A non-working camera is one of the most frustrating issues for Android users. Whether the camera shows a black screen, keeps crashing, or refuses to open, it prevents you from taking photos, recording videos, scanning QR codes, or even using apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Meet.
Camera problems can be caused by software bugs, low storage, other apps using the camera, outdated system files, or hardware damage.
This guide explains all the effective solutions to fix the camera not working on Android.

Restart Your Phone

Restarting the device often clears temporary bugs affecting the camera.

Steps:

1. Hold the Power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Open the camera app again.

A fresh reboot can solve minor glitches instantly.

Close All Background Apps

Some apps may be using the camera in the background, preventing the main camera app from working.

Steps:

1. Tap the Recent Apps button.
2. Close all apps.
3. Try opening the camera again.

Video calling apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet often cause such conflicts.

Force Stop the Camera App

This resets the camera app’s current session.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Camera.
4. Tap Force Stop.
5. Reopen the camera app.

This fixes temporary crashes.

Clear Camera App Cache

Corrupted cache files can cause the camera to stop responding.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Choose Camera.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear Cache.

Try using the camera after clearing the cache.

Clear Camera App Data (If Required)

If cache clearing fails, the app’s data may be corrupted.
Note: This resets camera settings.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Camera.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear Data.

After this, open the camera again.

Check for Low Storage

When storage is almost full, the camera may refuse to take pictures or videos.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Storage.
3. Ensure you have at least 1–2 GB free.

Delete large files, old videos, or unused apps if needed.

Remove Third-Party Camera Apps

Third-party camera apps can conflict with the stock camera.

Uninstall apps like:

• Beauty filters
• DSLR camera apps
• Photo editing apps
• Video recording apps

Then try the default camera again.

Disable Battery Saver Mode

Battery Saver can limit hardware resources, affecting camera performance.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Turn off Battery Saver.

Now open the camera app again.

Check Camera Permissions

Make sure the camera app has proper permission to access the hardware.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Camera.
4. Tap Permissions.
5. Enable Camera, Storage, and Microphone permissions.

Apps cannot access the camera without correct permissions.

Update the Camera App

On some devices, the camera app has its own updates.

Steps:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search your camera app (if available).
3. Tap Update.

Install the latest version for stability improvements.

Update Android Software

System updates often fix camera bugs.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Select System Update.
4. Install any available updates.

Restart after updating.

Boot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps detect if another app is causing the issue.

Steps:

1. Hold the Power button.
2. Long-press Restart.
3. Tap OK to enter Safe Mode.

Open the camera.
If it works here, an installed app is causing the issue.
Restart to exit Safe Mode.

Reset App Preferences

This restores all default settings related to apps.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap the three-dot menu.
4. Select Reset App Preferences.

Try opening the camera after this reset.

Factory Reset (Last Option)

If all methods fail, a factory reset may solve deep software problems.

Steps:

1. Backup your data.
2. Open Settings → System → Reset.
3. Select Factory Data Reset.

Use this method only when necessary.

When to Visit a Service Center

You may need professional repair if you notice:

• Camera glass is cracked
• Phone suffered a drop
• Camera shows black screen always
• Camera shakes or makes clicking sounds
• Water damage

A technician can repair or replace the camera module if needed.

Conclusion

Camera issues on Android can occur due to software bugs, permission problems, conflicting apps, or hardware defects. By following the steps in this guide—clearing cache, updating software, checking storage, and resetting app settings—you can fix most camera-related problems.
If the problem continues, hardware repair may be required.