Troubleshooting Guide: 11 Solutions for Android Camera Issues

Key Takeaways

Insufficient storage space and low memory can cause camera app issues on your Android phone. Free up space and ensure sufficient memory for smooth camera function.

To enhance the camera's performance and prevent crashes, it is essential to address potential disruptions caused by third-party apps and camera permission denials. Granting the necessary permissions and closing any apps utilizing the camera will ensure optimal functionality.

Additionally, the camera's performance may be hampered by various factors such as corrupt cache, software glitches, bugs, and an outdated Android OS. Taking these aspects into consideration and rectifying them can help avoid slow operation and frequent crashes.

Why Is the Camera Not Working On My Android Phone?

Unable to Access Camera on Android? Try These Simple Solutions to Get it Working Again.

Limited storage space is the primary reason for camera app malfunctions. When your device's storage is nearly full, the camera app may start malfunctioning due to the inability to save additional files. Additionally, if your device has low memory (RAM), it may be unable to launch the camera app.

Camera failure or crashes can occur due to conflicts between third-party apps, particularly those utilizing camera functions, or when they interfere with the default camera app. Restricted camera permissions can also contribute to the issue, as the app requires permission to access the camera feature in order to function properly.

Corrupted cache and app data can impede the camera's performance, leading to crashes. Outdated Android OS, software problems, and bugs can also jeopardize the functionality of your camera app.

In instances of extremely low battery, the camera app may not operate optimally and could refuse to launch. Additionally, hardware damage resulting from drops and strong impacts can render the camera non-functional or display a blank screen.

How To Fix Camera Not Working on Android

If you are experiencing any camera problems on your Android device, there are several solutions you can attempt. We will begin with the simplest fixes and gradually progress to more advanced methods.

1. How to Restart the Camera on Android

In case your camera app displays a blank screen upon usage, a potential solution would be to restart the app. This can be easily achieved by navigating to your Recent Apps and swiping the Camera app off the screen. After waiting for a few seconds, proceed to reopen the Camera app once more.

You can also restart the Camera app by force-stopping the app in Settings. Start by opening the Settings app and then go to "Apps."

Search for the "Camera" app in the list of apps.

Tap onthe "Force Stop" or "Force Close" button (usually at the bottom of the screen).

Now, when you open your camera, it will hopefully work smoothly without a crash.

2. How to Restart an Android Phone

If restarting the camera app does not resolve the issue, proceed to restart your phone. This action effectively eliminates bugs and glitches, while also resetting any ongoing processes.

To initiate a restart on your Android phone, press and hold the power button until a menu of options appears on your device's screen. The interface may vary across different Android devices, but the options will remain consistent.

To resolve the issue, simply tap on the "Restart" option. Your phone will then shut down and automatically turn back on within a few seconds. After this, your camera should be functioning correctly. If your phone has reassigned the power button to a different function, you will need to follow an alternate method.

3. Allow All Camera Permissions

The camera app may have had its camera feature permissions inadvertently denied. To grant permissions for the camera app, navigate to your list of apps and long-press on the camera icon until a menu appears. Then, select "App Info" or the icon displaying the letter "i" enclosed in a circle.

In the App Info page that opens, go to the "Permissions" section.

Ensure that the "Camera" permission is allowed for the Camera app. It must be in the list of allowed features.

4. Close All Apps Using The Camera

Your phone's camera can be accessed by apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and other third-party camera and editing apps. If any of these apps are running in the background while you try to use the default camera app, it may lead to a crash.

To resolve this issue, simply access your phone's Recent Apps and swipe away all the apps that are currently utilizing the camera. Once done, open the default camera app, and it should function properly.

5. Clear Camera App Data

If an app is not functioning properly, you can resolve the issue by clearing the app's data. This action will reset the app and should eliminate the bug causing the problem. To restart the camera app, access the Settings app and select "Apps."

Select the camera app in the list of apps and tap on "Storage."

To check the storage space occupied by the camera, simply open the designated page. From there, you can proceed to tap the "Clear Data button" in order to eliminate any accumulated app data and cache. This action ensures that the camera app begins anew with a clean slate.

6. Free Up Storage Space

If your camera app is constantly freezing or unable to capture photos, consider freeing up storage space as a potential solution to resolve this issue. The simple solution is to remove media, documents, and other files that are consuming space on your phone.

7. How to Fix Blurry Pictures on Android

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To improve the clarity of your camera pictures, simply remove any smudges or dirt from your lens using a soft cloth. Additionally, remember to tap the screen to focus on your desired subject prior to capturing the photo. This simple technique will ensure your pictures are sharp and well-focused.

8. Carry Out A Software Update

Ensure optimal performance of your phone by regularly updating its software. To update your Android operating system, navigate to the Settings app and locate the "Software Update" option. Depending on your device, it may be listed under "System."

Tap on the "Download and Install" or "Check Now" option.

If there is an update available, tap on the blue download button at the bottom of the screen to begin the update.

This update will potentially clear out the bug causing the problem, and you will be able to take pictures with the camera app again.

9. Install a Third Party Android Camera

If your default camera is not functioning properly, you can consider installing a third-party camera application as a potential solution. Numerous camera apps with distinctive features and functionalities are easily accessible for this purpose.

Ensure that you exclusively install these applications from reliable sources like the Google Play Store to avoid exposing your phone to malware and viruses. Ideal alternatives to the default camera include Cymera, Relens, and Open Camera. Simply download these apps and begin capturing photos and videos with ease.

10. Factory Reset Your Phone

Performing a factory reset is a drastic measure as it permanently erases all data, media, and applications from your phone, restoring it to its original settings. By doing so, any issues that have arisen since the phone's initial setup should be resolved.

To initiate a factory reset, access the Settings app on your phone. Then, navigate to General Management/System > Reset > Factory Data Reset. For detailed instructions on how to perform a factory reset on Android phones, refer to our comprehensive guide.

11. Take Your Device For Repair

If all attempts to rectify the problem are unsuccessful, it is highly probable that the issue originates from a malfunctioning hardware. You may consider seeking assistance from an authorized repair center, but it is important to anticipate potential charges. It is worthwhile to note that resolving a critical camera problem can be quite costly, assuming it is even repairable. Alternatively, unfortunately, the most viable option would be to accept the loss and invest in a new Android phone that boasts an excellent camera.