Hi there! I see you're having trouble with the Merlin Bird ID app where the camera shows a black screen and you can't take a picture. Let's work through this together.

Could you please let me know:
- When did this issue start? Was it after an update or suddenly?
- Are you using the app on a desktop browser or a mobile device? (You mentioned WebKit on Windows 10, so I want to confirm if it's within a browser or a standalone app.)
- Have you tried any troubleshooting so far, like restarting the device or the app?
- Does your camera work normally outside the Merlin app (like in other camera apps or websites)?

Once I have these details, I can guide you through some steps to fix the black screen problem with the camera in Merlin Bird ID.

I am able to take a picture outside of the app. Turned phone on and off. That did not work. I am on an Apple 17 pro. Photo screen on Merlin is black

Thanks for the details! Since your iPhone 17 Pro camera works fine outside Merlin Bird ID but shows a black screen within the app, the issue likely relates to app permissions or a glitch within the app itself.

Let's try the following steps:

1. Check Camera Permissions:
- Go to your iPhone Settings.
- Scroll down to find Merlin Bird ID in the app list.
- Tap it, then tap "Camera."
- Make sure the toggle is enabled to allow camera access. A black screen can happen if the app can't access your camera.

2. Force Close & Restart the Merlin App:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button) to see all open apps.
- Swipe the Merlin Bird ID app off the screen to close it completely.
- Open the app again and test the camera.

3. Update the Merlin App:
- Open the App Store, go to your profile icon, and scroll down to see if the Merlin app has an update.
- If yes, update the app, as they may have fixed bugs related to iOS 17 or your phone model.

4. Reinstall the Merlin App:
- If permissions and updates don’t help, uninstall the app by pressing and holding its icon, then tap “Remove App.”
- Go back to the App Store, download, and reinstall Merlin Bird ID to reset its data and permissions.

5. Restart Your Phone Again:
- After reinstalling, restart your iPhone once more before trying again.

If these steps don’t fix the black screen while taking photos in Merlin, there might be a compatibility issue given the new iOS or phone model. I also saw some reports that users had the same problem around iOS 17 and Merlin, sometimes resolved by app updates or forced reboots1 3.

Could you try these steps and let me know how it goes? I’m here to help further if needed! Are you satisfied with the solution I provided so far?

Is Merlin app compatible with iPhone 17 Pro?

Thanks for your patience! Based on the latest official info, Merlin Bird ID is compatible with iPhones running iOS 18 or newer. Since the iPhone 17 Pro currently comes with iOS 17 by default, Merlin Bird ID may not yet be officially supported on your device until you upgrade to iOS 18 when it becomes available.

This compatibility gap could explain why the camera screen in the Merlin app is black, even though your phone's camera works fine elsewhere. Merlin likely requires the newer iOS version for full functionality on the latest hardware.

If upgrading to iOS 18 is an option when it’s released, I recommend doing that. Meanwhile, you might try using the Merlin Bird ID web features or another device for full app use.

Here is the official note from Merlin’s download page for reference:
“Merlin runs on iPhones and iPads with iOS 18 or newer” 2.

Would you like guidance on updating iOS when it’s available, or help exploring alternative ways to use Merlin in the meantime? Are you satisfied with this information?

Merlin Bird ID app camera permissions iPhone

Thanks for asking about camera permissions for Merlin Bird ID on your iPhone! Setting up camera access properly is key for the app to take pictures without that black screen issue. Here’s how to check and grant camera permissions on your iPhone:

Step-by-step for iPhone camera permissions:

1. Open your iPhone's Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Merlin Bird ID from the list of installed apps.
3. Tap Camera.
4. Make sure the toggle for camera access is turned ON (green).
5. Close Settings and reopen Merlin Bird ID. Try taking a photo again.

If you don’t see Merlin Bird ID in the settings app list, or if the camera toggle is missing, it can mean the app hasn't requested access yet or needs to be reinstalled to trigger the permissions request.

Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the Merlin app prompts iOS to ask permission again when you use the camera feature for the first time within the app2.

If the camera permission is already enabled and you’re still seeing a black screen, the issue might be related to iOS version compatibility or a temporary app glitch — which you’ve started troubleshooting well.

Let me know if you’d like me to guide you through reinstalling the app or checking your iOS version! Are you satisfied with these instructions on camera permissions?