Phone Camera Not Working or Showing a Black Screen

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Quick Answer

If your phone’s Camera app opens but the viewfinder stays black, first switch between the front and rear cameras and test the camera in another app. Restart the phone next. On Android, camera permissions, disabled camera access, or temporary Camera app data can also interfere. If the same front or rear camera fails across multiple apps especially after a drop or liquid exposure—a hardware problem becomes more plausible, but the symptom alone does not confirm one.

This guide is for a camera preview that is black or a camera that will not work while the phone itself remains usable. If the entire phone display is black or the phone will not turn on, use the appropriate black-screen startup guide instead.

Table of Contents

Choose the Symptom That Matches

What you seeWhat it may suggestFirst safe test
Camera app opens but preview is completely blackTemporary Camera app problem, software issue, camera access problem, or hardware faultSwitch between front and rear cameras
Only one app shows a black cameraCamera permission or that specific appTest the built-in Camera app
Front camera works but rear camera stays blackCamera-specific software or hardware problemTest the rear camera in another app
Rear camera works but front camera stays blackFront-camera-specific problemTest the front camera in another app
Camera app crashes, freezes, or shows “Camera failed”Camera app or software problem remains possibleRestart the phone and reset only the Camera app where supported
Every app fails to use the cameraSystem-level camera access, software, or hardware becomes more relevantCheck permissions and restart
Camera stopped after a drop or liquid exposurePhysical damage becomes more plausibleStop unnecessary testing and arrange inspection if symptoms persist

Testing the front and rear cameras separately helps identify whether the problem affects one camera or the entire camera system. Apple specifically recommends checking whether one or both cameras are affected when troubleshooting a black camera screen.

1-Minute Safe Checks

Try these before resetting settings or considering repair:

  1. Remove any case, lens attachment, magnetic accessory, or film that may cover or interfere with the camera.
  2. Open the built-in Camera app.
  3. Switch from the rear camera to the front camera.
  4. Switch back to the rear camera.
  5. Test the camera inside one other trusted app that normally uses it.
  6. Close the Camera app.
  7. Restart the phone.
  8. Open the Camera app again.

Apple recommends removing interfering accessories, restarting the device, updating iOS, and testing the front and rear cameras separately. Samsung also recommends restarting Galaxy phones when the Camera app fails.

Fix 1: Test the Front and Rear Cameras Separately

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Use this first when the Camera app opens but the viewfinder remains black, freezes, or fails to show an image.

Why It May Help

A modern phone may contain several separate camera modules. One camera can fail while another continues working.

Testing both directions helps determine whether the problem affects:

  • One camera
  • Multiple cameras
  • Only the built-in Camera app
  • Every app that attempts to use the camera

Apple specifically recommends switching between the front and rear cameras when diagnosing camera problems.

Steps

  1. Open the built-in Camera app.
  2. Start with the normal rear camera.
  3. Look for a live preview.
  4. Switch to the front-facing camera.
  5. Compare the result.
  6. If your phone offers multiple rear-camera zoom positions, test only the normal controls available in the Camera app.
  7. Do not repeatedly tap or shake the phone to make a failed camera start.

Expected Result

Both cameras should display a live image.

What the Result Means

  • Both cameras work after switching: The failure may have been temporary.
  • Only the front camera fails: The issue appears limited to the front-camera path.
  • Only the rear camera fails: The issue appears limited to the rear-camera path.
  • Both remain black: Continue with the restart, permission, app, and software checks.

One failed camera does not prove that its hardware module is defective. Software and app-level problems still need to be excluded.

Fix 2: Test the Camera in Another App

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Use this when the camera is black inside WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, a banking app, QR scanner, video-call app, or another third-party application.

Why It May Help

If the built-in Camera app works normally but one other app cannot access the camera, the phone’s camera hardware is capable of producing an image. That shifts troubleshooting toward the affected app or its camera permission rather than immediately toward hardware repair.

Android and iPhone both allow camera access to be controlled on an app-by-app basis.

Steps

  1. Close the app showing the black camera.
  2. Open the phone’s built-in Camera app.
  3. Test the rear camera.
  4. Test the front camera.
  5. If both work, reopen the affected third-party app.
  6. Check its camera permission using the next section.

Expected Result

If the built-in Camera app works normally, the failure should remain limited to the other app.

What the Result Means

  • Built-in Camera works but one app does not: Check that app’s permission and update it.
  • Built-in Camera and multiple other apps all fail: Continue with phone-level troubleshooting.
  • Only one physical camera fails everywhere: A camera-specific fault becomes more plausible, although further testing is still needed.

Fix 3: Check Camera Permission

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use this when the camera works in the built-in Camera app but shows black, unavailable, or disabled inside another app.

Android

Google’s current Android guidance allows camera access to be controlled for individual apps. Menu wording can vary by phone manufacturer.

Typical Android steps are:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Select the affected app.
  4. Tap Permissions.
  5. Tap Camera.
  6. Select an allowed option such as Allow only while using the app, when appropriate.
  7. Reopen the app.
  8. Test its camera again.

Android also provides a device-level Camera access privacy control on supported versions. If camera access has been disabled globally, apps may be prevented from using the camera.

If necessary:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Open Security & privacy or Privacy.
  3. Find Privacy controls.
  4. Confirm that Camera access is enabled.

Exact menu names vary by Android version and manufacturer.

iPhone

On iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security.
  3. Tap Camera.
  4. Find the affected app.
  5. Turn on camera access if you want that app to use the camera.
  6. Reopen the app.

Apple documents this camera permission control under Privacy & Security.

Expected Result

The third-party app should be able to access the camera when permission is granted.

What the Result Means

  • If granting permission fixes only that app, the camera hardware itself was not established as the cause.
  • If the built-in Camera app is also black, continue troubleshooting rather than repeatedly changing permissions.

Fix 4: Restart the Phone

SAFE FIRST CHECK

Use This When

Use this when the Camera app suddenly became black, froze, stopped responding, or produced an error without obvious physical damage.

Why It May Help

A restart closes active processes and starts the operating system and camera services again. Apple and Samsung both include restarting as a camera troubleshooting step.

Steps

  1. Close the Camera app.
  2. Restart the phone using its normal power menu.
  3. Allow the phone to complete startup.
  4. Unlock it.
  5. Open the Camera app.
  6. Test the rear camera.
  7. Test the front camera.

Use the normal restart method documented for your exact phone if the power controls differ.

Expected Result

The Camera app should open and display a live preview.

What the Result Means

  • If the camera works after restarting, a temporary software or Camera app problem may have been involved.
  • The restart result does not identify exactly which process caused the failure.

Fix 5: Clear the Camera App Cache on Android

CONDITIONAL STEP

Use This When

Use this on Android when:

  • The built-in Camera app opens incorrectly.
  • It freezes or closes.
  • Its preview remains black.
  • Restarting did not help.
  • Your phone provides a Camera app cache control.

Do not look for this step on iPhone. iOS does not provide the same user-accessible Camera app cache-clearing control.

Why It May Help

Android officially documents clearing an app’s cached data as a troubleshooting option when an app crashes, will not open, will not respond, or otherwise does not work correctly. Google also warns that menus can vary by device.

The supplied possible cause of Camera app cache corruption should therefore be treated as a possibility, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Steps

Menu names vary by Android manufacturer.

On phones that provide this option:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Find Camera.
  4. Open Storage, Storage & cache, or the equivalent menu.
  5. Tap Clear cache.
  6. Do not select Clear data or Clear storage unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it and you understand what will be reset.
  7. Restart the phone.
  8. Test the Camera app.

Expected Result

The Camera app should rebuild temporary cached information and open normally.

What the Result Means

  • Camera begins working: Temporary app data may have contributed.
  • Camera remains black: Continue with software updates and manufacturer-specific troubleshooting.
  • Clear cache is unavailable: Do not invent an alternative menu. Follow your phone manufacturer’s Camera troubleshooting instructions.

Clearing a cache successfully does not prove that cache corruption was the original cause.

Fix 6: Reset the Camera App on Supported Samsung Galaxy Phones

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use this on a Samsung Galaxy phone when the Camera app itself crashes, fails to launch, or displays a Camera error.

Why It May Help

Samsung provides Camera-specific troubleshooting that can reset the Camera app or its settings without immediately resetting the entire phone. Samsung’s Philippines support page documents Reset settings inside the Camera app, while current Samsung documentation for some regions also provides a Camera app data reset.

Option 1: Reset Camera Settings

On supported Galaxy phones:

  1. Open Camera.
  2. Open Camera Settings.
  3. Tap Reset settings.
  4. Confirm the reset.
  5. Close and reopen Camera.

Samsung Philippines documents this process for Camera app failures.

Option 2: Clear Camera App Data

Use this only when your Samsung model and current Samsung documentation provide the option.

Current Samsung guidance for supported Galaxy devices in Hong Kong shows:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Select Camera.
  4. Tap Storage.
  5. Tap Clear data.
  6. Confirm.

Samsung states that this resets Camera settings to their defaults and does not delete photos and videos. Availability and menu paths vary by model, region, and software version.

Expected Result

The Camera app should return to its default configuration.

What the Result Means

  • If resetting the Camera app restores normal operation, its configuration or app state may have contributed.
  • If the same camera remains black, continue troubleshooting.

Fix 7: Update the Camera App and Phone Software

OFFICIALLY DOCUMENTED STEP

Use This When

Use this after the safer checks when no physical damage is apparent and the camera continues to fail.

Why It May Help

Apple recommends updating iOS when the iPhone camera is not working. Google’s Android app troubleshooting also recommends checking both operating-system and app updates. Samsung recommends checking software updates before continuing its Camera troubleshooting process.

Android

  1. Open the phone’s normal Software update or System update menu.
  2. Install an official update if one is available.
  3. Open Google Play.
  4. Check for updates to the Camera app if your manufacturer distributes camera updates through the store.
  5. Restart when required.
  6. Test the camera again.

Menu locations vary by manufacturer.

iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. Install an available official iOS update.
  5. Allow the iPhone to restart if required.
  6. Test both cameras again.

Apple includes updating iOS in its current camera troubleshooting guidance.

Expected Result

The camera should operate normally if the problem was related to software corrected by an available update.

What the Result Means

A camera that remains black after updating does not automatically indicate hardware failure. Continue with the isolation tests below.

Fix 8: Test Safe Mode on Android When an App Conflict Is Suspected

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Use This When

Consider Safe Mode when:

  • The camera stopped working after installing an app.
  • The problem began after installing a camera, flashlight, QR, security, filter, or video application.
  • The manufacturer provides a documented Safe Mode procedure.

Safe Mode is an Android diagnostic test. It is not a guaranteed fix.

Why It May Help

Safe Mode temporarily prevents downloaded apps from running normally. Samsung specifically documents Safe Mode as a way to determine whether a downloaded app may be interfering with the Camera app.

Steps

Safe Mode entry procedures vary by manufacturer and model.

  1. Use the official Safe Mode procedure for your exact phone.
  2. Once Safe Mode appears, open the built-in Camera app.
  3. Test the rear camera.
  4. Test the front camera.
  5. Restart the phone normally to leave Safe Mode.

Do not use a random button combination from another phone model.

Expected Result

Compare camera behavior in Safe Mode with normal mode.

What the Result Means

  • Camera works in Safe Mode: A downloaded app becomes more plausible as a contributor.
  • Camera still fails: A downloaded app becomes less likely, but this result does not prove hardware failure.

If the camera works only in Safe Mode, remove recently installed or recently updated apps one at a time, beginning with apps that interact with the camera.

Hardware inspection becomes more reasonable when:

  • The same front or rear camera remains black in several different apps.
  • One camera consistently works while another consistently fails.
  • The Camera app reports an error after all targeted software checks.
  • The problem started immediately after a significant drop or impact.
  • The phone was exposed to liquid.
  • The camera housing or lens area is visibly damaged.
  • The camera produces no preview after restart and official software troubleshooting.
  • A manufacturer diagnostic reports a camera failure.

Apple recommends service when its camera troubleshooting steps do not restore normal operation. Samsung also provides camera diagnostics through Samsung Members on supported Galaxy devices.

A failed software test alone does not prove which camera component has failed. Professional inspection may still be required to identify the exact fault.

Special Case: iPhone 14 Plus Rear Camera Shows No Preview

Apple currently maintains an iPhone 14 Plus Service Program for Rear Camera Issue for eligible devices whose rear camera may show no preview.

Apple states that affected units were manufactured between April 10, 2023 and April 28, 2024, and eligibility must be checked using the phone’s serial number. No other iPhone models are included in this specific program. Coverage for an eligible unit lasts three years after its first retail sale.

If you have an iPhone 14 Plus with a rear camera that shows no preview, check Apple’s eligibility tool before paying for a camera repair.

When to Stop DIY Troubleshooting

Stop routine troubleshooting and arrange professional inspection when:

  • The phone has significant liquid damage.
  • The camera area is cracked or physically displaced.
  • The problem began immediately after a severe drop.
  • The phone becomes abnormally hot near the camera area.
  • There is visible internal moisture or corrosion.
  • The next procedure would require opening the phone.
  • Important data is at risk and the phone is becoming unstable.

Do not open a sealed phone, press on camera modules, insert tools around the camera housing, or attempt internal camera replacement as normal beginner troubleshooting.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming every black screen is a display problem: A black camera preview is different from an entire phone display that remains black. If menus, notifications, and other apps remain visible, troubleshoot the camera rather than following a no-power guide.
  • Clearing every app’s data: Start by identifying whether the failure affects the Camera app, one third-party app, or every camera application. Do not erase unrelated app data.
  • Clearing Camera app data before trying cache: On Android devices that provide separate cache and storage controls, use the less disruptive cache option first unless the manufacturer specifically recommends resetting Camera data.
  • Assuming cache corruption is confirmed: A successful cache clear only shows that rebuilding temporary app data helped. It does not prove that cache corruption was definitely the original cause.
  • Assuming hardware failure after one restart: One failed restart cannot identify a broken camera module. Test the front and rear cameras, another app, permissions, and supported software troubleshooting before drawing that conclusion.
  • Factory-resetting the phone: A full factory reset is not included as routine troubleshooting in this guide. The camera symptom can usually be investigated much further using targeted, non-destructive tests first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my phone camera showing a black screen?

Possible causes include a temporary Camera app problem, disabled camera access, app permissions, software problems, another Android app interfering with camera operation, or a camera-specific hardware fault. The black preview by itself does not identify which one is responsible. Testing both cameras and another app is the fastest way to narrow the problem.

Can clearing the Camera cache fix a black screen?

On Android, clearing an app’s cache is an officially documented troubleshooting step for apps that crash, fail to respond, or otherwise malfunction. It can therefore be reasonable when the Camera app itself is malfunctioning. It is not a guaranteed fix, and iPhone does not provide the same Camera cache control.

Why does my camera work in Camera but not Messenger or another app?

Check that app’s camera permission first. Android and iPhone both provide per-app camera permissions. If the built-in Camera app works but only one third-party app does not, an app-level problem is more relevant than immediately assuming the physical camera is broken.

Why does only my rear camera show black?

A problem limited to one camera can be caused by camera-specific software or hardware. Test that same camera in more than one app. If it remains unavailable everywhere while the other camera works normally, professional inspection becomes more reasonable after the software checks have been completed.

Should I factory-reset my phone for a camera black screen?

Not as a routine first response. Restarting, testing another app, checking permissions, clearing the Android Camera cache where available, resetting only the Camera app where officially supported, updating software, and isolating downloaded apps provide safer diagnostic information without erasing the whole phone.

Official Sources

Official sources checked: August 9, 2026

Apple Support

Page: If the camera or flash on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch isn’t working

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/102514

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Troubleshooting a black camera screen
  • Removing cases and camera accessories
  • Restarting the device
  • Updating iOS
  • Testing the front and rear cameras separately
  • Seeking service when the camera remains unavailable

Scope limitation:
Applies to Apple devices covered by the support page.

Google Android Help

Page: Fix an installed Android app that isn’t working

Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/2668665?hl=en

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Restarting Android
  • Checking Android updates
  • Updating apps
  • Force stopping malfunctioning apps
  • Clearing app cache and data
  • Warning that Android settings vary by phone

Scope limitation:
This is general Android app troubleshooting rather than Camera-app-specific guidance. Camera menus and system-app controls vary by manufacturer.

Google Android Help

Page: Change app permissions on your Android phone

Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9431959?hl=en-GB

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Per-app Camera permissions
  • Permission Manager
  • Device-level Camera access privacy control
  • Manufacturer and Android-version differences

Scope limitation:
Some paths and features depend on the Android version and phone manufacturer.

Apple Support

Page: Control access to hardware features on iPhone

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/iphone/iph168c4bbd5/ios

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Reviewing which apps requested camera access
  • Enabling or disabling Camera permission for individual apps

Scope limitation:
This page addresses third-party app access to iPhone hardware features rather than faults in the built-in Camera app itself.

Samsung Philippines

Page: How to fix ‘Camera failed’ error on Samsung Galaxy phone

Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-to-fix-camera-failed-error-on-samsung-galaxy-phone/

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Checking software updates
  • Resetting Camera settings
  • Restarting Galaxy phones
  • Using Safe Mode to test interference from downloaded apps
  • Seeking Samsung service when troubleshooting does not resolve the problem

Scope limitation:
Applies to Samsung Galaxy devices. Menu names and procedures vary by model and software version.

Samsung Hong Kong

Page: How to troubleshoot Camera app errors

Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-camera-app-errors/

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Resetting Camera app data on supported Galaxy phones
  • Clarifying that Camera settings return to defaults while photos and videos are not deleted
  • Restarting the phone
  • Running the Camera diagnostic in Samsung Members

Scope limitation:
The page explicitly applies to Hong Kong products. Models, menu paths, and available features may differ in other regions.

Apple Support

Page: iPhone 14 Plus Service Program for Rear Camera Issue

Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-ph/iphone-14-plus-service-program-for-rear-camera-issue

URL status: Verified accessible on August 9, 2026

Supports:

  • Rear-camera no-preview issue on certain iPhone 14 Plus units
  • Affected manufacturing period
  • Serial-number eligibility check
  • Service-program coverage conditions

Scope limitation:
Only eligible iPhone 14 Plus devices are included. No other iPhone models are part of this specific service program.

How This Guide Was Verified

Last technically checked:
August 9, 2026

Research method:
Current Apple, Google Android, and Samsung documentation was reviewed. Exact support pages were opened where used as verified sources, page titles and relevant procedures were checked, and direct URLs were rechecked before output.

Physically tested:
No documentation reviewed.

Applies to:
Android phones and iPhones where the built-in camera or an app using the camera displays a black preview, crashes, fails to launch, or cannot access the camera while the rest of the phone remains usable.

Important limitation:
Camera controls, cache options, Safe Mode procedures, diagnostics, and menu paths vary across Android manufacturers and software versions. A black camera preview does not by itself distinguish software failure from physical camera damage.

Data-loss risk:
Conditional. The troubleshooting sequence does not include a factory reset. Clearing Android Camera cache removes temporary data. Manufacturer-supported Camera app resets may restore Camera settings to defaults. Samsung states that its documented Camera app data reset does not delete photos or videos on the supported Galaxy devices covered by that procedure.

Final Steps

  • Start by checking whether the front camera, rear camera, or both are affected. Then test the camera in another app.
  • If only one third-party app fails, check its camera permission. If the Android Camera app itself fails, restart first and clear only its cache when that option is supported. Samsung Galaxy users can use Samsung’s Camera reset and diagnostic procedures where available.
  • If the same physical camera stays black across multiple apps after restart, updates, and the appropriate software checks or the problem began after a drop or liquid exposure professional inspection becomes the safer next step.
  • Do not perform a factory reset simply because the Camera app shows a black screen.

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