Camera failures are usually another app holding the camera, corrupt app data, or a permissions tangle. A black viewfinder after a drop is the main hardware signature.
- 1Restart, frees a camera locked by another app.
- 2Clear Camera app cache/data: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage.
- 3Check permissions of the app trying to use the camera.
- 4Test both lenses in our browser Camera Test, isolates app vs. hardware instantly.
- 5Safe Mode: camera fine there = a third-party app (flash/filter apps) is interfering.
- 6Front works but rear doesn't (or vice versa) after a drop = that camera module needs replacement.
Tip: Blurry rear camera? Check for a forgotten factory sticker or scratched lens glass, a repair shop can swap just the lens glass cheaply.