Why are my photos blurry? Solve the mystery

The questions

1. Question 1 of 6What is the very first thing to try?

   

   • Factory reset
   • Clean every lens with a soft, dry microfibre cloth
   • Buy a new phone
   • Turn off Wi-Fi

   Show answer

   Answer: Clean every lens with a soft, dry microfibre cloth

   Wipe each rear lens in small circles, and the small windows on the camera bump too. Most people are done after the first two steps.

   Source: Samsung US: Fix blurry or poor photo and video quality on your Galaxy device; Google Pixel Camera Help: Fix your Camera app on your Pixel phone

   Phone camera blurry?

2. Question 2 of 6A clip-on magnetic lens mount could be the problem. Why?

   • It blocks Wi-Fi
   • Apple says to remove accessories that block the camera or put a magnet near it
   • It drains the battery
   • It can't

   Show answer

   Answer: Apple says to remove accessories that block the camera or put a magnet near it

   Apple says to remove any case, film or accessory that blocks the camera or puts a magnet near it. Samsung says lens protectors can cause focus problems too.

   Source: Apple: If the camera or flash on your iPhone or iPad isn't working; Samsung US: Fix blurry or poor photo and video quality on your Galaxy device

   Phone camera blurry?

3. Question 3 of 6On a Galaxy, from how close does the main lens work best, by Samsung's figures?

   • 1 cm
   • About 12 inches (30 cm)
   • 5 metres
   • Any distance

   Show answer

   Answer: About 12 inches (30 cm)

   Samsung gives about 12 inches (30 cm) for the main lens, 20 inches for the telephoto and 4 inches for the Ultra Wide. Too close and it can't focus.

   Source: Samsung US: Fix blurry or poor photo and video quality on your Galaxy device

   Phone camera blurry?

4. Question 4 of 6You came in from the cold and photos look foggy. What does Samsung say?

   • The lens is broken
   • It may be condensation: leave it at room temperature and wait
   • Heat it with a hair dryer
   • Clean inside the camera

   Show answer

   Answer: It may be condensation: leave it at room temperature and wait

   Samsung says haze can be condensation inside the camera after a temperature change. Leave the phone at room temperature and it clears by itself.

   Source: Samsung US: Fix blurry or poor photo and video quality on your Galaxy device

   Phone camera blurry?

5. Question 5 of 6Fact or fiction: a slight rattle when you shake a Pixel means the camera is broken.

   • Fact
   • Fiction: Google says it is normal, from parts that help the camera focus

   Show answer

   Answer: Fiction: Google says it is normal, from parts that help the camera focus

   Google says a slight rattle is normal: it comes from parts that help the camera focus.

   Source: Google Pixel Camera Help: Fix your Camera app on your Pixel phone

   Phone camera blurry?

6. Question 6 of 6Apple warns about mounting an iPhone on which vehicle?

   

   • A bicycle basket
   • The handlebars of a high-power motorcycle
   • A car dashboard
   • A pram

   Show answer

   Answer: The handlebars of a high-power motorcycle

   Apple says long exposure to strong vibration, like the handlebars of a high-power motorcycle, can damage the parts that stabilise the image and hold focus. On mopeds and scooters it advises a vibration-damping mount.

   Source: Apple: Exposure to vibrations might impact iPhone cameras

   Phone camera blurry?