What to do if Google Pixel 3 XL screen turns black when using camera app

Today’s post deals with an issue that affects Google Pixel 3 XL screen when using the camera app. Basically, the screen turns black everytime the camera app is used. If you have a similar issue on your Pixel device, refer to the solutions below.

Problem: Google Pixel 3 XL screen turns black when using camera app

Camera giving black screen so I have been following every step that this post had even in safe mode where all 3rd party are disabled my camera worked until I opened my messenger and tried to take a pic, while on safe mode, I got the black screen. Forced reset it and everything and nothing at this point. I think Google fucked up on how other apps interact with the camera rather than hardware. It has to be in their software.

Solution: If you continue to get a black screen when using the camera app on safe mode, you should move to the next troubleshooting step which is to deal with the app directly.

Solution 1: Clear camera app cache

Try to clear the cache of camera app and see what happens.

  1. From a Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Tap Apps & notifications.
  4. Tap See all ‘xx’ apps.
  5. Tap the appropriate app.
  6. Tap Storage.
  7. Tap Clear cache.
  8. Restart your Pixel 3 XL.

Solution 2: Return camera app to defaults

Should the issue remain after wiping the camera app’s cache, revert the app to its factory settings with these steps:

  1. From a Home screen, touch and swipe up to display all apps.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Tap Apps & notifications.
  4. Tap See all ‘xx’ apps.
  5. Tap the appropriate app.
  6. Tap Storage.
  7. Tap Clear data.
  8. Restart your Pixel 3 XL.

Solution 3: Install updates

When dealing with any Android issue, one of the basic things to do is to ensure that you install updates for apps and the operating system. Install system updates

Some bugs are caused by poor coding. One of the perks of using a Google Pixel device is the fact that you can be one of the first to experience the newest features Android has to offer. However, that can also be the reason why your device may be a source of frustration. There’s no perfect Operating System so first versions are usually buggy. If your Pixel 3 XL started to restart on its own after an update, it may be due to an inefficient code. As Google irons out bugs, updates are released to implement them. Be sure that you install the latest available system updates as they come along.

By default, Pixel 3 devices are set to automatically install system updates. However, you can also manually check it yourself to see if there’s a more recent Android version for your device at this time. Here’s how:

  1. Connect your Pixel 3 XL to wifi.
  2. Open Settings app.
  3. Near the bottom, tap System.
  4. Tap Advanced.
  5. Tap System update. If you don’t see ‘Advanced’, tap About phone.
  6. You’ll see your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.

Solution 4: Factory reset

If the issue remains at this point, you should consider wiping the phone and returning all system settings to defaults. Factory reset will erase all personal data too so be sure to back your photos, videos, documents, etc. before doing it.

To factory reset:

  1. Create a backup of your personal data.
  2. Turn off your Google Pixel 3 XL.
  3. Press and hold the Power+Volume Down buttons until bootloader mode (image of an Android with Start above it) appears, then release.
  4. Select Recovery mode. You can use the Volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the Power button to select. The device will flash the Google start screen momentarily and then restarts in Recovery mode.
  5. If presented with an image of a broken Android with “No Command” printed on the screen, press and hold the Power button. Press the Volume Up button once. Then release the Power button.
  6. From the Android Recovery screen, select Wipe data/factory reset.
  7. Select Yes. Wait for several minutes for the factory data reset process to complete.
  8. Select Reboot system now. Allow several minutes for the factory data reset and reboot processes to complete.
  9. Set the phone up again.

Solution 5: Get professional help

If nothing works after doing a factory reset, that means that the cause of the problem is deeper. It may be hardware-related, or it’s buried deep within the operating system or firmware. At this stage, there’s nothing much that you can do except to get support from Google.


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2 thoughts on “What to do if Google Pixel 3 XL screen turns black when using camera app”

  1. I suspect that this was done intentionally so we would assume our phones were unrepairable and buy new ones. Simple fix. camera came back on like magic. Bad business on the part of Google though.

  2. Please don’t try these selections BEFORE doing this: I had the same problem with my pixel 3- Go to settings -Select Privacy – then make sure your permissions are set for camera access. when I opened this on my phone it had been turned off probably after an update and was the entire reason for the black screen. no need for storage dumping or god forbid an entire factory reset. super simple. so glad I read the comments on another article from another user. wish I had seen it recommended sooner. I’ve been without the camera for quite a while!

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