You opened the camera app on your Xiaomi Redmi, POCO Or Mi, but instead of the usual interface, you see a black screen, a failed camera connection error, or an artifact image? The camera problem on Xiaomi Android smartphones is one of the most common, and it can be caused by software failures and hardware breakdowns. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from banal settings to serious malfunctions that require repair.
It's important to understand that if the camera stopped working after the phone fell, moisture or mechanical impact, it's likely that it's a physical injury to the module. MIUI, Install a new app or reset, the software is to blame, and we've developed a step-by-step diagnostic manual that will help you identify the root of the problem without going to the service center.
Before you start repairing, check if the front camera and the main camera are working at the same time. If so, the problem may be in a particular module. If not, it may be the system or the hardware platform. Also, look for additional symptoms: does the phone overheat when you try to start the camera, whether errors appear in other applications (for example, in Google Meet or Instagram), these details will narrow down the possible causes.
1. Software failures: from bugs MIUI before application conflicts
In 60 percent of cases, the camera on Xiaomi doesn't work because of firmware bugs or app conflicts, and let's start with the simplest solutions that don't require technical skills.
The first thing you need to do is reboot your phone, which is trivial, but it often helps: temporary failures in the camera or background drivers. MIUI If the reboot didn't help, move on to the next step.
- 🔄 Cleaning the cache and data of the Camera application: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Click on "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data" Warning: This will delete all camera settings (e.g., shooting modes) but will not affect your photos.
- 📱 Permissions check: in the same Camera app settings, make sure it has access to the camera, microphone and storage. MIUI drop off permits.
- 🔧 Firmware Update: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to fix camera bugs.
- 🚫 Conflict with other apps: If the camera stops working after installing new software (such as an alternative launcher or a shooting app), try removing it.
⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the Camera application data, it starts to issue a Camera Not Responding error, try reinstalling it via Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Remove updates (if the button is active).
If none of these methods worked, the problem could be deeper, either in system files or drivers, in which case resetting (as discussed below) or flashing the phone will help.
2. Resetting settings: when it really helps
Resetting your phone to factory settings is a radical but effective method if the camera is not working due to corrupted system files or incorrect settings. MIUI. Before you start, however, take into account:
- 📲 Backup is mandatory! All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted.
- 🔒 Mi Account: after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account, otherwise the phone will be blocked.
- ⚙️ It won’t help with hardware breakdowns: if the camera is physically damaged, resetting won’t bring it back to life.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select “Erase all data” (not to be confused with “Reset settings”, these are different options!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After restarting, check the camera, and if the problem persists, the cause lies either in the hardware or in the firmware (such as custom or damaged official).
Make a backup on Google Drive or PC|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account|Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->
3. Hardware malfunctions: how to diagnose a breakdown
If the software methods didn't work, it's probably because of physical damage to one of the components of the chamber.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Can I fix it myself? |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen in the camera app, but other phone features work | Disconnection of the camera plume from the motherboard | Yes (if you have experience of disassembly) |
| Image with stripes, noise or blur | Damage to the matrix or lens (cracks, moisture, dust) | No (replacement of module required) |
| The camera is working, but focusing is not configured | Failure of the autofocus motor | No (repair needed) |
| Phone overheats when trying to start the camera | Short circuit in the power supply of the camera module | No (risk of damage to the fee) |
To diagnose hardware problems:
- Try to start the camera in safe mode (press the power button). → «Safe mode. If the camera is running, it's third-party software.
- Check if the camera is responding to test commands ADB (For example: adb shell dumpsys media.camera If the command returns an error, the problem is at the driver or hardware level.
- Examine the phone’s body for swelling, cracks, or traces of moisture near the camera module.
⚠️ Warning: if you suspect moisture, don't turn your phone on and try to charge it! immediately remove the battery (if possible) and contact the service. corrosion on the board can cause permanent damage.
If you're sure the plume or contacts are the problem, you can try reconnecting the camera yourself.
- Torx screwdriver T3/T4 (model-wise).
- Plastic blade to disengage clips.
- Dryer or thermal paste (if you need warm-up contacts).
How to disassemble Xiaomi to check the camera?
4. Problems after the update MIUI: kickback
Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that the camera stops working immediately after the firmware update.
- 🐛 Bagami in the new version MIUI (Especially relevant for betta versions).
- 🔌 Incompatibility of drivers with the iron of your model.
- 📉 Custom settings conflict (for example, if you changed the settings in Engineer Mode).
Decisions:
- Retraction to the previous version MIUI: Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for your model!). update.zip And put it in the root of the phone's memory. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Threefold → Select a firmware file.
- Manual patch installation: sometimes Xiaomi releases 'hot' fixes for camera.Check forums 4PDA or XDA Developers for patches for your model.
- Reset your camera settings via Engineer Mode: ##36446337## From the Engineering Settings menu, find the Camera section and select "Restore Default."
⚠️ Attention: rolling back firmware may result in data loss or bootloader lock if you use custom recovery (e.g., custom recap, TWRP). Before the procedure, make a backup copy via adb backup or Mi. PC Suite.
If the camera is running after a rollback, but you want to return to the new version MIUI, Wait for the next update, maybe the bug has already been fixed, and you can try installing global firmware instead of regional firmware (for example, you can use it for a new update, MIUI Global instead MIUI Russia), if the problem is related to localization.
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Before the update MIUI Always check the reviews on the forums (for example, on the website). 4PDA) — Often users report bugs with the camera in new versions in advance.
5. Conflicts with custom firmware and root rights
If you installed custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtained root rights, the camera problem may be related to:
- 🔧 Lack of drivers for your camera module in alternative firmware.
- 🛡️ Access blocking due to modified build.prop.
- 📱 Incompatibility HAL-The Hardware Abstraction Layer).
How to fix it:
- Check the camera support in your firmware: on the firmware page on XDA or 4PDA If the camera is marked as "Not Working," you'll have to accept it or look for another firmware.
- Install Magisk modules for the camera: 📸 Magisk Camera2API Enabler – Includes support Camera2API For third-party applications (e.g. Google Camera). 🔄 LibPatch – fixes errors with camera libraries.
Return the stock firmware
Fastboot
Recovery
To check for support Camera2API (It is necessary for many third-party applications, such as GCam, use the Manual Camera Compatibility app from Google Play «LEGACY» or «LIMITED», Your firmware does not support the full operation of the camera.
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Custom firmware often breaks the camera due to the lack of proprietary drivers from Xiaomi.If you want a stable photo module, it is better to stay on the official one. MIUI.
External factors: moisture, falls, overheating
Even if your Xiaomi didn’t sink or fall from a height, micro-damage could accumulate over time.
- 💧 Moisture: even a little humidity can cause the camera's contacts to corrosion. Symptoms: the camera is intermittent, the image floats or colored spots appear. The solution is only a replacement module.
- 🌡️ Overheating: If the phone is over 50°C (e.g. while playing), the system can turn off the camera for protection. AIDA64.
- 💥 Hits and vibrations: Even a slight drop can displace the lens or damage the autofocus.
- 🔋 Weak battery: with a low charge (less than 15%), the system can limit the operation of energy-intensive modules, including the camera.
If you suspect physical damage but are not sure about its nature, make a diagnosis through the test menu:
- Dial the code: ##4636##
- Select "Equipment Testing» → «Camera».
- If the test shows an error (e.g., “Camera open failed”), the problem is hardware.
For phones with moisture protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Check the integrity of sealing rubber bands and speaker mesh – often water penetrates through them.
7.Problems with specific Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi models have typical camera issues that are worth knowing about:
| Model | Typical problem | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/8 Pro | Black screen of the camera after updating to MIUI 12+ | Retracement MIUI 11 or installing the Fix Camera patch Hal3 |
| POCO X3 NFC | Artifacts in the photo when shooting in HDR | Shutdown HDR in camera settings or GCam firmware |
| Mi 11 Ultra | Overheating and shutting down the camera during long shooting | Limitation FPS up to 30 or use of a cooling stand |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | The camera does not focus on close objects | Cleaning the lens or replacing the autofocus module |
For high-resolution camera models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S 50MP Ultra problems are often associated with overloading of the processor:
- Reduce the shooting resolution to 12 MP in the camera settings.
- Disable the extra modules (wide-angle, macro) – they may conflict with the main camera.
- Use third-party apps (like Open Camera) that are better optimized for weak iron.
If your model is not listed in the table, check the thematic threads on the forums:
- 4PDA (Russian-speaking community).
- XDA Developers (English language).
Often, users have already found a solution to your specific problem.
8.When to contact the service: signs of serious breakdowns
If you have tried all the methods in this article, but the camera still doesn't work, you will most likely need professional repairs.
- 🔧 The camera is not defined by the system (c Settings) → The phone. → Full specification is not available for module).
- 💦 There are traces of corrosion or oxidation on the board (visible when disassembling).
- 🔥 The phone overheats or turns off when you try to start the camera.
- 📱 Damaged lens or matrix (visible cracks, scratches, divorces in the photo).
The cost of repair depends on the model and type of breakdown:
- Camera plume replacement: 1,000–3,000 ₽.
- Replacement of the main camera module: 3000-8000 ₽ (model-wise).
- Repair of the board (with a short circuit): 5 000-15,000 ₽.
If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. Contact the official Xiaomi service center (the list can be found on the Mi Service website). For phones older than 2 years, the warranty usually does not apply, but some services offer diagnostics for free.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid garage shops that promise to fix a camera for $500 ₽. Unqualified repairs can lead to damage to the motherboard, and then the cost of repair will increase significantly.
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If the camera stopped working after a fall or moisture hit, do not delay repairs - corrosion and microcracks worsen over time, increasing the cost of repair.