AndroidAnswers

Why is my Android camera not working?

By the AndroidAnswers Editorial Team · Updated

About 5 minutes · Apps & Play Store

Illustration of a phone showing a camera icon, with a framed photo on one side and a refresh arrow on the other

Steps to check

  1. Restart the phone, then open Camera again

    Power the phone fully off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Open the built-in Camera app and try a photo. Pixel and Samsung both list a simple restart first. A short software glitch can leave the preview black or show Camera Failed even when the hardware is fine.

    Samsung Hold the Side (Power) button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart. Or swipe down twice for Quick settings, tap the Power icon, then Restart.Pixel On Pixel 6 and later, press and hold Power and Volume up, then tap Restart (or Power off, then Power on). On older Pixels, use the Power button menu.

  2. Clear Camera cache and reset Camera settings

    Clearing cache removes temporary Camera files without deleting your photos. On Samsung, open Camera, tap Settings (or the four-dot Quick settings control, then Settings), then Reset settings. That returns Camera options to defaults and often clears a stuck Camera Failed message.

    Samsung Camera → Settings → Reset settings → Reset. You can also long-press the Camera icon → App info → Storage → Clear cache.Pixel Long-press the Camera icon → App info → Storage & cache → Clear cache. Then open Camera again and check the preview.

  3. Update Camera and system software

    Install any Camera update from the Play Store (or Samsung's Camera About screen). Then check for a system update. Outdated Camera software is a common cause of crashes, delayed shutter, and broken mode switches. Make sure the phone has enough free storage before a large update.

    Samsung In Camera Settings, open About Camera and tap Update if shown. System updates: Settings → Software update (or System updates) → Download and install.Pixel Play Store → profile icon → Manage apps & devices → update Pixel Camera if listed. System: Settings → System → System update → Check for update.

  4. Clean the lens, remove the case, and check permissions

    Gently wipe the camera glass with a soft, dry cloth. Take off a case that covers or presses on the lens. If the built-in Camera works but a messaging or shopping app does not, open that app's App info → Permissions and allow Camera. Pixel Help notes that a hot phone can slow the shutter, so cool the device if it feels warm.

  5. Try Safe mode to rule out another app

    Restart into Safe mode so only built-in apps run. Open Camera there. If it works in Safe mode, a recently installed app may be interfering. Restart normally to leave Safe mode, then uninstall recent apps one at a time and test Camera after each. If Camera still fails in Safe mode, skip to repair help.

    Samsung Open the power menu, touch and hold Power off until Safe mode appears, then tap Safe mode. "Safe mode" shows at the bottom of the screen.Pixel Power off, then hold Power until the G logo. Hold Volume down until Safe mode starts. Restart again to leave Safe mode.

  6. Test front vs rear, then get repair help if needed

    On Pixel, long-press Camera and try Take a selfie to see if only one lens fails. If the built-in Camera still shows Camera Failed, a black screen, or crashes after cache clear, updates, and Safe mode, the camera hardware or a deeper system fault is likely. Contact Samsung, Google, or your carrier for repair. Back up photos before any factory reset a support agent may suggest.

Normal vs. not

Usually normal

A brief delay taking a photo in very dark light, or a short wait right after an update while Camera finishes setting up. A slight rattle from some Pixel camera modules when you shake the phone is expected.

Worth a closer look

Camera Failed every time you open Camera, a black preview that never shows an image, crashes in every app that uses the camera, or the same failure after Safe mode and updates.

What people are saying

Common questions

What does Camera Failed mean on Samsung?

Samsung says Camera Failed, freezing, or a blank preview is often a software issue. Restart, reset Camera settings, update software, and try Safe mode before you assume the lens is broken.

Will clearing Camera cache delete my photos?

No. Clear cache only removes temporary app files. Your pictures in Gallery or Google Photos stay on the phone or in the cloud.

Why does Camera work in one app but not another?

The other app may lack Camera permission, or it may need an update. Fix the built-in Camera first. If only one app fails, check that app's permissions and updates.

Sources we checked

Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.