Fix Camera Failed Error on Android Samsung Phone

I have a 32GB Samsung S7 with a 64GD storage card inserted. Yesterday, when changing the camera operation to selfie (front) camera mode, I immediately received the following error: ” WARNING Camera failed.  OK “.

I researched potential fixes and have tried everything I found except for a full delete/factory reset. Can anyone offer advice or any other suggestions?

Camera Failed is one of the problems usually encountered by the users of Samsung Android phones just as the above user said. Since the error message does not tell much about why the error has occurred, it becomes difficult for you to figure out what is causing the problem.

Thanks to the guide below, you do not need to scratch your head any further. The guide tells you about the possible causes of the error. It then goes on to explain various ways to fix the camera Failed error on your Samsung device.

Also Read: How to Unlock Samsung Phone If Forgot Pattern >

Why the Warning Camera Failed Appears on Samsung

Reason 1. Minor Software Issues

Occasionally, almost all the Android-based phones experience minor issues related to the software. These errors are relatively easy to fix as they are caused by some minor tweaks that have been made to the phone.

These software bugs can be caused due to various factors. It might be that you installed a new software update, or you installed a utility that interferes with your system’s working, or something else.

Also Read: Android System Update Fails to Install? How to Fix >

Reason 2. Cache Files Issue

While cache files are used by your phone and your apps to provide you with quick results, sometimes these cache files are the very reason you have so many issues on your device. The issue here is that your phone ends up gathering numerous cache files over a long period of time.

If you have not cleared your cache files, your phone likely has tons of these files. As a result, you find that your phone slows down, and even some of the essential features like the camera stops working.

Reason 3. Issues Due to Installed Apps

The apps that you install on your phone are supposed to enhance the capabilities of your device. However, sometimes these apps do not get along very well with your system and this causes many issues on the device. Your camera failed error could be the result of such an incompatible app.

You cannot say for sure what app is causing the issue. However, if the problem has arisen after installing a specific app, that app might be the reason your camera is not working.

How to Fix the Camera Failed Error

You have learned the probable causes of the Camera Failed error on Samsung phones. It is time to find out how to fix that issue so you can get back to capturing amazing photos and videos on your device. Use the following methods to get around the camera failure issue on your phone.

Fix 1. Restart Camera and Phone

One of the very first things you need to do when your camera stops working is to relaunch the Camera app and then reboot your device. When you close and re-open Camera, it tells the app to reload all of its settings and configuration. In case that does not work, you can reboot your device which forces the whole system to reboot.

To Relaunch the Camera App

1. Open the app switcher on your Samsung Android phone.
2. Swipe up on the Camera app to close it.
3. Find the Camera app in your app drawer and open it.

To Reboot a Samsung Phone

1. Save your work in other apps on your phone.
2. Press and hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.

Fix 2. Clear Cache and Data

As mentioned earlier, the cache files are often the reason why you have many issues on your device. The good thing is you can get rid of these cache files without affecting your phone or your apps. Your phone and apps should function normally even when you have deleted your cache files.

If you are not sure how to clear the Camera app cache, the following tells you how.

1. Open the Settings app, tap Apps & notifications, and select the Camera app.
2. Go to the Storage & cache menu and tap both Clear cache and Clear storage options.

Fix 3. Remove Third-Party Camera Apps

Many users who consider themselves photographers use various third-party camera apps on their phones. If you have installed such an app on your device, you can try to get rid of the app to fix the problem.

Many third-party camera apps are not fully compatible with all Samsung phones. Therefore, if you encounter an issue, it is best you get rid of the problematic app as soon as possible.

The following shows how to remove an app from your phone.

1. Head to Settings > Apps & notifications, find your third-party camera app, and tap on it.
2. Tap Uninstall on the following screen to remove the app from your device.

Fix 4. Try to Restart In Safe Mode

Safe mode is one of the modes on your Samsung Android phone that allows you to troubleshoot issues, especially the ones possibly caused by your installed apps. When you reboot your phone in safe mode, your phone does not load your apps or any of their settings. Your phone only loads the essential system files and this gives you an opportunity to investigate the issue.

You can use the safe mode on your phone as follows.

1. Press the Power key on your phone > Tap and hold on the Power off option > Select the Safe Mode icon to enter the safe mode.
2. If the camera failed error no longer appears, you need to uninstall recently downloaded apps one by one after exit safe mode.
3. After each removal, restart your phone normally. If the phone works normally, I think you already find the problem app.

Further Reading: How to Fix Safe Mode Stuck or Won’t Turn Off >

Fix 5. Delete Cache Partition for your Phone

Cache partition is where your system cache files are stored on your phone. Over time, this partition gets filled with numerous cache files, and at that point, you should consider clearing this partition to ensure your phone continues to run smoothly.

You need to reboot your phone into recovery mode to clear the cache partition. Here we show how you do that.

1. Turn off your Samsung phone.
2. Press and hold down the Volume Up + Home + Power buttons at the same time.
3. When recovery mode opens, select the Wipe cache partition option.

Fix 6. Update Your Apps

Obsolete or buggy apps are also why your camera fails to load. Fortunately, fixing this issue is relatively easy as all you need to do is update your installed apps. There is an option in the Play Store letting you update all your apps at once.

You can utilize that option as follows on your Samsung phone.

1. Launch the Google Play Store, tap the menu at the top, and select My apps & games.
2. Go to the Updates tab and tap Update all at the top to update all of your apps.

Fix 7. Format Your SD Card

A faulty SD card can also cause your camera not to function. If this is the case, you need to check your SD card and ensure it is functional. One of the things you can do to possibly fix your card is to reformat it.

Reformatting your card reinstalls the proper file system structure on the card. You can do this either from the Settings app on your phone, or using your computer.

Note: formatting your SD card deletes all data on it. Make sure you backup the data you wish to keep.

The Bottom Line

Many users panic when they see the camera failed error on their phone as it makes them think their camera has got some serious issues. Fortunately, that is not the case with most phones. One of the methods above should help rectify the issue and your camera will start working again.