iPhone Live Photos Not Working - How to Fix
Live Photos not capturing or playing back? Fix Live Photo issues on your iPhone.
⚡ Cool Your Device Down
These work for runaway heat from games, calls, or charging.
Some cases trap heat — these vent it
📸 Fix #1: Enable Live Photos
Make sure Live Photos is turned on:
- Open the Camera app
- Look for the Live Photos icon (concentric circles) at top
- If it has a line through it, tap to enable
- Yellow icon = Live Photos ON
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Fix Overheating: Step by Step
Step 1: Remove the Case
If you're using a thick case, remove it for 10 minutes. Plastic and silicone cases trap heat. If the device cools quickly without the case, switch to a thinner or vented case.
Step 2: Check for Background App Drain
Heat is usually a CPU/GPU symptom, not the cause. Settings → Battery → look at App Activity. Force-quit anything showing 30%+ background usage.
Step 3: Stop Charging While Using
Fast-charging while gaming / video calling generates heat from BOTH the SoC and the battery management chip. Stop charging when actively using; use Optimized Battery Charging at night.
Step 4: Check the Charger
Counterfeit USB-C chargers spike voltage and heat the battery. Use only Apple-branded or MFi-certified chargers. If your charger is hot to the touch while charging, replace it.
Step 5: Toggle Airplane Mode
If the device cools rapidly in Airplane Mode, you have a cellular signal issue — the radio is searching for towers and burning power. Re-toggle off; if heat returns, file a carrier ticket.
Step 6: Update iOS
Some iOS versions are notoriously hot. Apple has shipped patch updates specifically for thermal regression. Settings → General → Software Update.
Step 7: Clean the Speakers + Vents
Dust restricts heat dissipation. Use a soft brush + light compressed air to clear the speaker grilles and the vents on the bottom.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting the device in the freezer (condensation causes liquid damage)
- Continuing to use during heat warnings (iOS will throttle, then shut down)
- Using counterfeit chargers that spike voltage
- Leaving the device in a hot car (>120°F can permanently damage the battery)
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If the device gets hot during idle (no apps, screen off), or shuts down spontaneously when warm, you have a hardware problem. Battery service is $99 (Apple) or $59–$89 (third-party). Logic board issues are diagnosed free at the Apple Genius Bar.
Preserve your Live Photos preference:
- Settings → Camera → Preserve Settings
- Enable Live Photo
- This keeps your setting between sessions
Low Power Mode can disable Live Photos:
- Settings → Battery
- Turn OFF Low Power Mode
- Or charge your iPhone above 80%
To view a Live Photo:
- Open the photo in Photos app
- Press and hold on the image
- The Live Photo will play
- Look for "LIVE" badge in corner
Not all photos are Live Photos:
- Open photo in Photos app
- Swipe up on the photo
- If it's Live, you'll see effects (Loop, Bounce, Long Exposure)
- No effects = not a Live Photo
Live Photos don't work in certain modes:
- Flash ON — Disables Live Photos
- Burst mode — No Live Photos during burst
- Some filters — May disable Live Photos
- Third-party camera apps — May not support Live Photos
Low storage can affect Live Photos:
- Settings → General → iPhone Storage
- Live Photos take more space than regular photos
- Free up space if storage is nearly full
Force close and reopen Camera:
- Swipe up from bottom and hold (or double-click Home)
- Swipe up on Camera to close it
- Reopen Camera and check Live Photos
Updates fix camera bugs:
- Settings → General → Software Update
- Install any available updates
- Test Live Photos after update
Live Photos require:
- iPhone 6s or later
- Works on all current iPhone models
- Can be viewed on Mac, iPad, Apple Watch
If Live Photos or your camera isn't working properly, there may be a hardware issue. We can diagnose camera problems on all iPhone models.
📞 Call PC Medics: 856-914-1074
We repair iPhone cameras and related issues.
📦 Mail-In Repair Service
Not comfortable doing this yourself? Send your device to a professional repair shop.