A phone camera not working most often appears as a black preview, the app shows a message like "Can't connect to camera", or the camera opens and closes straight away. In most cases the cause is software: a stuck camera app, another app holding the lens, a switched off permission or a phone that is almost out of space.
Hardware faults do happen, mostly after a drop or water damage, but they are the smaller share of cases. Work through the checks below in order. They start with the safest and quickest, and each one rules out a cause. If only the selfie lens is the problem, the page on the front camera is more specific, and for the main lens see back camera not working. For other faults in the same group, the phone problems guide lists them all.
Common causes
1Camera app is stuck or crashed
How to tellBlack screen or freeze right after opening, other apps are fine
What fixes itForce stop the camera app, reopen it, then restart the phone
2Another app is using the camera
How to tellMessage says the camera is in use or cannot connect, often after a video call
What fixes itClose all recent apps, then open the camera first
3Phone storage is almost full
How to tellCamera closes when you take a photo, or says storage is full
What fixes itDelete or move old videos and downloads to free space
4Permission turned off for an app
How to tellCamera works in the main app but not inside a chat or video call app
What fixes itAllow camera access for that app in phone settings
5Phone is overheating or battery saver is on
How to tellWarm phone, flash disabled, camera shuts down after a minute
What fixes itLet the phone cool down and switch off battery saver
6Dirty or blocked lens
How to tellPhotos look foggy or blurry, but the preview opens
What fixes itWipe the lens with a clean soft cloth and remove thick cases
7Damage from a drop or water
How to tellBlack preview, rattling noise, cracked lens glass, or problem began after a fall
What fixes itVisit an authorised service centre; do not open the phone
How to fix it, step by step
Close the camera app and reopen it
Swipe the camera app away from recent apps, wait five seconds and open it again. A frozen preview often clears with this alone.
Restart the phone
Use the power menu to restart, then give the phone a minute to settle. A restart frees the lens if a background app was holding it and fixes many camera not working problems in one go.
Check free storage
Open Settings, then Storage. If it is nearly full, delete old videos, large downloads and duplicate photos. Cameras need working space to save each shot, and a full phone makes them freeze or close.
Allow camera permission
Go to Settings, then Apps, find the app that fails, open Permissions and allow Camera. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Camera, and switch the app on.
Clear the camera app cache on Android
On Android, open Settings, then Apps, pick the camera app and press Clear cache on its storage page. If it still fails, tap Force stop and try again. Clearing data resets camera settings but does not remove your saved photos.
Switch lenses and modes
Tap the flip icon to change between front and back lenses, then try photo and video modes. If one lens works and the other stays black, the fault is in that lens or its connector, not in the app.
Turn off battery saver and let the phone cool
Heat and power saving modes can stop the camera on purpose. Switch off battery saver, take the phone out of the sun, remove the case, and wait ten minutes.
Update the phone software and the camera app
Install pending system updates from Settings. Updates fix known camera bugs. Keep the phone on charge and Wi-Fi while it installs.
Try safe mode on Android
Safe mode turns off apps you installed. If the camera works there, a recently installed app is the cause. Restart normally and uninstall the newest apps one at a time. The way to enter safe mode differs by model, so check your phone manual.
Why a phone camera stops working
A phone camera is a small sensor and lens connected to the main board by a thin ribbon cable. The camera app asks the system for the lens each time you open it. If something else already has it, or the system refuses, you get a black screen. That is why so many cases are fixed by closing apps and restarting.
You open a video call and your picture is black, so you switch to the normal camera app and see Can't connect to camera. The call app was still holding the lens. Close both apps from recent apps, restart, and open the normal camera first.
Android versus iPhone: what differs
| Check | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Permissions | Settings, Apps, the app, Permissions | Settings, Privacy and Security, Camera |
| Clear cache | Available per app | Not available; delete and reinstall the app |
| Software restart | Restart from the power menu | Restart from the power menu or with the buttons |
| Screen Time limits | Digital wellbeing or parental controls may block apps | Screen Time can block the camera app |
On iPhone, also check that Camera is not disabled under Screen Time content restrictions. If your camera is missing from the home screen, that is the usual reason.
Signs your phone camera not working needs a repair
Stop troubleshooting when you see a cracked lens window, a black preview on every app after a restart, a rattling or clicking sound, lines or green tint in the preview, or a fault that began after water exposure. These point to the sensor, the lens motor or the cable.
Do not open the phone yourself. Opening it can void the warranty and damage the cable. Back up your photos first, then visit an authorised service centre.
A repair costs more when the whole camera module has to be replaced, when the phone has water damage, or when the model is new and parts are scarce.
Camera works but photos are blurry or dark
That is a different problem. Clean the lens, remove any film or case lip covering it, and tap the screen to focus. Poor night photos need steady hands or night mode. If focus always hunts or hums, the lens motor may be failing.
Keep the camera healthy
- Keep at least a tenth of the storage free, because a full phone struggles to save shots.
- Close video call apps fully after use.
- Use a case that leaves the lens clear.
- Avoid leaving the phone in a hot car.
- Install system updates when offered.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my phone camera not working but everything else is fine?
That points to the camera app or a permission, not the whole phone. Force close the app, check storage and permissions, and restart. If it still fails, the lens or cable may be damaged.
Why is my camera not working on my Android phone, and Teams or video call apps show a black picture?
A fresh update can leave old camera cache behind. Clear the camera app cache, restart, and check for a newer update that fixes the bug.
Why is my iPhone camera not working and showing a black screen?
Close the camera app, restart the phone, and switch between front and back lenses. A black screen on one lens only often means hardware. Also check that a magnetic case or accessory is not blocking the lens.
How do I check if my mobile camera is working or not?
Open the camera app, switch between the front and back lens, and try photo and video modes. If the preview shows an image and a photo saves, the camera works.
If my phone camera is not working, what is the first thing to try?
Restart the phone, free some storage, and confirm the camera permission is on. Together they clear the majority of cases quickly.