Xiaomi camera does not open: all the reasons and step-by-step solutions

You try to take a selfie or run a video call, but the camera on your Xiaomi stubbornly refuses to open? black screen, error “failed to connect to the camera”, app freeze or complete lack of response – these problems are faced by one in five owners of smartphones of the brand. the reasons can be hidden in software failures (70% of cases) and hardware malfunctions (30%), but in 90% of cases the device can be brought back to life without contacting the service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible scenarios for why the camera stopped working on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other models, from simple application conflict to damage to the plume. You’ll get step-by-step instructions with illustrations, proven solutions for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and also learn when it’s time to carry the phone for repair.

1. Diagnosis: how to determine the cause of a failed chamber

Before you rush to check the phone or disassemble it, answer 3 key questions:

• 🔍 Does the camera even react to launch? If the screen flashes when you open the app, or if a black window appears, it's more of a software problem. If there's no reaction (even the shutter sound), there's a hardware breakdown.
• 📱 Does the camera work in other apps? Check not only the standard Camera app, but also WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Meet. If there's a bug, it's the system or the hardware.
• 🔄 When did the problem occur? After the phone crashed, updates MIUI, installing a new app or for no apparent reason.

If the camera doesn’t work in just one application (for example, in TikTok), but opens normally in a standard program, the problem is in the settings of this software or its conflict with the system.

2. Software glitches: 5 ways to bring the camera back to life

In 7 out of 10 cases, the camera on Xiaomi does not open due to software errors, they can be fixed independently without losing data.

Rebooting the phone

It's banal, but it works in 30% Prolonged retention of the power button (10-15 Before the vibration completely resets the camera cache and closes the freeze processes.

Clearing the cache and data of the Camera application

The accumulated cache can block the module.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera app (or Camera on English firmware).
3. Slip Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

Attention! Clearing the data will reset the camera settings (modes, filters), but will not delete your photos / videos.

Resetting of application settings

If the camera works, but with artifacts (green screen, blur), resetting:

Settings → System → Additional → Resetting application settings

This option will return all permissions and settings of applications to the factory, without affecting personal data.

Update of firmware

MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 had massive camera bugs on the Redmi Note 11 and POCO F4 models.

Settings → About the phone → System update

If the update is available, install it. If the phone is already on the latest version, but the camera is not working, try rolling back to the previous firmware (instructions in section 4).

2.5 Safe regime

Conflict with installed applications (antiviruses, optimizers, launchers) can block the camera.

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the option to turn off - a prompt will appear to go to safe mode.
3. Confirm and check the camera.

If the camera is running in Safe Mode, remove the apps one at a time, starting with the last ones installed until you find the culprit.

Check the camera in safe mode

Clear the Camera app cache

Update the firmware to the latest version

Remove suspicious applications (antiviruses, optimizers)

Make a backup copy of the photo/video-->

3. Permission conflicts: why apps don't see the camera

With Android 12 and MIUI 13+, the system tightened control over camera access, often due to a disabled resolution or a failure in media.server.

3.1. Verification of permissions for applications

Even if you previously allowed access to the camera, resetting or updating your settings could turn them off.

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions → Camera.
2. Make sure that the correct apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.) are ticked with the Allow box.
3. For a standard Camera application, the resolution must always be.

Resetting default authorizations

If the permissions seem to be on, but the camera still doesn't work, reset them:

Settings → Applications → Permissions → Resetting Application Permissions

Error "Camera is occupied by another application"

This is a classic Xiaomi problem where a background app (like Google Lens or Face Unlock) blocks access.

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – it will close all background processes.
• 🚫 Turn off face unlock in Settings → Lock screen → Face unlocking.
• 📱 Close all applications through the multitasking menu (swipe up).

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If the camera is running on Snapchat but not the standard app, the problem is the firmware. Try installing an alternative camera from Google Play (like Open Camera) for a temporary solution.

4. Hardware problems: when to carry for repair

If none of the software methods worked, it's probably a hardware problem, and here are the key signs of a hardware malfunction:

• 📸 The camera does not respond at all (no attempt to start, shutter sound).
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds when shaking the phone (crunch, rattle - a sign of a fallen plume).
• 💥 Artifacts on screen (stripes, flicker, green/purple screen).
• 💦 Traces of moisture under the camera glass or on the plume (even if the phone did not sink, the condensate could damage the contacts).

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro models, a common problem is the collapse of the camera plume due to a structural defect. If the phone fell or was vibrated (for example, in a car), the plume could move away from the connector even without visible damage.

If you suspect a hardware breakdown but don’t want to bring your phone to the service right away, try a temporary solution:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Carefully tap the back cover in the camera area (not too much!).
3. Turn on your phone and check the camera.

If after that the camera worked - the problem is exactly in the plume, and it needs to be soldered or replaced.

5.Reset to factory settings: Last chance before repairs

If all the previous methods failed and you ruled out a hardware breakdown, you'll have a hard reset, which will delete all the data from the phone, so:

1. Make a backup photo/video on Google Photos or computer.
2. Take pictures or write down important SMS, notes, passwords.
3. Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (required to unlock after reset).

Resetting instructions:

Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data

Once reset, the phone will reboot and suggest you set it up as new. Check the camera before data recovery - if it worked, the software was the problem.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a blocked bootloader (Redmi/POCO For the Chinese market, a reset may require you to enter your Mi Account even if you haven't tied it!

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

When standard methods are exhausted and repairs are not available for some reason, try these options:

Installation of custom firmware

Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloaders can install custom software (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where the camera can work, a risky method, but it sometimes saves phones with “curved” official firmware.

For instructions on unlocking the bootloader and firmware, look for 4PDA or XDA Developers forums for your model.

Use of an external chamber

If the front camera is not working, but you need video calls, connect USB-webcam OTG. Many apps (Zoom, Google Meet) support external cameras.

Replace the camera yourself

For Redmi Note models 8/9/10 and POCO X3 There are repair sets of cameras on sale (from 500 before 2000 ₽). Replacing requires neatness and tools (suction cup, mediator, hair dryer), but even a beginner can do it. Video instructions are available on YouTube - search by phone model.

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If the camera stopped working after the phone fell, 99 percent of it is hardware. Don't waste your time on software methods, bring it to the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about a broken camera on Xiaomi