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Camera Not Working on Android? (Try these Fixes!)

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Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

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Are you unable to use your phone’s camera? Is your Android camera not working? Does your camera show a black screen?

Camera issues are very common among Android users. Since the camera is one of the most used apps on any smartphone, it can be a bummer when it stops working on your Android phone.

In this guide, we explain why your Android camera is not working and how to fix this problem.

Why Is Your Android Camera Not Working?

The most common reason why your Android phone camera isn’t working is that you haven’t allowed some or all of the permissions in your camera settings. You will need to allow these permissions for the camera to work.

Other reasons why your Android camera is not working include the following:

  • Denied permissions
  • Corrupt third-party apps
  • Interference from apps using the camera
  • Software issues
  • Insufficient storage space
  • Low memory (RAM)
  • Hardware malfunctions
  • Corrupt app cache and data
  • An out-of-date operating system
  • Low phone battery

How to Fix “Camera Not Working” on Android

If your Android camera is not working, you need to ensure your phone is not running low on battery. A low battery can cause your camera to malfunction. You might even get a prompt in the camera app asking you to charge your device. When it is fully charged, try using the camera. It should work fine.

1. Restart Your Android Device

A glitch in the system can cause the camera problem. Restarting the device can solve this problem.

Restarting your phone will clear the RAM and all processes running on the phone. This gives your device a fresh start and can help to clear bugs.

To restart your Android device, please follow these steps:

  • Long-press the ON/OFF button on the side of your device until you get a prompt like the one below.
Restart screen on a Samsung device
Restart Your Device. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Restart to power off and power on the device.

Note: The interface you get may differ from the image above if you have a different Android brand. The buttons will still be the same.

If this still doesn’t work, switch off your phone and turn it off for 10 minutes before turning it back on. This will give it time to clear bugs and improve the performance of your device.

2. Allow Camera App Permissions

Most apps require you to allow permissions before they can use features on your phone. They need permission to access features like the camera, storage, and location.

If you have recently updated your device, you might need to accept these permissions again.

To allow these permissions, follow the steps below.

  • Press and hold on to the Camera app until a pop-up appears.
  • Click on the button that has the letter “i” encircled. That is the App Info button.
pop up screen when you press and hold on the camera app
Press and hold on the Camera app. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • In the App Info, click on App Permissions. Now, ensure that Camera, Storage, Location, and Microphone are all allowed.
Camera app permissions on Android
Allow all permissions for the camera app. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

3. Check if Another App Is Using the Camera

Apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram can access your device’s camera. If the camera is open in another app, it might affect your device’s default camera and stop it from working. You might get a message saying that another app is using the camera.

To fix this, go to Recent Apps and close any app you think might be using the camera. You can also click on the Close All button to close all the apps in one motion.

Now, when you open your camera, it will work fine.

4. Clear Camera App Data

Clearing the app data of the camera app can help to free up space on your Android phone and also give the camera a reset.

Clearing the data will reset all your preferences and also clear the camera cache.

  • Go to Settings and then click on Apps.
  • Select Camera in the Apps list, and go to Storage.
Camera app storage
Storage in Camera App Info. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  •  Clear Data at the bottom of the screen.
Clear data of the camera app
Clear Data. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

5. Force Stop the Camera App

Force-stopping the app might fix the problem causing your camera not to work. Force-stopping an app is one way of restarting it, and restarting the Camera app can fix the problem.

Follow these steps to force stop the camera app:

  • Go to the Settings app.
  • Select the Camera app from the Apps panel.
  • At the bottom of the screen, click on the Force Stop button. (The Force stop button might be at the top of the screen on other devices.)

Now, try opening using the camera. It will not crash.

6. Let Your Phone Cool Down

If you have been gaming, streaming, using your phone for a long time, or carrying out an intensive task, your Android phone might overheat.

Overheating can cause app malfunctions. Leave your phone to rest and cool down before using the camera app again.

For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to fix overheating your Android phone.

7. Clear Google Play Services Data

Google Play Services is a background app that connects apps from Google Play Store, Google Apps, and Android software. Google Play Services ensures that all the apps and processes run smoothly on your phone.

Issues with the stored data in the Google Play Services app can force apps like your camera to stop working properly. Clearing the data can fix that.

Follow the steps below to clear the Google Play Services data:

  • Go to Settings and then click on Apps.
  • In the apps list, look for the Google Play Store app.
  • Go to its Storage.
  • Click on Clear Data.
  • Confirm the action by clicking OK.

For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to fix Google Play Services issues.

8. Update Your Camera App

The camera app, like any other app, needs to be updated regularly. Normally, the default camera that comes with your phone self-updates.

However, if you are using a third-party camera app (that is, a camera app that didn’t come with your device), you can update it from the Google Play Store.

If you didn’t download the app from Play Store, go to the website you downloaded it from and install the newest version.

Updating the app might fix the bugs that are causing the camera problem.

The gallery app is connected to the Camera and might be causing the problem. You should clear the cache of the Gallery app to be safe. Follow these steps to do so:

  • Go to Settings and then click on the Apps tab.
  • Search for the Gallery app and click on Storage.
  • Click on the Clear Cache button.

10. Uninstall Third-Party Camera Apps

Third-party camera apps can cause problems for your default camera and its features. This especially happens when you download camera apps from unauthorized sources outside the Google Play Store.

Uninstalling these apps will undo the problems they have created for the camera.

To uninstall an app, long press on the app icon and click Uninstall in the options that pop up.

11. Free Up Storage Space

If you have no storage space on your phone, apps can start to malfunction. Freeing up space will allow apps and other processes to run smoothly.

You can free up space on your Android phone by deleting apps, images, videos, and other media that are taking up space. You could also manually clear the app cache for all your apps in storage.

If you have an SD card, you can move some of your files there to create space on your internal storage.

When you have enough space, try opening the camera. It should work normally.

12. Update Your Device’s Operating System

An out-of-date Android version can cause problems for your phone and its apps. Regular updates allow your Android device to work optimally and get rid of bugs.

To update your Operating System, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings and select Software Update.
  • If there is an update available, click on Download and Install.
  • Click on Download to start the software update.
  • Wait for the OS to install. After updating and installing, the “Camera not working” problem will be gone.

13. Factory Reset Your Android Device

Factory resetting your Android device will take it back to its default settings. Ensure that you back up all your important files and data in your cloud storage service, as a factory reset will erase all your data, files, and downloaded apps. Check out this step-by-step guide to back up your Android phone safely.

To factory reset your phone, follow these simple steps:

  • Open Settings and go to General Management.
  • Click on Reset.
  • Choose Factory Data Reset. This will wipe out your phone and erase all of your data.
  • Click the Reset button to reset your phone to the factory settings completely.

After resetting your phone, restart the phone and then try using the camera. The problem will be fixed now.

14. Install Another Camera App

There are tons of camera apps on Google Play Store that could work on your device. Search for one with good reviews and check if it’s compatible with your device.

Be mindful not to download apps from unauthorized sources like APK sites. It is always safer to download from Play Store.

If you wish to download an app outside the Play Store, here’s how to download APK on Android.

15. Take Your Phone to a Repair Centre

If all of these fixes fail, the problem is likely hardware-related. You should take your phone to an authorized service center for more support.

Final Thoughts on “Camera App Not Working on Android”

Problems with the camera app can be frustrating and hinder you from having a good experience with your phone.

With our solutions, you will be able to fix this problem and use your Camera app without running into issues or crashes.

  • Restart your Android device
  • Allow Camera App permissions
  • Check if another app is using the camera
  • Clear the camera app data
  • Force Stop the camera app
  • Let your phone cool down
  • Clear Google Play Services data
  • Update your camera app
  • Clear the Gallery app cache
  • Uninstall third-party camera apps
  • Free up storage space on your phone
  • Update your phone to the latest Android version

I hope this assisted you in fixing your Android camera. If you fixed the problem with any other solution, please share it in the comments section.

Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

Chizara Ibeakanma

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