If you’ve got kids, you know the struggle of keeping your iPhone screen and camera lens smudge-free. Whether it’s sticky fingers or just everyday use, dirty lenses can ruin that perfect sunset shot or family photo. Thankfully, with the introduction of iOS 26, Apple has equipped iPhones with a new feature that can alert you when your camera lens needs cleaning. This means you’ll be better prepared to capture every Instagrammable moment without a haze.
Launched on September 15, just a few months after its announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference, iOS 26 brings a host of new features. It includes call screening, new ringtones, and a helpful tool called Lens Cleaning Hints. If enabled, your iPhone will warn you if the camera lens is dirty, ensuring that you never miss out on a great photo opportunity.
This feature automatically activates after downloading iOS 26 but is specifically available only on the iPhone 15 and newer models. If you have an older model like the iPhone 14 Pro, you won’t see this handy option.
How to Enable Lens Cleaning Hints
1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Camera.
3. Toggle the Lens Cleaning Hints option available at the bottom of the menu.
Once enabled, your iPhone will detect smudges on the camera lens and prompt you to clean it. It’s a straightforward way to ensure high-quality images, especially useful for parents who might find smudges from curious kids’ explorations on their devices.
For a deeper dive into iOS 26, check out my review of the operating system, how to minimize the Liquid Glass effects, and tips on enabling call screening on your device. Additionally, you can explore our iOS 26 cheat sheet for quick insights.
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