When buying a second-hand device or getting an unofficial repair, you run the risk of getting fake Camera in your iPhone. If you own an iPhone 11, iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 device, things are a bit simpler. These iPhone models automatically display a warning if they detect your Camera is a non-genuine replacement. In this article, I’ll show you how to check if your iPhone’s Camera is fake or original.
While preloved iPhones can come with a few defects, it’s best to buy devices that still have their original Camera. Original iPhone’s Camera is designed not just to work, but also to pass the necessary safety requirements for everyday use.
With an original iPhone, your second-hand device can still be covered by Apple’s warranty for repairs or factory defect recalls.
Proven ways to check if your iPhone’s Camera is fake or original
You don’t have to have specialized equipment to identify fake iPhone’s Camera. Let me teach you a few ways to identify a fake iPhone Camera. Here are some methods to find out if your pre-loved iPhone still has its original Camera:
Watch Out for Notifications
With iPhone 12 models and higher running iOS 15.2 and higher, you can go to Settings > General > About to see the parts and service history of your iPhone and you can see if the camera has been replaced. If the repair was done using genuine Apple parts and processes, you will see “Genuine Apple Part” next to Camera.
You will see an Unknown Part message if the camera installation is incomplete or if the camera:
Was replaced with a nongenuine camera, or was already used or installed in another iPhone.
With iOS versions earlier than iOS 15.2, you’ll see an Important Camera Message instead of an Unknown Part message.
Take Your iPhone to Apple
When all else fails and you’re still not sure if your iPhone’s Camera is fake or original, Apple can tell you for sure.
Schedule an evaluation with your nearest Apple Store or Apple-authorized repair center to get a confirmation. To schedule a session with Apple, go to the Apple Support page and select Start a repair request, then select iPhone as the device you want to repair.
On the next page, it will ask you to enter the issue you have with your device. There is no direct way to ask if your iPhone has fake Camera, but you can opt to select The topic is not listed and type in your concern.
After, you can choose to either set up a chat with Apple Support or schedule a repair visit. You will be required to enter the IMEI number of your iPhone to confirm your appointment.
Problems you may face with a fake iPhone’s Camera
If you use a fake Camera on your iPhone, your device might experience the following problems:
- Camera does not focus correctly or images are not sharp
- When using Portrait mode, the subject might not be in focus or only partially in focus
- A 3rd-party app that uses the camera might freeze or quit unexpectedly
- Real-time preview in 3rd-party apps might appear blank or might get stuck.
How to avoid getting a fake iPhone’s Camera
Once you are a certified Apple iPhone owner, it’s important to avoid getting any future repairs with third-party providers. There is always a chance that they not only use fake parts for their repairs, but also steal the working parts and replace them without your consent.
While it may appear cheaper and your iPhone may work for a while, non-genuine Camera run the risk of affecting the rest of your device. With so many iPhone models on the market, a non-Apple-trained technician may also install used, damaged, or incorrect Camera for your model.
By using only Apple-authorized service providers, the repair of your device is guaranteed to use only original Camera. Should there be any issues with the quality of the repair, or recalls due to manufacturing errors, Apple is also likely going to foot the bill.
Make Sure Your iPhone’s Camera Is Genuine
Counterfeit products are everywhere. If you’re tempted to get your iPhone’s Camera repaired by non-certified technicians because of their cheap price, remember that nongenuine Camera might affect the safety of the device or might cause improper function or issues with image quality. Apple camera parts are designed to fit precisely within the device. Additionally, repairs that don’t properly replace screws or cowlings might leave behind loose parts that could damage the battery, cause overheating, or result in injury. To be safe, it is best to visit a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair. These providers include Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers, and Independent Repair Providers, who have access to genuine Apple parts.