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Stop Your iPhone From Switching Cameras While Recording Video

Enable Lock Camera in the iPhone’s video settings to keep it from switching cameras during a recording on supported models.
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On supported iPhone models, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video and turn on Lock Camera. It prevents the iPhone from switching between cameras while a video is recording. Apple says the setting is off by default, and it does not appear on every model.

Turn on Lock Camera

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Camera, then Record Video.

  3. Turn on Lock Camera.

  4. Return to Camera and start recording. On supported models, the setting prevents switching between cameras during the recording.

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Apple documents this option for supported models but does not provide a complete compatibility list. If you do not see the toggle, check that you are in the built-in Settings path above; its absence alone does not establish a specific cause.

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What Lock Camera does—and what it does not do

Lock Camera keeps the iPhone from switching between cameras while recording video. It is not a focus or exposure lock, and it does not require a clip-on lens, mount, or other accessory. Apple describes the setting in its video recording settings guide.

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To lock focus and exposure instead, Apple documents a separate control: go to Settings > Camera > Camera Control, turn on Lock Focus and Exposure, then press and hold Camera Control until AE/AF Lock appears. This locks focus and exposure on a subject; it does not prevent camera switching. See Apple’s Camera Control guide.

Camera switching depends on the app

Lock Camera is an iPhone Camera setting. Recording apps can have their own behavior: Apple’s Final Cut Camera guide says users cannot switch between lenses while recording in that app. That app-specific restriction should not be assumed to apply to every camera app.

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For ordinary recording controls and lens choices in the built-in Camera app, see Apple’s guide to recording video with iPhone.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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