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Apple's top-of-the-line smartphone for 2020. Announced on October 13th and released November 13th, the iPhone 12 Pro Max sports a 6.7" OLED display, a triple rear camera system with LiDAR, and 5G connectivity. Successor to the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

There is a problem with the main camera module.

A few days ago, I used too much adhesive remover when replacing the battery, and it flowed into the area near the main camera module. Now, when the camera module is in short-focus mode, there will be a shaking and a situation where it can't focus. What should I do to fix this?

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Sounds like a problem with the wide camera. The wide camera module came with sensor-shift OIS which means that the CMOS sensor move around to focus on things at various distances. Judging from what you said, the problem is probably with the wide camera module, which is the one on the top of the trio and takes care of close pictures. It is also the topmost one, which could have easily accumulated adhesive remover. However, I'm not sure. You can try to replicate the issue and cover each lens up to see which one is defective.
Cameras in most modern phones are literally unrepairable, because most of them are sealed up using epoxy or solder at the factory. Also, it is almost impossible for you to open it up and repair it without leaving dust inside, which would mess up the whole camera and lead to blurry shots. It's best for you to get it replaced. I am not really familiar with iPhone pro models except for the 14 pro, but judging from what I've seen in the iFixit guide of replacing the rear camera modules, the three cameras are soldered together and the only way you'll be able to repair individual ones is to desolder the connector pad in the middle and solder a new one on. I would suggest a new camera module altogether, although it is pretty expensive.

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The cheapest one i can find on eBay is iPhone 12 Pro Max cameras costing $18, but that's secondhand. Hopefully you'll find better ones.
Good luck with your repairs!

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Okay, thank you for your answer. I want to try checking if there is any glue disbonding in the camera module. At present, the only problem is that the focus will shake at close range, and if I still can't solve the problem after trying, I will consider replacing the camera module or buying a new phone.

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Hi swila,

I have to agree with @leooooooooo that replacing the camera module is probably your best bet for fixing your phone at this point.

However, you should be aware that doing so comes with some caveats. In keeping with Apple's increasing predilection for parts pairing, starting with the iPhone 12 they added the rear cameras to the list of parts that only Apple can replace without consequences.

From what I've read, it appears that replacing your camera module, whether that's with an aftermarket or a genuine Apple part, will result in a pop-up warning to the effect that your camera might not be genuine (even if it is) for something like four days, and afterwards you'll have a permanent badge on the Settings icon indicating that there's a notice there saying the same thing. Earlier versions of iOS caused significant issues when the camera module was switched out, but later and current versions just have the warning as the only effect.

There are a few ways to get rid of that warning. The first and most obvious is to pay Apple to replace the cameras, during which they will pair the new camera to your phone. You can also use their self repair program where you buy the camera module from Apple and rent their equipment to do the repair. From what I've seen, doing so is only moderately cheaper than paying Apple full price.

Otherwise, you could simply elect to ignore the warning; according to iFixit's analysis that should be the only consequence of doing the repair yourself or paying a non-Apple repair shop. Here's what they had to say about it.

The New “Important” iPhone Camera Message Is Another Bad Omen - iFixit

Finally, with the release of iOS 18, Apple has released their Repair Assistant that will let you pair (or "calibrate" as they euphemistically call it) your genuine Apple camera module. I'm not fully up to speed with it so I can't say whether it will work with a used module or if you absolutely have to buy a new one, but it does have to be a genuine part; aftermarket cameras won't work with it.

Sounds like you probably know where to look, but just for the sake of completeness, here's the guide for replacing your camera module.

iPhone 12 Pro Max Rear-Facing Cameras Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide

Good luck, and be sure to come on back and let us know how it all turns out. I'd be interested in hearing about your experience with the Repair Assistant if you choose to go that route.

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I don't think the camera would have to be completely new to be calibrated by RepairAssistance(My iPhone 14 works just fine with a secondhand one), but you're right. It would leave a message in Settings and be annoying to look at. Also, @xinwang99690, you might want to read @dadibrokeit 's answer and follow the guide. It would be easier for you to replace it if you have a guide.

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@leooooooooo Ah, thanks for confirming that. So we can report that the Repair Assistant works with used genuine Apple parts as well as new ones. Good to know.

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