Android camera not working? Here's how you can try to fix it

Many would agree the camera system is one of the most important factors to consider when picking a new smartphone. The best camera phones can capture fantastic imagery. We can understand how frustrating an Android camera not working can be.

Editor’s note: We formulated these instructions using a Google Pixel 7a running Android 14. Some things may slightly differ depending on your device and software version.

Restart the phone

A simple reboot can work wonders. I find that this fixes most common issues and bugs about 90% of the time. It’s also a simple solution, so you should at least try it. We have guides on restarting Android phones, as well as restarting Samsung phones, if you need some help.

Make sure your phone is charged

The camera uses quite a bit of battery. Many smartphones limit your camera if the device’s battery is too low. The phone may simply not have the juice to run the camera. Plug it in for a while and try to use the camera again after the phone has a healthy amount of charge.

Is your phone hot?

Likewise, many manufacturers limit the camera when the phone is too hot. An overheated device can be dangerous for internal components. Since the camera uses plenty of resources, it will likely further increase the temperatures. Try to let the phone cool down for a bit. You can do this by unplugging it and letting it rest in a cool area, or a place with good airflow.

Force close the app

If your Android camera is still not working, it’s time to bring out the bigger guns. Let’s start by closing the app completely.

How to force close an app on Android:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Tap on See all apps.
4. Find and select the Camera app.
5. Hit Force stop.
6. Tap on OK.

Clear the camera’s cache memory

You can also clear the camera’s app cache. Cache files can get corrupted and cause issues with time. It’s good to clear it now and then. We have a dedicated guide on clearing cache on Android. Follow the steps and clear the cache on the Camera app.

Make sure you have enough storage space

Naturally, the camera won’t have a place to put those gorgeous photos in if your storage space is too full. There are a few things you can do here, starting with the Files Clean feature on Android.

How to use the Files Clean feature:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Tap on the Clean feature.
3. The app will suggest what you can delete to clean up space. Follow instructions.

Empty the Android trash folder

You might not realize it, but files don’t delete right away on Android and instead stick around in the Trash for 30 days. To clear that you’ll want to:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Storage.
3. Go into Trash.
4. Select All items.
5. Tap on Delete.
6. Confirm by hitting Delete again.

Lastly, you can simply uninstall apps you don’t need. To do this:

• Open the Settings app.
• Go into Apps.
• Select See all apps.
• Find the app you want to uninstall. Tap on it.
• Select Uninstall.
• Confirm by selecting OK.

Don’t forget to delete old photos and video

Photos and videos are likely the next big storage hog. Free up space on Android and get rid of some. Are all those images and clips important memories worth keeping down the line? Many probably aren’t. Some of you may be a little too shutter-happy and have a bunch of repeated images, too. Go through your gallery and see what is actually worth keeping around.

You may already have many of these backed up to the cloud, anyway. Why keep them on your device?

Update your device

If your camera falls victim to a random bug or any other software issue, it’s a good idea to check for any available updates. Updates usually come with performance improvements and bug fixes. One of these may fix any issues your camera is running into.

You can follow our guide to learn how to update your Android apps. Additionally, here’s how to update your Android phone to the latest software.

Check the app permissions

App permissions let you control what each application can access. You may have accidentally revoked the Camera app access to the camera. We have a complete guide on app permissions. Follow the guide to allow camera access to the Camera app.

The last resort: factory data reset

A factory data reset will wipe your phone clean and bring it back to factory settings. Just make sure to backup any important files before you do this, as everything in your phone will be gone after a factory reset.

How to factory reset an Android phone:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into System.
3. Hit Reset options.
4. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Tap on Erase all data.
6. Enter your PIN.
7. Confirm by selecting Erase all data again.

Now, if none of these tips work, there’s not much we can do to help. It might be best to reach out to your phone’s manufacturer or carrier for help. You could try to make a warranty claim.

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