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Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera (8 Quick Fixes!)

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Writer, Android

Saurav loves writing and tech. So, after engineering, he didn't look back and embarked on a journey to become a tech writer. Saurav has worked for various tech websites across the globe.

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Are you getting the Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera on your Android smartphone? Many people have reported this error message on several forums, and it seems like it mostly occurs on Samsung devices. 

This is a frustrating issue as it makes you unable to use the camera app. Whenever you launch the camera app, this message appears.

This article explains what might cause your Samsung to display this error message and how to fix this problem.

Why Does Security Policy Prevent the Use Of Camera?

The “Security policy prevents use of camera” notification stops users from using the camera app, which can appear on your Samsung smartphone due to several factors.  

  • Inappropriate configuration of the camera app or the phone’s settings. This is one of the biggest reasons behind the issue at hand. There’s a higher probability of getting the security message on Samsung or any Android device if the camera or phone settings are not configured properly.
  • Conflict with a 3rd party application. Several 3rd party applications are extremely useful. But some of them could interfere with your phone camera’s operation. In that case, the camera will fail to launch, and you will get the security policy message.    
  • Corrupted cache or data for the camera app. If the cache files or data for the camera app or other apps are corrupted, you may be in trouble with the camera app.
  • The phone’s sensors are disabled. If the phone’s sensors are disabled, then you will get the security policy notice when launching the camera app as the camera sensor is disabled.   

So, these are the main reasons behind the security policy preventing the use of camera messages on your Samsung phone. Next, you’ll learn how to get rid of this message.

Tips to Fix Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera on Samsung 

So, here are some easy ways to get rid of the “Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera” message from a Samsung smartphone. 

  1. Restart Your Samsung Phone 
  2. Test Your Samsung Phone’s Camera in Safe Mode
  3. Disable the Sensors Off Feature
  4. Disable Device Admin Apps 
  5. Clear Cache & Data for the Camera App 
  6. Update the Phone to the latest Android Version
  7. Reset the Camera App
  8. Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone  

Sometimes, these fixes are applicable when your camera crashes or when your camera keeps stopping.

1. Restart Your Samsung Phone 

Let’s keep it simple and just restart your Samsung smartphone.

In most cases, the issue is nothing more than a glitch that can be easily fixed if you restart your smartphone. It is likely that restarting your Samsung device would be enough to fix the issue at hand. 

Reboot to Fix Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera on Samsung
Restart the Samsung Phone. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

In cases like this, the cause is often a corrupt dictionary on the SD card where the images and videos are stored.

I would suggest restarting your smartphone after removing the SD and SIM cards to avoid any potential problems.

2. Test the Samsung Phone’s Camera in Safe Mode 

The security policy restriction on cameras can also occur due to malicious apps or customizations that may have been interfering with the camera module.

In such a case, testing the phone’s camera in Safe Mode will resolve the problem.

  1. Hold the Power Button on the side and wait for the Power Menu to appear. 
  2. Tap and hold the Power option, and you will get the prompt to enter Safe Mode.  
  3. Tap the Safe Mode option on the screen to enter Safe Mode on a Samsung device
Put the Samsung Device in Safe Mode to Detect the Issue
Safe Mode on a Samsung Smartphone. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

Now, launch the camera app. If it is operating perfectly and no message appears on the screen, reboot your phone in normal mode.

Now, you need to change settings or remove malicious 3rd party apps from the device to get this fixed.  

3. Disable the Sensors Off Feature 

The phone’s sensors play a pivotal role. If you have turned them off or are not properly configured, you will face a “security policy that prevents the use of camera” notifications on your Samsung mobile.   

So, you need to make sure that the Sensors Off feature is turned off on your smartphone.

You can disable this feature from the Android Quick Settings Panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the panel, locate Sensors Off, and disable it.    

Disable the Sensors Off
Disable Sensors Off from the Quick Settings Panel. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

The problem is that this is an important feature and will only be available if you’ve activated it through the Developer Options; otherwise, you won’t see it.

Don’t worry if you don’t see the option on the quick panel. It doesn’t mean you messed up the sensor settings.

But if you still want to know how to activate or, essentially, deactivate the Sensors Off option from the settings, you can check out the steps below.  

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap on About Phone
  2. Tap on Software Information and select Build Number
  3. Now, tap on the Build Number exactly seven times, and the Developer Options will be activated. 

Now, you need to come back to the Settings Menu. Tap on Developer Options. Scroll down and tap on Quick Settings Developer Tiles. In the following menu, you will find the Sensors Off option. 

Toggle the Sensors Off Button
Quick Settings Developer Title Menu. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

If you turn on the switch next to it, then the option will be visible on the Android quick settings panel. If it is turned off, then it won’t be visible.

4. Disable Device Admin Apps 

The Admin apps can also be the root of this problem. In order to be sure of this, you need to look for the Device Admin Apps in your phone’s settings. 

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap on Biometrics and Security.
  2. Select the Other Security Settings option. 
  3. Now, tap on Device Admin Apps.
Deactivate the Device Admin Apps
Deactivate the Problematic Device Admin Apps. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

There should be a list of apps, and if you think one of them could be the issue, Toggle it Off. Finally, tap on the Deactivate option.

5. Clear Cache & Data for the Camera App 

The security policy issue can also be the result of corrupted cache files. The camera app is similar to other applications; it creates cache files and stores data. 

If somehow these files are corrupted, the app will malfunction and start creating problems.

In some cases, it may not even launch at all. In this situation, clearing the cache and data of the camera will be the best idea. 

  1. Launch the Settings app on your Samsung mobile. 
  2. Tap on Apps and locate the Camera app
  3. Tap on the Camera app and select the Storage option in the App Info. 
  4. On the following page, you will find both Clear Cache and Clear Data options at the bottom. 
Delete All Cache and Data
Clear Camera App Cache and Data. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

Tap on the options individually and clear the cache and data for the Camera app. Hopefully, the camera will start functioning properly after the corrupted files are eliminated. 

6. Update Samsung to the Latest Android Version

Next, you’ll update your Samsung to the latest Android version. Outdated software can cause all sorts of problems, which could be the culprit of your camera security issue.

Follow the steps below to update your Samsung phone. Remember, these steps might differ slightly depending on your Android phone model.

  • Go to Settings.
  • Scroll down and select System.
  • Tap System update.
  • Then, tap on Check for Updates. If there’s a new update available, tap download & install.

7. Reset the Camera App 

We all adjust the camera settings on our phones to take pictures that reflect our aesthetic preferences.

But sometimes, these customizations backfire and cause the camera to malfunction. In such situations, resetting the camera app to its factory default is the best way to resolve the problem. 

  1. Open the Camera app and tap on the Gear-Shaped icon at the top left corner of the panel to access the Camera Settings.
  2. Now, scroll down and tap on Reset Settings.   
Reset the Camera App Settings to Default
Reset the Camera App on Samsung. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

You will be asked for confirmation. Provide it. After resetting the camera app, launch it again. Hopefully, the issue will be resolved. 

8. Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone 

If none of the solutions worked for your Samsung mobile, then you have to go through with the Factory Data Reset

Now, a factory reset is an effective fix for numerous Android issues. But the procedure does erase all the customization and data, so it can be bothersome for the users. Still, no need to worry if you have backed up your smartphone beforehand. 

  1. Run the Settings app on your Samsung mobile and tap the General Management option. 
  2. Tap on the Reset option and then choose the Factory Data Reset button.
Factory Rest to Fix Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera on Samsung
Factory Data Reset the Samsung Phone. Screenshot: Saurav Dey/Gotechtor

At this moment, a new panel will appear on the screen. If you scroll down, you will find the Blue Reset Button. Tap on it to factory reset your Samsung smartphone.   

Wrap-Up: Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera

And there you have it—our step-by-step guide to fixing the “Security Policy Prevents Use of Camera” on your Samsung.

We hope the tips in this guide have helped you use your camera again without any issues.

If you are still experiencing the same issue even after implementing the aforementioned solutions, then you should take your Samsung mobile to the nearest Samsung Repair Center.   

If you found success doing something else, leave me a comment down below!

Writer, Android

Saurav loves writing and tech. So, after engineering, he didn't look back and embarked on a journey to become a tech writer. Saurav has worked for various tech websites across the globe.

Saurav Dey

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