How to fix Samsung Galaxy A5 that keeps showing “Camera failed” error [Troubleshooting Guide]

The error “Camera failed” that’s bugging some of the owners of the Samsung Galaxy A5 is just one of the camera problems you may encounter from time to time. While it’s basically telling you that the camera failed to initialize normally, it might be a sign of a serious hardware issue concerning the sensor itself.

The best thing we can do right now is to rule out the possibility that this error simply means the app or the firmware has a problem. After doing some procedures and the problem still occurs, then that’s the time you need help from a technician who can do further tests on your phone. Continue reading to know more what you have to do on your own in order to try to fix this problem.

But before we go to our proper troubleshooting, if you happen to find this page because you were looking for solutions to a different problem, then I suggest you visit our Galaxy A5 troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed the most commonly reported issues with this phone and you may find what you’re looking for in there. Feel free to use the solutions and workarounds we provided. If they don’t work for you or if you need further assistance, fill up our Android issues questionnaire and then hit submit and we’ll do our best to help you.

Troubleshooting Galaxy A5 with “Camera failed” error

The most common reason why this problem occurs is due to the app that keeps on crashing and that’s what we have to find out first. Then there’s the possibility that the firmware has some glitches, that’s what we need to rule out next.

Step 1: Clear the cache and data of Camera app

We’ll have to go after the app that’s specifically mentioned in the error message because maybe that’s where the problem lies. By clearing its cache and data, we’re actually resetting it back to its default settings. If the problem is limited to the app only, then this should be enough to fix the problem. The next time you open the camera, you may not be greeted by this error anymore:

From the Home screen, tap the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
Tap Camera.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear data and then tap Delete.
Tap Clear cache.

After this method and the error still shows up, try to see if third-party apps have something to do with it.

Step 2: Reboot your phone in safe mode

There are times when downloaded apps crash and cause pre-installed ones to crash that’s why it’s imperative you boot your phone in safe mode. In this environment, all third-party apps are temporarily disabled so if one of them is causing the problem, the error won’t show up when the camera is used.

Turn the device off.
Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen.
When “SAMSUNG” appears on the screen, release the Power key.
Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Release the Volume down key when you see Safe Mode.

Assuming the problem is fixed, find the app that’s causing the problem and uninstall it.

From the Home screen, tap the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
Tap the desired application in the default list or tap 3 dots icon > Show system apps to display pre-installed apps.
Tap the desired application.
Tap Uninstall.
Tap Uninstall again to confirm.

Step 3: Delete all system caches as some may be corrupt

We’ve seen cases wherein system caches that were corrupt caused apps to crash. It’s also a possibility in this problem and we have to rule it out. By deleting all system caches, you’re actually instructing your phone to replace them. You just have to start your phone up in recovery mode and wipe cache partition:

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds, then ‘No command’ before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe cache partition”.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight “yes” and press the Power key to select.
When the wipe cache partition is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

Step 4: Backup your files and reset your phone

After wiping the cache partition and the error still shows up, you have no other choice but to reset your phone. Doing so will rule out the possibility that this problem is due to some serious firmware problems. However, all your files and data will be deleted so make sure you backup all of them. After the backup, disable the factory reset protection so you won’t be locked out of your device…

From the Home screen, tap the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts.
Tap Accounts.
Tap Google.
Tap on your Google ID email address if multiple accounts are setup. If you have multiple accounts setup, you will need to repeat these steps for each account.
Tap 3 dot icon.
Tap Remove account.
Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT.

Then, follow these steps to perform the master reset on your Galaxy A5…

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds, then ‘No command’ before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
When the master reset is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

That’s pretty much it. If the problem still occurs after this, then we can say it’s an issue with the hardware and that you need to bring your phone to the shop and let the tech handle it for you.

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