Sensors in cars can ruin your smartphone camera

When filming a car, most people don’t realize that the camera on their phone could be damaged. But several videos from early 2025 show that this can happen with Volvo’s new EX90.

The car’s lidar system, which helps measure distance and detect its surroundings, has repeatedly damaged smartphone cameras when people tried to film it in action.

In January, a Hungarian car tester posted a video on YouTube showing how the camera on his iPhone gradually became damaged while he was filming the sensor.

At first, small, fixed points of light appeared on the screen, and later entire lines in the viewfinder turned black. Other users have shared similar experiences in car forums and on social media.

Laser technology that’s too powerful

Lidar stands for Light Imaging, Detection and Ranging and works by emitting laser light that’s reflected back and measured. The system is used in advanced driver assistance systems and in the development of self-driving cars.

In the EX90, the technology comes from the American company Luminar, which uses laser light with a wavelength of 1550 nanometers.

This makes the sensor highly effective at detecting small objects from far away, while remaining safe for the human eye. But for smartphone cameras—especially when using a telephoto lens—the concentrated light can be powerful enough to damage the sensor.

According to the German outlet Techbook, Volvo has warned against pointing a phone directly at the lidar unit. A spokesperson explained that the system’s infrared light waves can damage certain camera sensors if you stand close to the car and film while using zoom.

Volvo: Risk is minimal

In January, a member of a Facebook group for Volvo owners reported that his iPhone had been damaged after filming the EX90’s lidar sensor.

He contacted Volvo’s head office and was told that the company is working on a solution. At the same time, the manufacturer emphasized that the risk is minimal if you film the car from a distance.

A high-end smartphone can cost several thousand dollars, and such damage cannot be repaired. Volvo therefore advises against filming the sensor up close. According to the company, you’d have to stand very near the car and use zoom before there’s any real risk.

Although the problem has so far been reported only in connection with Volvo, in principle it could affect any car equipped with lidar. The technology is being introduced in more new models, meaning the phenomenon could reappear as other manufacturers adopt it.