How do I know if my true depth camera is working?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

To verify if your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera is working properly, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Camera App
Tap on the Camera app icon on your iPhone’s home screen to open it.

Step 2: Choose Portrait Mode
Once the Camera app is open, you’ll see various options at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right to select the “Portrait” mode. This mode is specifically designed to utilize the TrueDepth camera’s depth sensing capabilities.

Step 3: Select the Front Camera
Next, you need to switch to the front-facing camera. Look for the button that shows two arrows forming a circle, usually located in the top right or left corner of the screen. Tap on it to switch to the front camera.

Step 4: Snap a Selfie
With the front camera in Portrait mode, you are now ready to take a selfie. Position yourself in the frame and tap the shutter button, which is usually a circle at the bottom center of the screen.

Step 5: Check the Result
After taking the selfie, the iPhone will process the image using the TrueDepth camera’s depth sensor. If the camera is working correctly, you should see a clear distinction between the subject in focus and the background, with a pleasing bokeh effect. The subject should appear sharp, while the background is blurred.

If you notice any issues with the portrait mode selfie, such as the subject not being in focus or the background not being properly blurred, it could indicate a problem with the TrueDepth camera.

In some cases, software glitches or other factors may affect the performance of the TrueDepth camera. If you’re experiencing persistent issues, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software issues.

2. Update iOS: Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements.

3. Reset Camera Settings: Go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings and make sure “Camera Mode” is toggled on. Then, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will reset all camera settings to their default values.

4. Contact Apple Support: If the problem persists, it’s advisable to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair if necessary.

Remember, the TrueDepth camera is not just used for portrait mode selfies. It also enables features like Face ID, Animoji, and augmented reality applications. If you notice issues with these features as well, it further indicates a potential problem with the TrueDepth camera.

By following the steps outlined above and observing the quality of the portrait mode selfies, you can get a good idea of whether your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera is working normally. If you encounter any persistent issues, it’s best to seek support from Apple.