You can find yourself in a mess when trying to shoot a selfie or take a picture with your Android camera when out with friends or on a tour and it won’t just work. Well, I understand that this can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t have a backup phone. This article will walk you through how to fix an Android camera not working with little to no hassle.
In case you opened the camera app on your phone and it just crashes or it won’t focus on the main object or detect the front or rear camera, then there is a problem that needs to be resolved right away.
However, before we go ahead to fix your Android camera not working black screen or crash, we need to know the possible causes of this error and afterwards, you will be able to proffer a lasting solution to the problem.
Ensure you read through every section of this article if you want to fix your Android phone camera not working as fast as possible.
Why is my Android Camera not Working
Several reasons could cause a phone camera to stop working, some of them include the following:
- The edges of your phone cover are in the view of your camera lens.
- The camera lens could be damaged, you can check for cracks in case you recently dropped your phone.
- The camera lens is dirty and clogged.
- You may be taking photos in low light.
- Leaving the camera app open for a long time.
- Not updating the camera app for a long time.
- The default Camera app may close when launched if numerous apps are using the camera of your device at once.
- Power-saving mode is enabled on your Android phone, making the Camera app not use the required power it needs.
- Hardware-related issues.
- Low storage space on your Android phone.
- Low RAM.
- Software-related issues.
Since you now know the possible causes of why your Android phone camera won’t work, then you can go ahead to fix the camera on your Android phone following the troubleshooting tips below.
How to Fix Android Camera Not Working
Finding solutions to the problem is the next stage once you are aware of the issue. This section covers many solutions to the Android phone camera not working issue.
Follow the steps below for a mind-blowing solution to your crashed Android camera.
Restart the Camera or Android Phone
Restarting the camera or smartphone is one of the simplest fixes for the awful camera not working on Android.
- Close the camera app and open it again after a few minutes if you wish to restart it.
- Check to see if the error has been fixed when it opens.
- You can also restart your Android phone.
- Lock your phone and then restart your device.
- Hold down the power button on your device until a menu appears on the screen.
- Press the power off or restart buttons in response to the appearance of this screen.
Your device’s system will get a new start after restarting, and the RAM will be cleared.
Charge your Android Phone
Is the camera’s display dim? Then, you should check the battery life of your phone. Your Android phone’s camera might not work if the battery is seriously low. The app will launch, but there will be a reminder to charge your phone directly above the camera icons.
If your Android phone’s camera is still not functioning, charge it completely till it’s 100%. Then give it another go.
Clear the Data and Camera Cache Files
Your cache and data files may occasionally be the problem. Your camera may not be working because these files are corrupt. For Android, regrettably, you need to delete the camera’s cache and data files to fix the problem.
Most individuals are concerned that removing cache and data files may delete their photos. It is untrue; after clearing the cache and data files, your videos and photos remain untouched. On your Android device, follow the instructions below to clear the cache and data files for your camera:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device first.
- On your smartphone, select Apps or Apps and Notifications from the list of settings.
- To view the apps on your device, click app details or application management on the following screen.
- Find the Camera app in the list of apps that appears and press on it.
- This is where Android phones diverge; some Android devices label the cache portion as storage and cache.
- To delete these files, select the clear data button when you select the storage and cache option.
As an alternative, you have the clear cache and clean data options on other Android devices.
Ensure that the Camera App has the Necessary Permissions
Your camera app requires rights, often known as “permission” to allow it to work and store pictures on your computer or in the cloud. Occasionally, these permissions can be messed up by a recent app update. Follow the steps below to fix it:
- Hold down the Camera app while tapping the “i” button to open the App information menu.
- Choose Permissions from the menu.
- From the option that appears, confirm that the permission for the camera, location, and microphone are all granted. Allow these permissions if they aren’t already.
Close Other Apps actively using the Camera
On Instagram or Snapchat, using your primary camera app is convenient, but occasionally it might lead to issues. If this is the problem, solving it is simple.
Don’t freak out if you activate the camera app on your Android phone and it says “another app is using the camera” in the error message. Close all open applications by tapping or swiping up on the Recent Apps icon on your phone.
- Slide up from the bottom of the screen and hold it until the recent applications menu appears if you prefer gesture navigation.
- If you are using the button navigation method, select Recent Apps. It will be to the left or right of the home button, depending on your device.
- To close a single app, such as the camera app, swipe up (or left or right, depending on your phone), or tap Close all, Clear all, or X to close all open apps in the background.
- Be aware that not all phones will feature a Close all or comparable button.
- Check to check if the camera app is still working after closing it.
That’s it! This should fix your Android camera not working. If not, proceed to the next fix.
Force Stop the Camera App
Try forcibly closing the camera app if it has stopped working or if you get a camera error message on your screen. Follow the steps below:
- Choose Settings >> Applications.
- Click on the “More Settings” button (three-dot icon, upper right).
- Choose Show system apps.
- Locate the Camera app and tap it.
- Press the Force Stop button.
Return to your Home Screen and open the Camera app once more to make sure it is working.
Update your Android OS
Updating your phone prevents bugs from occurring, improves performance, and increases security. The performance of the camera may also be enhanced.
Your Android camera may not be working properly if the device software is out of date. Checking for updates on your Android device and then updating the device firmware are required to fix the camera not working on your Android phone. Follow the steps below:
- Go to your Settings software to update the software on your device or app as well.
- To proceed, select about device/phone from the list of alternatives.
- Tap on System Update/Software Update in the next section.
If there are any new updates, your Android smartphone will check for them and make the update choice available. The update can then be downloaded and installed on your device by clicking on it. If there isn’t, then that isn’t the problem.
Free Up Storage Space
Your Android phone’s storage may be insufficient if the camera app is still not working. Just uninstall any outdated apps to clear up space. Follow the steps below but note that some of these steps only work on Android 13 and up:
- You can delete already-installed apps.
- Launch the Google Play Store application.
- In the top right corner, click on the Profile symbol.
- Choose to Manage under Manage applications & devices.
- To remove an app, click on its name, then select Uninstall.
All deleted apps, including the ones you purchased, can be reinstalled simply by downloading them from the Play Store again.
Do a Factory Reset
The factory reset is your next choice if your camera is still acting up. Sadly, your camera has ceased working. All of your contacts, files, videos, apps, images, and other data on your phone will be deleted once you reset it. Because of this, before you factory reset your phone, ensure to back up your data. Follow the steps below:
- On your smartphone, go to Settings to begin.
- Choose Backup and Reset next.
- To back up your data to your Google account, check the box next to the backup.
- Click on Factory Reset to return the device to its default settings after backing up your data.
- Clicking the reset phone button will require you to confirm your choice.
Visit a Repair Facility
If all the above fixes won’t solve your camera issue and restore it to its normal state, then you may need to visit a repair centre. Take your phone as soon as possible to a competent repair facility if the camera is still not functional. The camera issue with your Android is probably a hardware issue that calls for a replacement.
With this guide you should be well equipped with all you need to do to fix your Android camera not working.