Many iPhone XR users have reported problems with the Snapchat camera being zoomed in and not able to use the full viewfinder. This issue seems to be quite common among XR users specifically when using the Snapchat app. In this article, we will look at the possible reasons for the iPhone XR camera zoom issue on Snapchat and some potential fixes.
Reasons for iPhone XR Camera Zoom on Snapchat
There are a few possible explanations for why the iPhone XR camera appears zoomed in when using Snapchat:
Aspect Ratio Difference
The iPhone XR has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio screen which is taller/wider than the 16:9 aspect ratio used by the Snapchat camera. This discrepancy in aspect ratios results in the zoomed in viewfinder as Snapchat tries to fit the full XR screen into its viewfinder. Essentially the image looks zoomed because of the mismatch between the two aspect ratios.
Snapchat App Optimization
Snapchat may not be fully optimized for the iPhone XR screen resolution and camera specs. As a relatively new phone, Snapchat likely needs to release app updates to better support the XR camera. In the meantime, the app cannot utilize the full capability of the XR cameras.
Snapchat Digital Zoom
Snapchat applies a slight digital zoom to photos and videos taken within the app. This is done to counter the fisheye effect caused by wide-angle phone cameras. However, the zoom level may be too much on the XR causing the zoomed-in appearance.
Fixes and Workarounds
If you are experiencing the zoomed in camera problem with your iPhone XR on Snapchat, here are some tips that may help improve the situation:
Update Snapchat
Make sure you are running the latest version of the Snapchat app. The developers may have released optimizations and bug fixes that improve camera compatibility with the iPhone XR. Updating gives you the best chance of resolving app issues.
Check Camera Permissions
Go into your phone Settings > Privacy > Camera and ensure Snapchat has access to the camera. If camera access was disabled, the app may default to a zoomed view. Re-enabling full camera permissions may fix the zoom problem.
Try a Different Camera App
Test the iPhone XR cameras with the default iOS camera app or a third-party app like Halide. If the full field of view is available in other apps, then the issue is isolated to Snapchat. You’ll have to wait for Snapchat updates to completely fix the zoom problem.
Use Snapchat Zoom Gestures
Snapchat has zoom gestures that allow you to manually zoom the camera in and out as needed. You can pinch and zoom to get the full viewfinder for taking Snaps. This is a manual workaround to counteract the default zoom behaviour.
Adjust Aspect Ratio Setting
In Snapchat settings, there is an aspect ratio toggle in Advanced Settings to choose between 16:9 and full screen. Switching to 16:9 mode may correct the zoomed camera preview. However, Snaps will have black bars on the XR display.
Reset Camera Settings
On your iPhone go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Camera Settings. This will restore any customized camera settings that may be causing incompatibility issues with Snapchat.
Reasons for the Zoom Issue
Let’s dive deeper into the technical reasons why iPhone XR users encounter the camera zoom problem on Snapchat:
iPhone XR Camera Specs
Main Camera: | 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture |
Front Camera: | 7 MP, f/2.2 aperture |
Optical Zoom: | 1x (digital up to 5x) |
Autofocus: | Phase detection |
The iPhone XR has a single rear 12MP wide-angle camera with 1x optical zoom. For comparison, the iPhone XS has a secondary 12MP telephoto lens that enables 2x optical zoom. The XR relies on digital zoom which degrades image quality.
Snapchat Image Quality
Snapchat compresses photos and videos to optimize them for fast sharing. This results in lower resolution images compared to the native iPhone camera:
iPhone XR Photos: | 4032 x 3024 pixels |
Snapchat Photos: | 1280 x 768 pixels |
iPhone XR Videos: | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Snapchat Videos: | 1280 x 720 pixels |
Lower Snapchat image quality means less need for the full 12MP XR camera sensor. Snapchat applies digital zoom to standardize image framing across devices – likely causing the zoomed viewfinder.
Display Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height:
iPhone XR Display: | 19.5:9 (1792 x 828 pixels) |
Snapchat Camera: | 16:9 (same as 1080p HD) |
The taller 19.5:9 screen on the iPhone XR cannot fully match the 16:9 aspect ratio used internally by Snapchat. This results in black bars on the XR display to fit the two aspect ratios – causing the appearance of zooming.
Software Optimization Issues
As a newer iPhone model, the XR cameras and screen resolution may not be fully supported in the current Snapchat app. New phones often have camera compatibility issues with apps, until software updates add full optimization and bug fixes. Poor optimization likely plays a role in the XR’s camera zoom problems.
Steps to Fix iPhone XR Camera Zoom on Snapchat
Here is a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting and fixing the camera zoom issue on Snapchat for iPhone XR users:
Step 1 – Update Snapchat to the Latest Version
In the App Store, check that you have the most up-to-date version of Snapchat installed:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Tap your Profile icon in the top right
- Scroll down to see pending Snapchat updates and install
- The latest Snapchat version as of October 2022 is 12.0.3.69
Updating provides the best chance to resolve any known camera bugs and optimization issues.
Step 2 – Check Camera Access for Snapchat
Ensure Snapchat has full access to your iPhone cameras:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera
- Check that Snapchat has toggle switch enabled for Camera access
- If disabled, toggle it on to grant Snapchat camera permission
This fixes problems caused by inadvertently revoking camera access.
Step 3 – Test Default iPhone Camera App
Open the default iOS Camera app and check if the viewfinder zoom is still a problem:
- Launch the Camera app from your Home screen
- Compare the zoom to Snapchat’s viewfinder
- If zoom is normal, issue is isolated to Snapchat app
This determines if it’s a device-wide camera issue or just limited to Snapchat.
Step 4 – Enable 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Force Snapchat into 16:9 aspect ratio to match viewfinder:
- In Snapchat, go to Settings > Additional Services > Manage
- In Advanced Settings toggle on Force 16:9 Aspect Ratio
It willletterbox content to fit XR screen, but may resolve zoom issue.
Step 5 – Reset Camera Settings
Restore any customized camera settings by resetting the Camera app:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Camera Settings
- Confirm reset to restore to original defaults
This will undo any settings changes that may be incompatible with Snapchat.
Step 6 – Delete and Re-Install Snapchat App
If other steps fail, removing and re-downloading the Snapchat app can resolve stubborn issues:
- Delete Snapchat app
- Power cycle your iPhone
- Re-download Snapchat from App Store
- Test camera again after re-installing
This gives you a clean slate in case any app files were damaged or corrupted.
Common Snapchat Camera Troubleshooting Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about solving iPhone XR camera problems on Snapchat:
Why is my selfie camera zoomed in on Snapchat?
The 7MP TrueDepth front camera uses a wider 26mm focal length on the XR. Like the rear camera, Snapchat has to digitally zoom in to remove the fisheye distortion. Check that Snapchat is up-to-date and toggle the 16:9 aspect ratio setting.
How can I zoom out the camera on Snapchat?
Use the pinch/zoom gesture on the Snapchat viewfinder to manually override the zoom level. Pinch outwards to reduce zoom and see more of the scene. Toggle off the Force 16:9 Aspect Ratio setting for full screen but potentially distorted preview.
Is there a way to undo the Snapchat camera zoom?
Unfortunately the Snapchat zoom cannot be permanently disabled as it’s the app’s internal handling of images and videos from the iPhone XR cameras. You have to manually zoom out using gestures whenever needed. Check for Snapchat updates which may improve camera support.
Why does Snapchat use my 2x camera instead of 1x?
Snapchat does not actually switch between the 1x and 2x cameras on iPhone models. The zooming is digitally simulated based on the single rear camera. iPhones with dual cameras like XS can switch optically between 1x and 2x.
Does Snapchat not support iPhone XR camera?
Snapchat fully supports the iPhone XR and its cameras. However, there are likely optimization issues causing the zoom behaviour. Snapchat needs to release updates to improve app compatibility with the latest iPhone models and cameras.
Best Practices for Snapchat Users with iPhone XR
To ensure the best Snapchat camera experience on iPhone XR, here are some recommended tips:
- Always keep Snapchat updated to the latest version
- Use pinch/zoom gestures to maximize viewfinder when needed
- Try toggling the Force 16:9 aspect ratio setting on/off
- Report camera issues directly to Snapchat Support
- Provide feedback on camera bugs when Snapchat prompts for it
- Be patient and wait for optimizations if issue persists across updates
Following these best practices allows you to work around the camera zoom issue until Snapchat properly supports the iPhone XR with future app updates and bug fixes.
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone XR camera zoom problem on Snapchat stems from technical limitations around aspect ratio differences, digital zooming behaviour, and lack of full software optimization. Until Snapchat releases an update to properly support the XR cameras and display, users have to resort to workarounds like pinch-zooming and toggling aspect ratio settings. With some patience and periodic troubleshooting, Snapchat will eventually match the seamless iPhone camera integration that XR owners expect.