Fix: Camera Not Working After Update to Android 14

Fix 2: Force Stop the Camera App

If the camera app still doesn’t work after a restart, you might try closing it completely. This can help fix any short-term issues hindering the camera’s performance. If you want to force close the camera app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Search the menu for Apps, Applications, or a similar item. Depending on your device, the precise location of this menu item may be different.
3. Find the Camera app and tap on it.
4. Then, tap the “Force Stop” button. If prompted, confirm that you want to exit the app.
5. After the Camera app has been force-stopped, you should close the Settings app and relaunch the camera app.
6. Take some pictures or a video to check if the problem has been fixed. If that doesn’t work, move on to the next possible solution.

Fix 3: Close Any Other Apps Using the Camera

Other apps that are using your camera can also affect how your camera app functions. If you want to make sure that the other apps are not affecting the camera app, follow these steps:

1. To access the list of recently used apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or tap the recent apps button), then select the app using the camera and swipe up to remove it. 
2. Go back and launch the Camera app on your phone. Take some pictures or a video to check if the problem has been fixed. 
3. If the problem is resolved, the app you just closed was the culprit.
4. If the problem persists, repeat the steps for every other camera app.
5. Do this until you find the culprit app.
6. If you don’t find any culprit, move down to the next solution.

Fix 4: Reboot your Phone 

One of the most basic troubleshooting steps is to reboot your phone. Rebooting or restarting your phone can help clear out any minor software glitches that might be causing the issue. Rebooting your phone will not delete any of your data. Follow these steps to reboot your phone:

1. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the power off menu appears.
2. Drag the slider to “Restart” or tap on “Restart.”
3. Wait for a few seconds for your phone to restart.
4. Once it has rebooted, try to reopen the camera app and take some photos and videos.
5. If the issue persists, step down to the next solution.

Fix 5: Check the Camera Access Toggle

The camera access toggle might have been disabled after you installed the Android 14 update. In this case, you must ensure that the camera access toggle within the notification shade or the quick settings panel is turned on. If that is turned off, none of the apps and services on your Android phone will be able to access the camera, including your native camera app.

1. Simply swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings panel. 
2. Tap on the Camera Access toggle and make sure it’s greyed out. It is a toggle, with the camera icon being displayed.
3. Now, open the camera app again and try taking some photos and recording videos. Keep using the app for some time to make sure everything is fine.
4. If the problem persists, move down to the next solution.

Fix 6: Update the Camera App and Related Apps

If you are still facing issues with the camera app on your Android phone, try updating the app and other apps that use the camera. These apps may include Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Updating the app should help resolve any compatibility issues with your camera app and Android 14. Here’s how to update your camera app and other related apps:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
2. Then, tap on your profile icon at the top right.
3. Now, tap on My apps & device.
4. Tap on “See all updates.”
5. Finally, find the camera app in the list and tap on the Update button next to it.
6. Find the other camera-related apps as well and update them too.
7. Once you have updated all the apps, try to reopen the camera app and see if the issue persists. If the issue persists, move down to the next solution.

Fix 7: Clear App Cache

Over time, the cache is accumulated for your camera app to function smoothly. However, this cached data can get corrupted, causing the camera app to crash or stop working. To fix an issue with a corrupted cache, you can reset it or delete it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Search the menu for Apps, Applications, or a similar item. Depending on your device, the precise location of this menu item may be different.
3. Find the Camera app and tap on it.
4. Then, tap on Storage usage.
5. Tap on “Clear cache.” This will delete all the cached files of the camera app.
6. Once the cache has been cleared, reopen the camera app and see if the issue persists. If the issue persists, move down to the next solution.

Fix 8: Uninstall and reinstall the Camera App

If the above solutions don’t work, you can try to uninstall and reinstall the camera app. This should help fix the issue. You can do the same for other camera-related apps such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook as well. Follow these steps to reinstall the camera app:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Search the menu for Apps, Applications, or a similar item. Depending on your device, the precise location of this menu item may be different.
3. Find the Camera app and tap on it.
4. Tap on Uninstall. 
5. Then, tap on Uninstall again.
6. If the uninstall option isn’t available, tap on Storage usage.
7. Tap on “Clear data.” This will delete all the data of the camera app.
8. Follow the same steps for other camera-related apps as well.
9. Once you have reinstalled all the apps, restart your phone and try using the camera app again and see if it works now.

Fix 9: Check App Permissions

Make sure you have given the right permissions for your camera or camera-related app to use the camera properly. Android allows you to set certain limitations on which apps can use the camera. If you accidentally deny the camera app permissions, it won’t work properly. Follow these steps to check the app permissions of your camera app:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Search the menu for Apps, Applications, or a similar item. Depending on your device, the precise location of this menu item may be different.
3. Find the Camera app and tap on it.
4. Tap on Permissions.
5. Make sure that “Camera” and “Photos and videos” are under the “Allowed” section. If they are not, tap on each and select “Allow only while using the app.”
6. Follow the same steps for other camera-related apps as well.
7. Once you have granted the necessary permissions, restart your phone and try using the camera app again, and see if it works now.

Fix 10: Allow the Device to Cool Down

If your phone’s temperature is too high or you are using it under direct sunlight, it might be unable to use the camera. Since Android is not very stable yet, excessive heating is pretty common. Simply allow the device to cool down.

Remove the phone case and keep it in a cool place. If you are outdoors, try keeping it in your bag or pocket unless necessary. Once your phone has cooled down, restart it, try using the camera app again, and see if it works now.

Fix 11: Try this Workaround

You can try this workaround if the camera app still does not work properly after updating to Android 14. The camera app should again function regularly after using this workaround, which fixes the problems that arose after updating to Android 14. Selecting portrait mode and snapping a photo appears to fix the camera app. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Camera app on your Android phone.
2. Try locating the Portrait mode switch on the camera’s main menu. Common icons for this mode include a square or circle with a human figure or “Portrait” written inside. The portrait mode allows you to take pictures with a blurred background that draws attention to the subject.
3. After selecting portrait mode, swiftly shoot a photo by tapping the shutter button.
4. A simple snap will do; there’s no need to zero in on any particular detail.
5. After taking the picture, close the camera app and open it again.

It’s important to remember that this workaround could not be permanent because it only addresses the symptoms and not the underlying source of the problem. Your manufacturer should be aware of the problem with the camera app, but it’s unclear when they’ll provide a permanent solution. Look out for any available updates that could possibly fix the issue.

Fix 12: Check for Patch Updates 

Always keep checking for updates that could possibly fix the camera-related issues on your Android phone. Check if your manufacturer has acknowledged the issue or not, and make a note of when it will fix the issue. Follow these steps to check for patch updates on your Android phone:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.
2. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
3. Scroll down and tap on System or About phone.
4. Then, tap on Software update.
5. Check for any available updates and install them. Tap on Download and install.
6. Once the update is installed, restart your phone and see if the camera issues are resolved.

Fix 13: Factory Reset your Phone

Finally, if all else fails, all you can do is reset your phone. Resetting your phone will fix any kind of software bugs or issues that are causing the camera app to not work. A factory reset will restore your phone to its default settings, which means that all your data will be deleted. So, be sure to back up your data before proceeding. If you are ready with the backup, follow the steps below to factory reset your phone:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Then, go to “Additional settings.”
3. Now, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on “Back up and reset.”
4. Next, tap on “Reset phone.”
5. Tap on “Erase all data.”
6. Enter your lock screen password, pattern, or PIN if prompted.
7. Tap on “Reset” again. All your data will be erased.
8. Wait for some time and let your phone reset. It might take longer than usual if you have too much data. 
9. Once the phone is reset, set up your phone by following the on-screen instructions and try using the camera app again to see if it works now.
10. If the issue persists, contact your smartphone manufacturer for further assistance.

Note: The above steps may differ based on your device model and the Android skin on your phone. You can look up online how to reset your specific phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my camera app crashing after the Android 14 update?

There are many potential causes of camera app crashes, including incompatibility with the latest OS, software problems, and app conflicts. Try the above-mentioned solutions, such as restarting the app and installing updates, clearing the app cache, and verifying app permissions. Get in touch with the manufacturer or the technical support team if the problem persists.

How do I check app permissions on Android?

You can check the app permissions for the camera app from Settings > Apps or Applications > Camera > Permissions or App Permissions. The app’s permissions can be reviewed and changed from here.

What should I do if none of the suggested solutions work?

If the problems with your camera persist after trying the suggested fixes, it is best to have them fixed by an expert. If you need expert advice or further diagnosis, it’s best to get in touch with the device’s manufacturer’s customer service or a trained technician.

Can physical camera hardware damage be fixed? 

Some physical damage to the camera hardware may or may not be repairable. That is conditional upon the extent and type of harm. It is preferable to have a professional technician have a look at the camera and advise you on whether it is worth repairing or replacing the damaged parts.

How can I prevent camera issues after future updates?

Take these measures to ensure your camera continues to function properly after future updates:

1. Update your device’s operating system and app software to ensure it is running at peak performance.
2. Make sure you have a good internet connection and enough battery power before attempting an update.
3. Make sure you frequently back up your data to avoid losing anything crucial during the update process.
4. It’s a good idea to check for user reviews before installing any updates.
5. As soon as you notice a problem after installing an update, contact the device’s manufacturer or the appropriate support channels.

How can I improve the quality of my photos after the Android 14 update?

If you want your photos to turn out better, make sure the camera lens is spotless. Change the camera’s exposure, HDR, and other settings to your liking. To take better photographs, you need also to familiarize yourself with photography methods such as lighting, composition, and focus. You can also try Pro mode to capture amazing photos.

Final Words 

It is important to fix the camera issues that crop up after updating to Android 14. You can fix issues like transient app crashes, blocked camera access, permission issues, and buggy software easily with just a few steps. Make sure to give all of the above solutions a shot, and if they don’t work, look for professional assistance. If you still have any further questions, let us know in the comments section below. You can also let us know which solution worked for you. Thanks for reading!