Smudges, dust, and pocket lint soften detail and add haze to photos long before you notice. A quick, careful clean is usually all it takes to restore sharpness, and newer iPhones can even nudge you when your lens needs attention. Here’s how to clean the camera safely, what not to use, and how to turn on iOS 26’s Lens Cleaning Hints.

Fix hazy photos: clean the lens the right way

  • Unplug all cables and, if you want to be extra cautious, power the phone off.
  • Start dry. Use a clean, lint‑free microfiber or lens cloth. With light pressure, wipe the lens glass in small circles. Often that’s enough.
  • Still seeing streaks? Lightly dampen a corner of the cloth with water or a camera lens cleaner. Wipe in circular motions to lift oils, then switch to a dry part of the cloth to remove any residue.
  • Check for moisture. Make sure there’s no liquid pooling around the camera island and avoid letting moisture into any openings. Never submerge your iPhone in a cleaner.

Note: Apple allows gentle disinfection of exterior surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide, and don’t use compressed air. See Apple’s guidance at support.apple.com.

What to use and what to avoid (quick reference)

Use Avoid Why
Clean, lint‑free microfiber or lens cloth Paper towels, tissues, abrasive cloths Paper and rough fibers can scratch glass and wear coatings.
A tiny amount of water or lens cleaning solution on the cloth Spraying liquid directly on the phone Direct liquid can seep into openings; dampen the cloth instead.
70% isopropyl or 75% ethyl alcohol wipes; Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, solvent‑based cleaners Harsh chemicals can damage finishes and coatings.
Gentle circular motions, then dry buff Compressed air Compressed air can force debris or moisture into seams and ports.
Minimal pressure on the lens glass Heavy pressure on the camera island or rings Excess force risks scratching or stressing seals.

Clean the camera island edges without liquid

Dust loves the tiny seams around the camera rings. Fold your microfiber cloth to create a firm edge and run it along the inner and outer rim of each lens. Repeat with a fresh section of cloth as it picks up debris. Avoid cotton swabs soaked in liquid near seams—keep moisture away from openings.

Protect your camera between cleanings

  • Pick a case with raised edges around the camera array so lenses don’t touch tables or pockets directly.
  • Consider glass or film lens protectors if you’re frequently in dusty or sandy environments.
  • Be mindful of where the phone rides. Tossing it into a bag with coins, keys, or pens increases the odds of scratches. Sand and saltwater are especially rough on glass and finishes.

Enable Lens Cleaning Hints (iOS 26)

On compatible devices running iOS 26, the Camera app can suggest cleaning when it detects smudging that could degrade image quality. The alert is discreet and appears while the camera is active.

  • Open Settings → Camera.
  • Toggle Lens Cleaning Hints on.

The feature may be on by default. If you don’t see the toggle, your model may not support it or you’re not on iOS 26. When it’s available, it’s an easy safety net to avoid wasting shots on a smeared lens.

Why gentle matters

iPhones use fingerprint‑resistant coatings on glass, and abrasive materials or harsh cleaners accelerate wear. That doesn’t stop you from cleaning; it just means the lightest effective touch with the right cloth and a mild cleaner is the best long‑term approach. Keep liquids off the device’s openings and avoid tools that can drive debris into seams. Done right, a 10‑second wipe restores clarity without compromising anything.

Keep a microfiber cloth in your bag or case, use it dry first, and reserve damp cleaning for stubborn smudges. With good habits—and a quick assist from iOS 26 when it’s supported—you’ll spend less time reshooting and more time getting the photo you meant to take.