How to Fix the Samsung Galaxy “Camera Failed” Error

If your Samsung Galaxy displays a “Camera Failed” error when you try to use the camera, this guide offers multiple troubleshooting methods to help you resolve the issue. Follow the step-by-step instructions under each method to diagnose and fix the error.

1. Restart Your Device

Restarting your device can clear temporary glitches that may be causing the camera error.

Press and Hold the Power Button: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
Select Restart: Tap the “Restart” option and wait for your device to power cycle.
Test the Camera: Once the phone has rebooted, open the camera app to see if the error persists.

2. Clear the Camera App Cache and Data

Clearing the camera app’s cache and data can remove corrupted files that might be causing the error.

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings menu on your device.
Access Apps: Tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager” and scroll to find the Camera app.
Select Storage: Tap on “Storage” within the Camera app options.
Clear Cache and Data: First, tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Data” (note that this may reset some camera settings).
Restart the App: Open the Camera app again to check if the error has been resolved.

3. Update Your Device Software

Updating your device’s software can fix underlying bugs that may affect camera functionality.

Go to Settings: Open the Settings menu on your Samsung Galaxy.
Select Software Update: Scroll down and tap “Software Update” or “System Updates.”
Check for Updates: Tap “Download and Install” if an update is available.
Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and restart your device.
Test the Camera: Open the Camera app to verify if the error is resolved.

4. Check Camera Permissions

Ensuring that the Camera app has the necessary permissions can prevent errors related to restricted access.

Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings menu on your device.
Access Apps: Tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager” and select the Camera app.
Review Permissions: Tap on “Permissions” and ensure that the “Camera” permission is enabled.
Adjust as Needed: If any required permissions are disabled, toggle them on.
Test the Camera: Open the Camera app to see if the error has been fixed.

5. Boot into Safe Mode to Check for App Conflicts

Booting into Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping you determine if a conflicting app is causing the camera error.

Press and Hold the Power Button: Hold the power button until the power menu appears.
Enter Safe Mode: Tap and hold the “Power Off” option until a prompt to boot into Safe Mode appears, then confirm.
Test the Camera: Once in Safe Mode, open the Camera app to check if the error continues.
Exit Safe Mode: Restart your device normally to exit Safe Mode.

6. Reset Camera Settings to Default

Resetting the camera settings can revert any misconfigured options that might be triggering the error.

Open the Camera App: Launch the Camera application on your device.
Access Camera Settings: Tap the gear icon to enter the camera settings menu.
Find Reset Option: Scroll to locate the “Reset Settings” option and select it.
Confirm Reset: Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the camera settings to their default values.
Test the Camera: Open the Camera app again to see if the error has been resolved.

7. Inspect for Physical Obstructions or Damage

Checking for any physical obstructions or damage to the camera lens and hardware ensures that the issue is not hardware-related.

Examine the Lens: Carefully inspect the camera lens for any smudges, scratches, or debris.
Clean the Lens: Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the lens and remove any dirt or smudges.
Inspect the Housing: Look over the camera housing for any visible signs of damage or misalignment.
Test the Camera: After cleaning and inspection, open the Camera app to verify if the error persists.

8. Contact Samsung Support or Visit an Authorized Service Center

If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, professional assistance may be necessary to diagnose and fix a potential hardware fault.

Document the Issue: Write down your device model, software version, and a detailed description of the error.
Visit Samsung Support: Go to Samsung’s official support website for troubleshooting guides and contact information.
Reach Out for Help: Call Samsung customer service or use the online chat feature to seek further assistance.
Schedule a Service Appointment: If advised, visit an authorized service center for a comprehensive hardware diagnosis and repair.