In iOS 26, Apple has a helpful new feature that notifies you when your iPhone's camera lens needs cleaning – something Android devices have offered for years. Here's how to turn on this smart notification system.

clean back camera hint
Whenever your iPhone's camera is active, iOS 26 monitors the incoming light for signs of reduced clarity or smudging that could indicate a dirty lens. When triggered, you'll see a discrete alert suggesting you clean your camera lens to improve image quality.

To benefit from the feature, you'll need an iPhone running iOS 26 (currently in beta). It's currently unclear which models support Lens Cleaning Hints, but you can check by looking for the following toggle:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
  3. Toggle on Lens Cleaning Hints.

settings
Once enabled, your iPhone will analyze image quality and display a notification in the Camera app when it detects your rear camera lens could benefit from cleaning.

This feature joins another camera-related change in iOS 26 – a completely redesigned Camera app interface that includes a new minimalist navigation bar. If you don't have the beta software installed, you shouldn't have long to wait: Apple is expected to officially release iOS 26 in September.

Top Rated Comments

turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
6 weeks ago

Doesn't look like it's supported on the 13 Pro. I don't see the option.
Lens Cleaning Hints require the latest Neural Engine, Apple Intelligence and a special co-processor.

Please upgrade to a new iPhone.
We'd also be happy to sustainably recycle your 13 Pro for you at an Apple Store.

-TC



Attachment Image
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Timpetus Avatar
Timpetus
6 weeks ago
Discreet, not discrete. Discreet means unobtrusive, discrete means separate.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattopotamus Avatar
mattopotamus
6 weeks ago

Seems like a feature that would be ON by default, but you have to turn it on?
It is on by default. Just checked, running the beta, and it was on.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
ignatius345
6 weeks ago

Whenever your iPhone's camera is active, iOS 26 monitors the incoming light for signs of reduced clarity or smudging that could indicate a dirty lens. When triggered, you'll see a discrete alert suggesting you clean your camera lens to improve image quality.
* discreet

Discrete means separate. Discreet means subtle, unobtrusive.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DEMinSoCAL Avatar
DEMinSoCAL
6 weeks ago
Seems like a feature that would be ON by default, but you have to turn it on?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unregistered 4U Avatar
Unregistered 4U
6 weeks ago

Neat... now we need another article "How to properly clean your iPhone lenses" ;)
With a link to the Apple branded microfiber cloth!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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