Top 8 Ways to Fix Pixel Camera App Not Working

Pixel's camera has always been one of its biggest selling points. The combination of Pixel's excellent camera hardware and its highly optimized software of the Camera app has made it a favorite among users. However, some Pixel users have been facing issues with the camera app, and this problem is not limited to older Pixel devices. Even the latest Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have been let down by similar issues with the camera app.

If you've been frustrated with camera issues on your Pixel device, don't worry. We've prepared a list of troubleshooting fixes that might help you get your camera app working again. Let's dive into the solutions.

1. Clean the Camera

If the image quality in the camera app seems hazy or out of focus, start by cleaning the camera lens. Remove any case or screen protector you might be using and use a soft cloth to clean the camera lens.

2. Restart Your Phone

Restarting your phone can often fix a myriad of issues, including camera app problems. Press and hold the power button to turn off your Pixel device. Wait for a minute or two before turning it on again. This simple step can take care of any minor software issues that might be causing the camera not to work.

3. Clear Camera App Cache

Just like any other app, the camera app on your Pixel device also gathers cache data. If that cache data becomes corrupted or inaccessible, the app may not work as expected. Here's how to fix it:

  1. Long press the Camera app icon and tap on the info icon.
  2. Go to Storage and cache and tap on the Clear cache option.

Restart the camera app and see if it works fine now.

4. Update All Apps

Keeping your apps updated is crucial to avoid anomalies with your Pixel device. App updates not only bring new features but also carry bug fixes and improvements. Long press on the Play Store icon and select My apps from the menu. Then tap on Update All to download and install any pending updates.

5. Update Phone's Software

Pixel phones are among the first to receive major Android updates. However, these early builds can sometimes contain minor bugs that may be responsible for the camera app not working issue. Make sure to update both your apps and your phone's software to the latest versions.

To check for software updates on Android, open Settings and navigate to System > System update. Download and install any pending updates to see if that fixes the camera app.

6. Disable and Re-enable the Camera App

If you're still experiencing issues with the camera app on your Pixel phone, try disabling and enabling it again. This method has helped several users fix the issue. Here's how to do it:

  1. Long press the Camera app icon and tap on the info icon.
  2. Tap on Disable and select Disable app when prompted.
  3. Wait for some time and tap on Enable the app.

Now restart your Pixel device and see if the camera is working properly.

7. Try Safe Mode

Third-party apps and services can sometimes interfere with your phone's functioning and lead to issues with the camera app. To rule this out, try booting your phone into Safe Mode. This will start your phone without any third-party apps and services.

To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the power button. Then long press on the Restart button and select OK when prompted to enter Safe Mode.

If the camera app works fine in Safe Mode, try removing some recently installed apps and see if that resolves the issue.

8. Try Alternative Apps

If none of the above solutions work, you can try using a third-party camera app. There are plenty of camera apps available on the Play Store that can fulfill your camera needs.

Smile, You're on Camera

While camera issues can be frustrating, they are not impossible to fix. In most cases, clearing the camera cache or updating the software should resolve the problem. If not, you can always switch to a better third-party camera app.