Android Camera Not Working? Fix Black Screen and Crashes

On Android, menu names vary by maker, so use Settings search when a path in a guide does not match your phone exactly.

Why this can happen

• another app is holding the camera
• camera permission is disabled
• the camera app cache/state is corrupted
• the device is too hot and limits camera features
• a specific lens or camera module has a hardware fault

Troubleshoot from low-risk to high-risk

1. Close apps that may be using the camera, then reopen the camera app.
2. Check camera permission for the affected app.
3. Restart the device.
4. Test front and rear cameras separately to identify whether one module fails.
5. Install system/app updates and test again.

What each result tells you

Test the built-in camera app and one second app. If both fail on the same lens, the issue is system-level or hardware. If only one app fails, its permission or local state is the better target.

Changes to avoid until you know the cause

How to confirm the fix

Test photo, video and a second camera-using app; if only one lens fails everywhere, hardware becomes more likely.

When to use support or repair

If one physical camera module fails in every app after a restart and updates, service may be required—especially after impact, liquid exposure or a repair.

Note the phone model, Android version, affected app or setting, exact message and whether restarting or Safe Mode changes the result.