How to Fix a Scratched Camera Lens: The Complete Guide

No matter what kind of phone you may have, there is one inevitability. Your camera lens is going to get scratched up. If you put it on hard surfaces, throw it in your purse, or put it in the same pocket as your keys, the scratching will happen sooner than later.

Not sure how to fix a scratched camera lens? The answer is you shouldn’t. The safest thing you can do is have the lens replaced.

If you don’t have the money to do that, however, there are some DIY methods that you can try out. Check out this guide to learn more. 

How to Fix a Scratched Camera Lens 

If you’ve scratched up your camera lens on accident there are five methods you can try out to fix it before you take it to a repair shop. Besides using a scratch repair kit, all of these methods involve things that that you most likely already have laying around your house. 

Rubbing Alcohol 

Rubbing alcohol can be pretty abrasive so don’t rub it on your camera lens directly. Dilute it first by mixing it up with water. Grab a microfiber cloth and dip it in your now diluted alcohol. 

Rub the cloth around your camera lens in gentle circles. The scratches should start to fade after a few times of doing this. 

Scratch Repair Kit 

If you don’t want to use a DIY method, there are camera lens scratch repair kits on the market that you can buy. 

Put a small amount of the cream onto the scratched-up lens and rub it with a soft, microfiber cloth for about four minutes or so. You may have to repeat this process more than once if the scratches are deep. 

Vaseline 

Put a small amount of Vaseline on your finger and apply it to the scratched-up areas of your camera. Grab a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub the Vaseline away. 

Make sure you don’t press too hard or the Vaseline may get stuck in the scratches rather than get rid of them. 

Pencil Eraser 

If all of your pencil erasers have been chewed up or used, head to the dollar store and pick up a fresh pack. This method needs a brand-new pencil eraser. 

Rub the eraser over the scratch in one direction. Don’t move it back and forth. After a bit, the scratch should begin to fade. 

Toothpaste 

The most common method for getting rid of scratches is toothpaste. Paste, not gel. Squeeze a bit of the toothpaste on the scratch and use a q-tip to gently work it in. 

It will take about five minutes. When the time is up, dampen a microfiber cloth and use it to get rid of the toothpaste residue. If the scratches are deep, you may have to do this process more than once.  

Preventing Scratches in the Future 

Of course, the best way to get rid of scratches is by avoiding them in the first place. You’ve got to take care of your phone in order to keep in good, working order. 

Put a Case on the Phone

As soon as you take your phone out of the box it comes in, put a case on it. Even if it’s only a cheap, temporary case. It’s better than nothing. 

Protecting your phone will keep it from cracking if you drop it. It also elevates your phone when you place it on a table. This will stop your camera from coming into direct contact with a hard surface and getting scratched. 

Don’t Put Your Camera on Hard Surfaces 

Unless your phone is in a case, don’t put it on a hard surface camera side down. If you’re the kind of person who hates protective cases because it makes your phone bulky, carry around a cloth either in your wallet or in your pocket. 

If there comes a time when you must take your phone out and place it on a table, use the cloth to separate the camera from the hard surface. 

Don’t Put Your Phone in the Same Pocket as Your Keys

If you put your phone in the same pocket that houses your keys and pocket change, these hard items will damage your camera.

It might even crack your phone screen if it hits it the right way. Place your phone by itself in an empty pocket to keep the camera safe. 

Make Use of Phone Pouches 

Similarly to not putting your phone in your pocket with a bunch of other items, don’t place it in your purse either. All your belongings will rub against your camera lens and scratch it up. 

The good news is that most purses and backpacks come complete with pouches that are specifically made to house your phone. Make use of them instead of letting your phone roam free. 

Camera Lens Protector 

When you buy a screen protector for your phone, you should also think about investing in a camera lens protector. It’s like a screen protector except it shields your vulnerable back camera from anything that may bring it harm. 

They come in various colors so you can match it to the color of your phone or you can pick up a clear one. 

Maintain Your Picture Quality by Protecting Your Camera Lens 

After using your phone for a certain amount of years, you’re bound to scratch up the camera lens. When the inevitable happens if you can’t afford to have it fixed, try out one of the DIY methods in this how to fix a scratched camera lens guide.  

If you can afford to have your camera lens replaced, we have you covered. Go here to start your smartphone repair job today.