[FIX] Phone Camera Black Screen Problem – 12 Easy Ways to Solve It

 

[FIX] Phone Camera Shows Black Screen

Many users face a common problem — when you open the camera app and instead of seeing a live view, all you get is a black screen. It can happen on both Android and iPhone devices. Whether it's your front or rear camera, this issue can be frustrating.

Don’t worry! This guide will show you 12 easy solutions to fix the black screen camera issue on your phone — without going to a service center.

 

Why is My Phone Camera Showing a Black Screen?

This issue usually means your camera app or hardware isn’t working correctly. Some common reasons include:

Camera app glitches

Software bugs

Hardware damage or lens blockage

Conflicts with other apps

Dirt on the lens or inside the phone

Permissions not granted

Overheating or lagging device

 

1. Restart Your Phone

The easiest and often the most effective fix.

How to:

Press and hold the Power button

Tap Restart or Reboot

Sometimes a simple restart resets the camera module and clears temporary bugs.

 

2. Force Close the Camera App

If your camera app is stuck or crashed, it may show a black screen.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Apps > Camera

Tap Force Stop

Reopen the camera app

This forces the app to relaunch cleanly.

3. Switch Between Front and Rear Camera

Sometimes one of the cameras (usually front) may not respond.

Do This:

Open the Camera app

Tap the flip camera icon to switch between front/rear

Check if either one works

If one works and the other doesn’t, the issue may be hardware-related.

 

4. Clear Camera App Cache & Data

Corrupted cache can cause the black screen problem.

How to Clear Cache (Android):

Go to Settings > Apps > Camera

Tap Storage & cache

Tap Clear cache and Clear data

Don't worry – this won’t delete your photos.

 

5. Check for Camera Permissions

If the camera doesn’t have permission to access hardware, it may show a black screen.

How to Check (Android):

Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Permissions

Make sure Camera, Microphone, and Storage are all allowed

6. Remove Background Apps

Other apps using the camera (like WhatsApp, Instagram, Zoom) can block access.

Try This:

Open Recent Apps

Swipe away or close all other apps

Open Camera again

This ensures no app is blocking camera access.

 

7. Boot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables third-party apps. If the camera works in Safe Mode, an app is the problem.

Steps (Android):

Hold Power button

Long-press Power off until Safe Mode shows

Tap OK

Try the camera. If it works in Safe Mode, uninstall recently added apps.

 

8. Try a Different Camera App

Sometimes the stock camera app is faulty. Try Google Camera or a third-party app from the Play Store.

If the new app works, the issue is with your default camera app — reinstall or update it.

 

9. Update Your Phone’s Software

Software bugs in the OS can break camera functionality.

How to Update:

Go to Settings > System > Software Update

Tap Check for Updates and install if available

 

10. Check for Physical Damage or Dirt

Sometimes the lens is dirty or blocked, especially if you use a case.

Do This:

Remove phone case or cover

Clean lens with soft cloth

Gently tap the back near the camera if the lens is stuck

If the lens is cracked or foggy, visit a service center.

 

11. Reset App Preferences

If camera settings were changed by another app, reset all app preferences.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Apps

Tap 3 dots (⋮) > Reset app preferences

This won’t delete data but resets app defaults and permissions.

 

12. Factory Reset (Last Option)

Only use this if all other methods fail. It erases your phone.

Backup First!

How to Reset:

Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Reset

Follow on-screen instructions

Once reset, test the camera before installing any third-party apps.

 

Bonus Tips to Avoid Camera Issues

Don't install camera mods or APKs from unknown sources.

Always keep your OS and apps updated.

Avoid using the camera while on a video call.

Don’t overload your phone with heavy background apps.

 

FAQs – Black Screen Camera Issue

Is this a hardware issue?

If both front and rear cameras show black screen even after reset — yes, it may be hardware damage.

 

Can this happen after a fall or water damage?

Yes. Physical shock or moisture can damage camera sensors.

 

Will updating Android fix it?

Sometimes, yes — updates fix bugs that affect camera apps.

 

Final Thoughts

A black screen when opening your camera doesn’t mean your phone is broken. In most cases, it’s a minor app or software issue that can be fixed in a few steps.

Try restarting, clearing cache, switching cameras, or booting into safe mode. Only go for a factory reset or repair if all else fails.

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If this guide helped you fix your phone’s camera, share it with others or leave a comment below!