A non-functional camera on your Xiaomi device can hinder capturing precious moments, using AR filters, scanning documents, or even making video calls, so knowing how to fix Xiaomi camera not working is a crucial skill for any Xiaomi user. Whether the camera app crashes suddenly, shows a black screen, produces blurry images, or fails to open entirely, most issues are solvable with simple troubleshooting steps, eliminating the need for immediate professional repair in many cases.
Preliminary Quick Fixes for Minor Camera Glitches
Before diving into more complex solutions, start with these quick checks that resolve over 50% of Xiaomi camera issues according to official Xiaomi support data. These steps are easy to perform and require no advanced technical knowledge.
Restart Your Xiaomi Smartphone
A simple restart clears temporary system glitches and resolves conflicts between background processes and the camera module. Many Xiaomi users report that after a system update, some apps may take up excess RAM or misbehave, leading to camera errors. For example, users of the Xiaomi 13 series noted that a 10-second fix of restarting their device fixed a recurring black screen issue when launching the camera app. To restart, hold down the power button, select "Restart" from the menu, and wait for the device to reboot fully.
Force Close and Reset the Camera App
If the camera app is unresponsive or lagging, force closing it stops any hanging processes that might be interfering. To force close on MIUI: Open Settings, go to "Apps" > "Manage Apps" > search for "Camera" > tap "Force Stop". For better results, clear the app’s cache (not data) by selecting "Storage" > "Clear Cache". This action removes temporary files that could be causing glitches without deleting your saved photos or camera settings.
- Check the camera lens for physical obstructions, such as a thick phone case, a misaligned screen protector, or dust – these are common causes of dark, blurry, or distorted images.
- Install any pending system updates for your Xiaomi device, as outdated MIUI versions often have compatibility issues with the camera driver module.
- Disable third-party camera apps (like Google Camera or GCam) temporarily, as they may override the stock Xiaomi camera’s settings and cause conflicts.
Advanced Software Troubleshooting Steps
If the quick fixes don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to try these deeper software solutions that target more persistent camera problems. These steps adjust core settings and system files to fix underlying issues.
Reset Camera App Preferences
Misconfigured camera settings (such as incorrect image resolution, disabled AI features, or restricted modes) can lead to the camera malfunctioning. Resetting preferences restores the default settings without deleting your personal data. On Xiaomi devices, navigate to Settings > Apps > Camera > "Settings" (the three-dot menu) > "Reset to Default". This process takes only a few seconds and has resolved 35% of reported camera issues in Xiaomi’s user forums.
Wipe the System Cache Partition
Corrupted system cache can affect multiple system functions, including the camera module. Wiping the cache partition removes these temporary system files without erasing your photos, apps, or personal data. To do this on Xiaomi: Turn off your device, then press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously until the MI logo appears. Use the volume keys to navigate to "Wipe Cache Partition" and select it with the power button. Wait 1-2 minutes for the process to complete, then reboot your device normally.
Hardware and Permission-Related Fixes
If software troubleshooting fails, the issue may stem from permissions or hardware damage. These steps address settings and physical components that could be causing the camera to stop working.
Verify Camera Permissions Are Enabled
MIUI requires specific permissions for the camera app to access hardware and storage. Missing permissions can prevent the camera from opening or functioning correctly. To check: Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Permissions. Ensure that "Camera", "Storage", and "Microphone" permissions are toggled on – the microphone is needed for audio in video recordings, and storage allows saving photos directly to your device. If any permission is off, toggle it on and restart the camera app.
Inspect for Physical Hardware Issues
Physical damage or debris is a common cause of camera failure. Check the back and front lenses for scratches, water droplets, or dust. For users who have dropped their Xiaomi phone (like the Redmi Note 12 series), the camera module may become loose, leading to intermittent functionality. If you notice a crack in the lens or water damage signs (such as fog inside the camera), do not attempt to repair it yourself – contact Xiaomi’s official service center for professional assistance, as tampering with the hardware voids the warranty in many cases.
When facing a non-functional Xiaomi camera, starting with quick checks like restarting your device or force-closing the app is often the fastest solution. If those fail, advanced steps like resetting app preferences or wiping the system cache can resolve deeper software issues. Always ensure camera permissions are enabled and check for physical obstructions or damage before considering professional help. By following these steps, most Xiaomi camera issues can be fixed without hassle, ensuring you can capture moments whenever needed.
Everything above about “how to fix Xiaomi camera not working” is originally written by our editorial team. Reproduction is strictly prohibited.