Why not take pictures of the camera on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

Are you trying to take a picture on your Xiaomi Redmi, but the camera refuses to work? The screen goes out, the app crashes, or there is an error “failed to connect to the camera”? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones brand — from budget Redmi 9A The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the flagship+. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is associated with software failures, but sometimes hardware breakdowns or even factory defects are to blame.

In this article, we will examine all possible reasons why the camera on Xiaomi Redmi stopped taking photos - from banal lens contamination to critical firmware errors. You will learn how to diagnose a problem yourself, what settings to check first, and when to carry your phone to the service center. And for the most difficult cases, we have prepared unique solutions that are not in the standard instructions (for example, how to bypass the locking of the camera through the control room). ADB or reset the module settings without data loss).

1. Software failures: when the software is to blame

More than half of Xiaomi support for a broken camera is due to software bugs, most often after an update. MIUI, installing third-party applications or cleaning the system cache, you can recognize a software failure by the following signs:

• 📱 The Camera app closes instantly when it is launched.
• 🔄 A message appears saying “Camera is busy with another app” even though nothing is open.
• 🖼️ The camera screen freezes or shows a black square.
• 🔧 In the settings disappears item "Permissions for the camera».

The first thing you need to do is reboot your phone, which clears your RAM and resets your temporary locks.

1. Permissions for the Camera app: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Permits and make sure all items are included.
2. Conflicting programs: Some apps (such as Snapchat, TikTok, or bank clients) may block access to the camera.
3. Updates MIUI: Sometimes bugs are fixed in new firmware versions. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the camera stopped working after the upgrade, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version.

1. Download the old version MIUI From the official website of Xiaomi (Download section»).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root directory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback will reset all phone settings to factory.Previously back up the data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Hardware malfunctions: when a module replacement is needed

If the software didn't work, the problem is probably a physical failure of the camera, and here are the most common hardware problems.

You can independently diagnose a hardware breakdown using the camera test through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##.
2. Select "Equipment Testing" (could be called "Hardware Testing").
3. Click on Camera and check if the image is displayed.

If the camera doesn’t work on the engineering menu, it confirms a hardware malfunction.Don’t try to disassemble the phone yourself – the camera modules in Xiaomi Redmi are extremely sensitive to static electricity, and you can damage the board.

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Before visiting the service center, take a photo or video of a malfunction of the camera, which will help the master to quickly determine the cause of the breakdown and avoid unnecessary diagnostics.

3. Application conflicts: who locks the camera?

Sometimes the camera stops working because of third-party applications that take up its resources or block access, most often the fault is:

• 🔒 Antiviruses (e.g. Avast, Kaspersky) – they can block access to the camera as a “suspicious device».
• 📱 Desktop shells (desktop shells) – some customize access to system functions.
• 🎮 Gaming accelerators (e.g. Game Turbo) – can turn off background processes, including the camera.
• 🔐 Encryption applications (e.g. Signal, Telegram with “Secret Chat” enabled»).

To find the “culprit”, follow the following steps:

Remove newly installed programs|

Launch your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → «Safe regime»)|

Check the camera in safe mode|

If the camera is running, it is one of the third-party applications that is to blame.|

Remove programs one by one until you find a conflicting program.-->

Pay particular attention to applications with permissions "Device Administrator" or "Special Access" and can be checked in Settings. → Annexes → Special access.

If the conflict is caused MIUI Optimized (built-in system optimization), try to disable it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the item "Version" MIUI», activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option “MIUI Optimization” and turn it off.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MIUI Optimization can cause some functions to work in an unstable way (such as gestures or animations.

System settings: what could have gone wrong?

Sometimes the camera stops working because of incorrect system settings.

• 🔕 Do not disturb mode: in some versions MIUI It blocks access to the camera to save power.
• 🔋 Power saving mode: can turn off background processes, including the camera.
• 📶 Background Limitation for Camera App: Check in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
• 🔒 Imprint/Face Lock: If the biometric sensor is broken, it can lock the camera.

It is also worth resetting the camera settings to the factory:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Slip on the settings gear (or swipe up/down to access the menu).
3. Select “Resetting” (may be called “Resetting Default Settings”).

If your Redmi has a global firmware installed (for example, for a region) EEA), Some camera features may be limited due to local privacy laws, in which case the flashing in Russian or China will help. ROM (Please note that this will void the guarantee).

5. Physical damage: water, falls, overheating

Xiaomi Redmi is not among the most secure smartphones (except for models with a certificate). IP53, Like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+). Even a slight ingress of moisture or impact can disable the camera:

• 💦 Water: Even if the phone doesn’t sink, condensation inside the case can oxidize the contacts of the camera module.
• 📉 Falling to a hard surface: often leads to lens displacement or disconnection of the plume.
• ☀️ Overheating: If your phone has been in the sun for a long time or played heavy games, the camera may shut down to protect you.
• 🧲 Magnet exposure: for example, if the phone has been lying next to a powerful speaker or charger with magnets for a long time.

If your phone falls or gets wet, don't try to turn it on right away.

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Place it in a silica gel bag (eat in shoe boxes) for 24 to 48 hours.
3. Do not use a hair dryer or battery – it can damage the chips.
4. After drying, try turning on and checking the camera.

If the camera is working with artifacts (colored stripes, blurring), this may indicate damage to the flexible plume or matrix, in which case only a replacement module will help.

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If the phone has been in water for more than 30 seconds, even after drying, the risk of contact corrosion remains, in which case the camera may work unstable (it turns on, then not) - this is the reason for diagnosis in the service.

6. Viruses and malware: a hidden threat

Rarely, it happens that the camera stops working because of viruses or spyware, which can block access to the camera to:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Secretly shoot videos (such as spy Trojans).
• 💰 Showing ads over the camera interface.
• 🔓 Get root access and disable system functions.

Signs of infection:

• The camera is turned on by itself (for example, at night).
• B Settings → Battery appears unknown processes with high consumption.
• The phone is overheating for no apparent reason.
• There are pop-ups with a suggestion to “optimize the camera”.

To check your phone for viruses:

1. Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light).
2. Run a deep scan.
3. Remove any suspicious applications.
4. Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings).

If the antivirus does not find threats, but suspicions remain, check the phone through the phone. ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "unknown sources"

This command will show all the applications installed from unknown sources, and if there are unfamiliar programs on the list, delete them.

7. firmware update: when the update breaks the camera

One of the most common reasons for a failed camera on Xiaomi Redmi is a failed update MIUI. Users often face this problem after:

• 📲 Updates to Android 13/14 (Especially in older models like the Redmi Note. 8 Pro).
• 🔄 Transition from China ROM Globally ROM (vice versa).
• 🛠️ Custom firmware installations (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

If the camera stopped working after the update, try the following methods:

1. Clear the camera cache: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the app settings: In the same menu, click “Reset Settings”.
3. Reverse to the previous version MIUI (instruction).
4. Install an alternative camera app (such as Open Camera or GCam).

If you're using custom firmware, the problem may be that there's no driver for the camera.

1. Find them in thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers: Mod for the camera for your model.
2. Set it up through TWRP magisk.
3. Check compatibility with your Android version and MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware and mods will void Xiaomi's warranty. If the phone is warranty, it's better to contact the service center for flashing official software.

8.When to contact the service center?

If none of these methods helped, most likely, the problem is hardware, and without professional repairs can not do.

• 🔧 The camera doesn’t turn on completely, and there’s no image in the engineering menu either.
• 💥 Artifacts appear on the screen (colored stripes, flickering, distortions).
• 🔊 When the camera is working, extraneous sounds are heard (screaming, crackling).
• 💦 The phone fell or got wet, and the camera stopped working.
• ⚡ After replacing the battery or screen, the camera stopped focusing.

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Write down the phone model and version MIUI (is in the settings → The phone).
3. Check if the warranty is maintained (check checks or status in the Mi Account app).

The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi service centers is usually free, but repairs will have to be paid. If the phone is warranted, repairs can be free (provided that the breakdown is not the fault of the user).

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While it may cost less to repair unofficial services, there is a risk of installing non-original parts, Xiaomi’s official centers guarantee replacement modules (usually 3-6 months).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the broken camera on Xiaomi Redmi