Has the camera on Xiaomi stopped working? Front or main module gives a black screen, the error "Can not connect to the camera", or the application just closes at launch?
In this article, we will look at all possible causes of malfunction, from software failures to hardware failures, how to diagnose a problem, what settings to check first, and what to do if the camera does not work even after reset. And for owners of older models (Redmi Note 5, Mi A2) and flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3), we have prepared separate recommendations based on their features.
Important: if the camera stopped working after a fall, moisture or disassembly of the phone, immediately go to the section about hardware breakdowns - software methods will not help here.
Basic checks: what to do first
Before you dig deep into your settings or take your phone apart, follow these simple steps: They take no more than 5 minutes, but solve the problem 30 percent of the time.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the turn off menu appears. This will clear RAM and restart the camera drivers.
- 📱 Check the physical lock. on some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) There is a mechanical privacy switch that turns off the camera at the hardware level.
- 🔌 Make sure there's no dirt on the lens. Rub the camera glass with a soft napkin -- sometimes the system blocks the shooting because the sensors clog up.
- 📦 Update the Camera app. Go to Google Play → My apps. → Camera and check for updates.
If you've done this, the camera's working, it's only temporary, but if you haven't, move on to the next section.
2. Software failures: how to fix without resetting
Most often, the camera stops working because of conflicts in the system, and here's what you can do without losing data.
Cleaning the cache and data of the Camera application:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Camera app (or Camera on global firmware).
- Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
Resetting camera settings:
Sometimes, the shooting parameters (resolution, HDR, night mode) are lost to return them to the factory:
- Open the Camera app.
- Put it on the gear (⚙️) or swipe left to the settings menu.
- Select Restore the default settings.
Permit checks:
Android can block the camera from accessing the microphone or storage to check:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Camera → Permissions.
- Make sure all switches (Camera, Microphone, Warehouse) are active.
The Camera app cache cleared |
Permits for camera and microphone checked |
Updated Camera app in Google Play|
Reboot the phone after the changes-->
3. Conflicts with firmware and updates
If the camera stopped working after the MIUI update, the driver incompatibility is to blame, a typical problem for beta versions of firmware or custom builds.
How to get back to the stable version of MIUI:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root directory.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) → Select the firmware file and specify update.zip.
Resetting to factory settings (if rollback does not help):
This method will delete all data, so back up through Settings → Additional → Backup.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
What if the camera doesn’t work after the reset?
Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), flashing through Fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can cancel the warranty.
4.Iron problems: when a workshop is needed
If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably hardware, and here are the signs that the camera is physically out of order:
- 📸 Artifacts appear on the screen (stripes, spots, color distortions).
- 🔊 The camera focuses with a delay or does not sharpen at all.
- 💥 The phone fell or got wet before the breakdown.
- 🔧 After disassembling the phone (replacement of the screen, battery) the camera stopped working.
What could have broken:
| Component | Signs of malfunction | Cost of repair (approximately) |
|---|---|---|
| Camera module | Black screen, "Can't connect" error | 1 500–4 000 ₽ |
| Camera plume | Camera works periodically, artifacts when moving | 800–2 000 ₽ |
| Principal fee (camera controller) | No camera is working, and other functions are failing. | 3 000–10 000 ₽ |
| Lens (pollution, crack) | Blurred image, glare, murky spots | 500–1 500 ₽ (cleaning) |
⚠️ Note: If you have no experience in electronics repair, do not try to replace the plumes or camera modules yourself. IP68 (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix 4: Incorrect build will lead to loss of water resistance.
5. Specific problems on popular models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique camera bugs, and this is what is common across the different lines:
Redmi Note 8/9/10 Series:
- 📱 Frequent problem: black screen when the camera starts due to a failure in the mtk-cam driver (on MediaTek processors).
- 🔧 Solution: install the patch through TWRP (instructions 4PDA model-specific).
Xiaomi Mi 11/12 Series:
- 🎥 Bug: greenish tint in the photo when shooting indoors. AI Scene Detection.
- 🔧 Solution: Turn off camera settings → AI-Update your firmware to the latest stable version.
POCO F3/4/5:
- 🔍 Problem: Autofocus doesn't work after a fall, and the motor of the lens often breaks.
- 🔧 Solution: only replacement of camera module (cost) ~2 500 ₽).
Xiaomi Civi 1/2:
- 💡 Bug: The front camera gives an error after upgrading to the MIUI 14.
- 🔧 Solution: back on MIUI 13 or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
💡
On models with a telephoto lens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 2), check if the zoom is locked. Sometimes the system turns off additional cameras to save charge. To unlock: open the Camera app → switch to Telephoto mode → wait for the module to initialize (can take up to 10 seconds).
6. Alternative ways of using the camera
If the main Camera app doesn’t work, but the hardware is working, try these workarounds:
Third-party applications for photography:
- 📷 Open Camera – supports manual settings and works even when crashes MIUI.
- 🎥 ProCam X – suitable for professional shooting, if the standard camera is glitzy.
- 🤳 DroidCam – allows you to use your smartphone as a webcam for your PC, even if your native app doesn’t run.
ADB-command-and-run:
If the camera is locked at the system level, you can try running it through ADB:
adb shell am start -n com.android.camera/.CameraFor this:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can disrupt the system if you put the wrong command in. Don't experiment if you're not sure what you're doing.
7.How to avoid camera problems in the future
To ensure that the camera on Xiaomi works stably, follow these recommendations:
- 📵 Do not close the Camera application through Task Manager – this can interrupt the driver’s background processes.
- 🔋 Do not shoot video when the battery is low (less than 15%) – the system can force the camera to close to save energy.
- 🌡️ If the phone gets hot (for example, after games), let it cool before shooting.
- 🛡️ Install a case with camera protection - this will save the lens from scratches and impacts.
- 🔄 Update your firmware regularly, but avoid beta versions MIUI — They often contain camera bugs.
For flagship owners (Xiaomi 13/14 series, Mix Fold):
These models have a complex multi-module camera system, to extend its lifespan.
- 🔍 Once a month, clean the lenses with a soft brush (not cotton swabs!).
💡
On smartphones with a retractable camera (Xiaomi Mi 9T, Redmi K20 Pro), the mechanism is sensitive to dust. If the camera does not retract or makes a grinding sound, contact the service immediately to avoid engine failure.