Engadget explains the steps to reset iPhone camera settings

The publication notes that the first port of call is Settings > Camera, where all camera-related options are listed. A central tool is the Preserve Settings section. This area contains toggles that, when turned off, make their corresponding camera setting return to the default each time the app is opened. All of these toggles are off by default, except for Live Photo, meaning the camera usually resets to its original configuration after exiting the app.

Users can also manually set the camera back to standard values. Video should be recorded at 1080p and 30 frames per second, or 240 fps for Slo-mo, and Cinematic recording, if the iPhone supports it, should use the same baseline. Under Record Sound, the default is Stereo, or Spatial Audio on iPhone 16 and later. In Formats, High Efficiency is the default. Grid and Level are turned off, while Smart HDR and Prioritise Faster Shooting should be enabled.

iPhones with iOS 26 include additional default settings. Lens Correction, Macro Control and Scene Detection start in the on position. The Formats section should show 24 MP as the default resolution, and ProRAW & Resolution Control remains off.

For users who do not want to dig through dozens of toggles, Engadget points to a heavier option: Settings > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. That command brings all settings back to their defaults, but it also removes any Apple Pay cards, keys and passes stored on the phone. Because it resets every setting, not just the camera, it should only be used when the owner is sure they can restore anything they do not want left at default.

The guide positions a reset as a useful way to judge the effect of advanced camera features. Especially when a phone arrives with previously changed settings, or after extensive experimentation, returning to defaults can give a clean baseline before reconfiguring from scratch.