Introduction: When Xiaomi's camera refuses to work
You’re trying to take a selfie or take a moment, but the camera on your Xiaomi stubbornly doesn’t open – the app crashes, the screen turns black, or there is an error “Can’t connect to the camera?” This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones Redmi, Poco and Mi lines, and it occurs as on budget models (Redmi Note 12, Poco). X5), And on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), software failures are 80 percent to blame, but sometimes the root of the evil lies in hardware malfunctions.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why a camera might not start, from a banal lack of permissions to damage to the module plume, you’ll get step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing the problem, and when to contact the service center. Special attention will be paid to models with dual / triple cameras (Xiaomi). 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), where the fault often affects only one of the modules.
Before you start repairing, answer two key questions: 1. Did the problem occur after a fall/hit or for no apparent reason? 2. Does the camera work only in the standard app or in all (Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat)?
1. Software failures: when the software is to blame
65% of the time, the camera fails to open because of firmware errors, application conflicts, or incorrect updates.
Failure of the Camera app
If the camera doesn’t run only in a standard app, but it runs in a third-party app (like Google Camera), the problem lies in the system software.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone -- corny, but it works 30 percent of the time. Hold the power button 10 seconds before you vibrate.
- 🧹 Clear the cache and data of the Camera application: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear cache/Clean data
- 📥 Update the app via Google Play (if it’s available there for your model).
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13/14 Sometimes it helps to reset the camera settings to factory: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Resetting application settings → Select "Camera".
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If after cleaning the data, the camera requests permissions again, be sure to provide them - without access to the microphone / storage / geodata application may not start.
1.2 Conflict with other annexes
Some programs (especially those that use the camera in the background) can block its operation.
- 🔒 Security applications (Avast, 360 Security, Clean Master).
- 🎮 BlueStacks, MuMu Player, if you have connected your camera to stream.
- 📸 Alternative Cameras (Open Camera, Footage).
- 🤖 Overlay apps (like Facebook’s Chat Heads).
How to check:
- Close all background applications through Recent → Close everything.
- Launch the camera in Safe Mode: Hold the Power button → Long press on "Switch off" → Safe regime.
- If the camera is working in safe mode, delete the apps one at a time until you find the culprit.
Close all background programs
Reboot the phone
Launch the camera in safe mode
Remove suspicious applications
Check the camera permits-->
1.3. Errors after the update MIUI
On Xiaomi models 12/13 s MIUI 14.0.5–14.0.8 A bug is detected in which the front camera stops working after OTA-Updates due to incorrect driver initialization ISP (Image Signal Processor. Solutions:
- 🔙 Reverse to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the update package (needs a firmware file).
- 🛠️ Install custom restoration (TWRP) and flash the camera module separately (requires an unlocked bootloader).
- ⏳ Wait for the patch – Xiaomi usually fixes these bugs in 2-3 weeks.
For Poco models F4/F5 Global Firmware can help transition to EEA-version MIUI (Instructions: Settings → Additionally. → Region → Select Europe (reset will be required).
2. Incorrect settings and permissions
Sometimes the camera won't open because of a banal lack of permissions or incorrect privacy settings.
Verification of annex authorizations
Android. 12+ (MIUI 13/14) camera permits may be reset after updates:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Permissions.
- Make sure it's on: 📸 Camera (required!) 🎤 Microphone (required for recording video) 📍 Location (for geotags) 📁 Files and Multimedia (to save photos)
If permissions are turned off, turn them on and restart the phone.
Important: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, "Permissions for one use" is introduced. If you previously chose "Just now", access to the camera can be blocked every time you start.
2.2. Privacy settings MIUI
Xiaomi is actively implementing data protection features that sometimes interfere with the camera.
- 🔒 Privacy Protection: Settings → Confidentiality → Special access → Access to the camera → Make sure that the camera app is on the list.
- 🛡️ Incognito mode (on some models): Settings → Special facilities → Incognito mode → Turn it off if it's on.
- 📱 Second Space/Duplicate Apps: If you use this feature, the camera may be locked in one of the spaces. → Special facilities → Second space.
What if the camera is working but not focusing?
Restrictions for children or guest mode
If the phone is set to child mode or guest profile, access to the camera may be limited.
- 👶 Children's mode: Settings → Special facilities → Childhood regime → Disable or check the restrictions settings.
- 👥 Guest mode: If you're logged in as a guest, the camera can be disabled by default.Switch to the main profile.
Some models (Redmi Note 11 and later) have a "Time Control" feature that can lock the camera at certain hours. → Digital well-being → Time control → Restrictions on applications.
Hardware problems: when the "iron" is to blame
If software methods didn't work, the problem could be physical malfunctions, and let's look at the typical hardware causes and their signs.
Damage to the chamber plume
The most common hardware malfunction is a break or bend of the plume connecting the camera to the motherboard.
- 📵 The camera does not open at all (black screen).
- 🔄 The camera app immediately closes.
- 📱 Phone vibrates when you try to start the camera (a sign of a short circuit).
- 🔍 B Settings → The phone. → The diagnostic camera is defined as "Unknown device".
How to check:
- Try to slightly press the back cover in the camera area - if the image appears, the plume is to blame.
- Light a flashlight into the lens – if scratches or lens displacement are visible inside, the module is damaged.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check logs through adb logcat (there must be errors like Camera hardware error).
On models with a retractable camera (Mi) 9T, Mi A3) The plume wears out faster because of mechanical motion, and if the camera doesn't move out or gets stuck, don't try to force it open, it can damage the mechanism.
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If the camera stopped working after a fall or impact, 90% of the time the plume or the dump of contacts is to blame. Self-repair is possible only if you have experience in soldering.
3.2. Contamination or damage to the lens
Dust, moisture or mechanical damage can block the camera.
- 🔍 External lens - scratches, cracks, pollution.
- 💧 Moisture under glass (condensation or traces of liquid ingestion).
- 🕳️ Clogging of the infrared filter (on models with night mode).
How to clean:
- Use soft lilaless fabric (microfibre) to clean the outer glass.
- To remove dust from under the lens, use a spray of compressed air (do not blow with your mouth!).
- If you can see moisture inside the camera, place the phone in a silica gel bag for 24 to 48 hours.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use alcohol, acetone or other aggressive liquids to clean the lens - they can damage the anti-reflective coating. On models with sapphire glass (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), dry cleaning is sufficient.
Malfunction of the motherboard
If the camera doesn’t work in any app and other methods haven’t helped, the problem may be:
- 🔌 Damage to the camera connector on the motherboard.
- 🔥 Controller burnout ISP (Image Signal Processor).
- 📶 Power failure of the camera module (checked by multimeter).
Signs of payment problems:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera doesn't work, but the phone is warming up in the processor area | Short circuit in the power supply chain of the camera | Diagnostics in the service, replacement of payment elements |
| When the camera is started, the phone is restarted. | Controller malfunction ISP or memory | Flashing or refashioning |
| The camera works, but the image is striped or with artifacts | Damage to the graphics processor (GPU) | Replacement of the chip or the entire board |
| It's not just the main camera, the front camera is not working. | Problems with the main module connector | Re-ploughing of the connector or camera replacement |
On models with liquid cooling (Xiaomi Black Shark, Poco) F4 GT) The camera malfunction may be due to leakage of the heat conductive paste on the board, which requires complete disassembly and cleaning.
4. Problems with firmware and drivers
If the camera stopped working after firmware, updates or rooting, it may be:
- 🔄 Incompatible version MIUI (For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 on the Note 11 Pro).
- 🛠️ Damaged camera drivers (libcamera* files) /system/lib).
- 🔓 Wrong root (Magisk can block access to camera).
Recovery of camera drivers
If the camera doesn’t work after running custom recavery or rooting, try:
- Install the original file persist.img For your model, fastboot: fastboot flash persists persist.img
- Sweep the camera module separately (you need a camera*.img file from stock firmware).
- For devices with MediaTek (Redmi Note 12, Poco) M5) It can be helpful to flash lens*.bin through SP Flash Tool.
On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (Xiaomi 13, Poco) F5) sometimes helps QCN-profile (responsible for calibration of the camera:
- Programme QPST
- File. QCN for your model
- EDL-mode cable (9008)
⚠️ Note: Incorrect firmware persists or QCN may result in loss IMEI Or the communication module is completely inoperable!
4.2. Post-rooting problems (Magisk)
If you have installed Magisk or other modifications, the camera may not work because of:
- 🔒 SafetyNet – Some banking apps lock the camera if the phone is rooted.
- 📸 Magisk modules that conflict with drivers (e.g. Xiaomi.eu Camera Fix).
- 🔄 Wrongly patched boot.img.
How to fix it:
- Open Magisk and check the module list. Turn off everything connected to the camera.
- Install MagiskHide Props Config and activate root hiding for the Camera app.
- Check it out. boot.img No modifications: fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
5. Specific problems for different models
Some Xiaomi models have unique camera bugs. Let's look at the most common ones.
5.1 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: problems with the Leica camera
On Xiaomi 13 Ultra with branded Leica lenses are most common:
- 📸 The "Leica Authenticated Camera" error appears after resetting your settings or firmware.Solution: reinstall the Leica Camera app through the Xiaomi App Store.
- 🔍 Telephoto lens is not working – check if it is locked in the settings: Camera settings → Additionally. → Switching lenses.
- 🔄 Overheating and shutting down the camera -- in this model, the system actively limits the performance when you heat it up. 1080p.
5.2. Redmi Note 11/12: black-screen bug
On the Redmi Note. 11 note 12 Snapdragon-powered 680/685 There is often a problem when the camera opens but shows a black screen:
- 🔋 Energy saving – disable optimization for the Camera app in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 📱 Conflict with MIUI Optimization – Turn it off through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.optimization
- 🔄 Failure in media_profiles.xml — delete the file through the root guide or ADB: adb shell rm /system/etc/media_profiles.xml (I'll need a reboot).
5.3. Poco F3/F4/F5: trouble 4K-video
On Poco. F3/F4/F5 Users often find that the camera does not open when trying to record video in the video. 4K/60fps. Decisions:
- 📹 Reduce video resolution to 1080p or 4K/30fps.
- 🔧 Turn on the forced. GPU-rendering: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → For developers → Force it. GPU-rendering.
- 🔄 Install alternative camera software, such as GCam (you need the right configuration for your model).
6. When to contact the service center
If you’ve tried all the methods, but the camera still doesn’t work, it’s time to call a specialist.
- 🔥 Phone overheats when trying to start the camera.
- 📵 The camera is not defined in the settings → The phone. → Diagnostics.
- 🔌 Artifacts (stripes, spots) appear on the screen when the camera is working.
- 💥 The phone turns off or restarts when the camera starts.
- 🔍 Physical defect visible (crack on the lens, dent on the body).
Cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers (2026):
| Type of repair | Cost (₽) | Date(s) | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement of camera plume | 1 200–2 500 | 1–2 | 3 months |
| Replacement of the main camera module | 3 500–8 000 | 2–3 | 6 months |
| Replacement of the front camera | 2 000–4 500 | 1–2 | 3 months |
| Repair of the camera connector on the board | 4 000–12 000 | 3–5 | 1 month |
| Diagnostics + cleaning | 800–1 500 | 1 | No guarantee. |
If your phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. In official service centers Xiaomi repair warranty takes up to 14 days, but free (if the problem is not the fault of the user).
⚠️ Warning: Before visiting the service, make a data backup - when repairing the board or firmware, you may need to completely reset your phone.