanks AppleSteve!
Just taken iPhone 5 apart to get rid of spot. No luck. tried your trick.
Watched spot move a couple of times then it disappeared. Obviously gone off camera !!!
Thank you AppleSteve.
that did not work for me nor did opening the phone and cleaning the lens(es)..
Thank you so much!!!! This worked and I am thrilled!
Didn’t work for me?
Anyone no why?
oh wow it worked!! Thanks!
Cannot believe that actually worked! (You have to remove iPhone cover before attempting). Thanks!
It worked. You are genius.
Wow, AppleSteve! It works for me also. Thanks alot.
Tried the jolt method described and no sign of the foreign object moving. Mine looks roughly like a red edged, translucent lightning bolt. Pretty small, but near the center of the photos so not attractive on faces. Out of warranty so swapping out not an option.
Genius! I opened the phone and cleaned and everything, but it didn’t work. But your method worked instantly!
very sceptical but really it worked. it slammed hard but indeed my spot is gone 🙂
Thank you so much AppleSteve! The shady spot on my camera is gone!! You’re awesome and so thankful you shared this knowledge with us. Totally B.A!
It really worked. I was so frustated thinking that i have to change the camera and everything which will be so costly. It was just really dirt. I tried cleaning the screen but to no avail the dirt was still there. thankful i found this website.
Hello. I have the same problem. Ruined all of my photos from a month-long vacation. Is anyone willing to post pictures, or a video, of how they did this?
great!!!!! It worked! Tnx so much!!!! 1000 Dank!
I found that explanation a little hard to follow but it works, I’ll try and simply it
1. Put down a couple pieces of paper or tissue or something to protect your phone
2. Lay your phone on the back with the screen up on the paper
3. Hold the top two corners of the phone
4. Lift it up at about 45 degrees whilst keeping the bottom part(where the charger goes in) on the table
5. With your free hand put it on the screen and press down with a little pressure
6. Let go and let your phone slam down on the table
7. Check your camera to see if it’s gone, if not try again till it goes
It worked for me hope it works for you and this explains it a bit better
AppleSteve’s tip WORKED!!!! This is legit, everyone!
I was suspicious at the beginning, tried 4 times and it got rid of the 3 spots it had. Surprisingly easy and effective! Thank you very much!
It actually worked for me too