Technology

How Much Does It Cost to Repair TrueDepth Camera? Simple and Quick DIY Fixes

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Face ID Camera on iPhone? If your TrueDepth Camera is faulty and preventing you from unlocking your phone using Face ID, you may need to get it repaired. The cost of TrueDepth Camera repair varies depending on your device model and the repair provider.

Administrator

5 May, 2024

When a phone‘s TrueDepth Camera malfunctions, many people try resetting their device or using other methods to troubleshoot the issue. However, these methods may not address the root cause of the TrueDepth Camera error, resulting in no improvement. This article will provide instructions on how to fix a TrueDepth Camera error at home and answer the question of how much it costs to repair a TrueDepth Camera.

What is an iPhone’s TrueDepth Camera?

The TrueDepth Camera is a camera system capable of accurately capturing facial data. The system consists of a camera, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and dot projector.

The TrueDepth Camera works by projecting a grid of dots onto the face using the front-facing camera. Simultaneously, an infrared camera takes a picture to read and recognize the face.

This advanced technology was first introduced in 2017 by Apple. The iPhone X was the first device to utilize TrueDepth Camera technology. Useful applications of this technology include:

Face ID: A feature that unlocks the phone using facial recognition, authenticating the user.
Animoji and Memoji: Features that create 3D animated characters based on the user’s facial expressions.
Portrait Mode: An enhancement to the existing Portrait mode with higher quality and background blur.
AR (Augmented Reality) Gaming: Uses the 3D model of the face to support AR-based applications.

Signs of a Malfunctioning TrueDepth Camera

You can identify a malfunctioning TrueDepth Camera by the following signs:

The screen displays messages such as: Face ID Is Not Available, Face ID is turned off, etc.
Another indication: You cannot use Face ID to unlock your phone.

Causes of TrueDepth Camera Malfunction on iPhones

There are several reasons why an iPhone’s TrueDepth Camera may malfunction:

Water damage: Water damage to the phone can cause various issues, including TrueDepth Camera failure.

Software conflict: Sometimes, the TrueDepth Camera malfunction can be caused by downloading camera or photo editing apps. Another possible cause is an outdated operating system, leading to software conflicts.
Manufacturing defect: If you happen to purchase a phone with a manufacturing defect, the TrueDepth Camera may malfunction.
Physical impact: Dropping, breaking, hitting, or scratching the iPhone’s camera can also damage the TrueDepth Camera.
Other causes: The camera may be obstructed by something, such as a screen protector.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a TrueDepth Camera?

Many people are hesitant to repair their TrueDepth Camera due to uncertainty about the cost. Currently, the cost of repairing a malfunctioning TrueDepth Camera or a disabled Face ID feature ranges from a few hundred to over 2 million VND, depending on the device model.

The higher the device model, the more expensive the repair cost. Therefore, if you are unsure about how much it costs to repair a TrueDepth Camera, you can try the at-home fixes first.

How to Repair a TrueDepth Camera at Home

1. Use the Camera Properly

When unlocking with Face ID, avoid standing in bright light and ensure the distance is not too far or too close to your face. Hold the camera vertically when using Face ID, and do not wear sunglasses while unlocking your phone.

Also, check if the tempered glass is too thick or if the phone case is covering the camera. Use a clean, soft cloth to clean the camera.

2. Reset Face ID

Sometimes, a malfunctioning Face ID can cause the TrueDepth Camera to stop working. You can resolve this by resetting Face ID as follows:

Step 1: Open the Settings app ⇒ Select Face ID & Passcode ⇒ Enter your phone’s unlock passcode.
Step 2: Tap Reset Face ID ⇒ Start ⇒ Follow the instructions to reset Face ID.

3. Disable and Re-enable Facial Recognition

Disabling and re-enabling the facial recognition feature is another quick way to troubleshoot the issue:

Step 1: Open the Settings app ⇒ Select Face ID & Passcode ⇒ Enter your phone’s unlock passcode.
Step 2: Under iPhone Unlock, toggle the switch to disable the feature and then toggle it back on.
Step 3: Check if Face ID is working. If not, restart your phone.

4. Update iOS

An outdated operating system can also cause the TrueDepth Camera to malfunction. Update your operating system by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app ⇒ Select General ⇒ Software Update.
Step 2: Select Download and Install ⇒ Enter your passcode to update.

5. Factory Reset

This is not an ideal way to fix a TrueDepth Camera error as it can result in data loss. However, if you are unsure how much it costs to repair a TrueDepth Camera and want to troubleshoot it yourself at home, back up all your data before proceeding with a factory reset.

Step 1: Open the Settings app ⇒ Select General ⇒ Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 2: Select Reset ⇒ Reset All Settings.

6. Take Your Phone to an Apple Service Center

If you have tried all of the above methods and the TrueDepth Camera is still not working, take it to an authorized service center for inspection and repair.

Frequently asked questions

The cost of repairing the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone can vary depending on the model and the severity of the issue. Minor issues, such as a software glitch, might be resolved for free if your phone is still under warranty. However, more serious hardware problems will likely incur a cost. Apple’s official out-of-warranty price for replacing the entire Face ID system (which includes the TrueDepth camera) ranges from $199 for an iPhone XR to $349 for an iPhone 13 Pro Max. Third-party repair shops may offer lower prices, but be sure to check their reputation and whether they use genuine Apple parts before proceeding.

There are a few simple DIY fixes that you can try before resorting to a professional repair. First, ensure that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version, as updates often include bug fixes for camera issues. Next, try resetting your iPhone’s settings, as this can resolve any software glitches affecting the camera. If your camera lens is simply dirty, gently clean it with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Finally, if your iPhone has suffered a minor drop or impact, it’s possible that the camera lens has become misaligned. In this case, you can try to gently tap or apply pressure around the edges of your iPhone to realign the lens.

There are several signs that may indicate your TrueDepth camera needs repair. These include blurry or distorted images, difficulty unlocking your phone with Face ID, poor-quality photos or videos, or the camera app crashing frequently. If you notice any of these issues, first try the DIY fixes mentioned above. If those don’t work, it’s likely that you’ll need to have your TrueDepth camera professionally repaired or replaced.

Yes, repairing or replacing the TrueDepth camera may affect your iPhone’s water resistance, especially if the work is not performed by an authorized Apple technician. The water-resistant seals around the display and back glass are very delicate, and any damage or improper reassembly can compromise these seals. Therefore, it’s important to choose a reputable repair shop that uses genuine Apple parts and has experience working with water-resistant iPhones.

If your iPhone is still under warranty, it’s best to contact Apple Support first to discuss your options. In some cases, they may be able to repair or replace your iPhone free of charge if the issue is covered under the warranty terms. However, keep in mind that accidental damage, such as a dropped iPhone, is typically not covered under the standard limited warranty.