Why the camera on Xiaomi Redmi phone doesn’t turn on and how to fix it

You try to take a selfie or take a picture of an important moment, but the camera on your Xiaomi Redmi refuses to turn on? black screen, error "failed to connect to the camera" or the application just closes - these problems are faced by many owners of smartphones brand. the reasons can be both software (failure in firmware, application conflict) and hardware (damage to the module or plume).

In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons why the camera on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 Or other models might not work, and we'll give you step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and troubleshooting, from simple reboots to complex firmware manipulations, you'll find a solution for even the most neglected cases.

Before you take your phone to the service center, try to figure it out for yourself. In 80% of cases, you can "resuscitate" the camera without repair - the main thing is to know where to look for the root of evil.

1. Software failures: when the software is to blame

Most often, the camera stops working due to conflicts in the operating system or errors in the application. MIUI, installing third-party software or even a banal overheating of the phone. Consider the typical "symptoms" and how to eliminate them.

If the camera opens but closes immediately, or you see a message saying, "Camera is busy with another application," the problem is almost certainly software-based.

• 🔄 Reboot your phone. This helps 30 percent of the time, especially if the failure is caused by a temporary system freeze.
• 📱 Clear the Camera app cache. Find it in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔙 Reverse updates if the problem occurs after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
• 🛑 Remove conflicting applications. Often the fault is the shooting software (e.g. Open Camera), VPN or optimizers.

If these measures have not worked, move on to a deeper diagnosis, you may need to reset the camera settings or even completely reset the phone to factory settings, but before you go to extreme measures, check one more point:

2. Access rights conflict: why the system is blocking the camera

V MIUI There's a strict permission system, and sometimes the camera may not work due to lack of necessary rights, which is especially true after updates or resets:

1. Permissions for the Camera app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Permissions and make sure all sliders are active (especially Camera, Microphone and Storage).
2. Special access: In some versions MIUI You need to allow access to the camera in Settings → Special permits → Access to the camera.
3. Restrictions for third-party apps: If the camera doesn’t work on Instagram, WhatsApp, or other apps, check their permissions separately.

Pay special attention to privacy settings. MIUI 12/13/14 And we have a privacy protection feature that can block access to the camera for all applications, so you can turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Privacy Protection.
2. Click on the Protection Settings (cog icon).
3. Turn off the option "Block access to the camera".

💡

If the camera still doesn't work after changing the permissions, try temporarily disabling the "Second Space" feature in the privacy settings.

3. Hardware malfunctions: when without repairs can not do

If software methods fail, the problem may lie in physical damage to the camera or associated components, and the most common hardware causes are:

• 💥 Even if the body is intact, the internal plume of the camera could have moved away or damaged.
• 💧 Contact corrosion is a common cause of a broken camera after bathing your phone.
• ⚡ Overheating or a power surge, can disable the camera controller.
• 🔧 If the phone was already disassembled, it could damage the plume or the module could not be connected correctly.

A critical sign of hardware failure: the camera doesn't work in any application, including stock, and the phone doesn't emit the characteristic focus sound when it starts, in which case self-repair is virtually impossible - it requires diagnostics in the service center.

To estimate the scale of the problem, do a simple test:

1. Launch the Camera app and try switching between the main and front camera.
2. If one camera is working and the other isn’t, the problem is most likely a module.
3. If none of them work, either the plume or the controller is to blame.
4. Light a flashlight into the lens – if a physical defect (crack, contamination) is visible, the module must be changed.

4.Settings reset: Last chance before repair

If all the previous methods have failed, you have to reset, which is a radical solution, but it helps in cases where the problem is caused by deep system failures.

1. Make a backup of the data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Remember or write down accounts (especially Mi Accounts, as confirmation may be required after a reset).
3. Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
4. Once turned on, set the phone as new and check the camera.

If the reset does not help, there are two options:

1. Fastboot or Recovery (requires skills)
2. Contact the service for the diagnosis of the hardware.

Make a backup copy|Write down logins and passwords|Charge the phone. >50%|Unplug Google Account (if any) FRP)|Delete SIM and SD-map (optional)

-->

5. Features of different Redmi models

Some camera problems are specific to Redmi's lineups, and this is what owners of popular models need to know:

Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro

These phones often have a problem with macrocamera (5MP). It may stop working after an update or physical impact:

• Update the firmware to the latest version (new builds fix bugs with macromodule).
• If the camera produces a pink or green tint, it is a matrix defect, a replacement is required.

Redmi 9/9A/9C

Budget models suffer from poor contact with the main camera plume, symptoms: the camera is working or not, or artifacts appear in the photo.

• Carefully press on the back cover in the camera area - if the image appears, the plume must be soldered.
• Check if the battery is swelling - it can press on the plume.

Redmi 8/8A

These models often contaminate the front camera lens because of the design features, such as blurred selfies, stains in the photo.

• Clean the lens with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (carefully, without pressing!).
• If the contamination inside the module - requires dismantling and professional cleaning.

For the Redmi Note 7/8 The problem with autofocus after falls is very real. If the camera focuses only manually, the focus mechanism is probably shifted, and that's only treated by replacing the module.

6. Alternative diagnostic methods

If standard methods have failed, try advanced diagnostics with the help of engineering menus and third-party utilities.

Method 1: Testing the camera through the engineering menu

This menu allows you to check the camera at the hardware level, bypassing software constraints.

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Choose Hardware Testing (or Hardware Testing).
3. Find the Camera section and run the test.
4. If the camera doesn’t appear on the list or the test shows an error, it’s a hardware problem.

Method 2: Checking with ADB

For power users: connect your phone to your PC and follow the command:

adb shell dumpsys media.camera

In the output, look for lines with errors (for example, status: DISCONNECTED). This will help to more accurately determine the cause.

Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Testing

Install one of these apps from Google Play:

• Camera Test – checks the operation of all the camera modules.
• Phone Doctor Plus – comprehensive diagnostics, including a camera test.
• AIDA64 — Shows detailed information about the camera modules.

If none of these methods showed the camera working, the reason is precisely hardware – carry the phone to the service.

💡

If the camera is not even identified in the engineering menu, it is a guaranteed hardware malfunction. Don't waste time on software methods - contact the specialists.

7.How to avoid camera problems in the future

To keep your Redmi camera running smoothly, follow these guidelines:

• 📵 Don’t update your firmware in the first few days after release. Wait for feedback from other users — often in newer versions. MIUI There are camera bugs.
• 🧹 Clean your lens regularly, use soft fabric (for example, for glasses) and avoid abrasive materials.
• 🔋 Don't let the battery run completely, which can cause the camera controller to malfunction.
• 📱 Do not install modified firmware (e.g. Custom) ROM), If you are not sure of their stability.
• 🛡️ Use a camera-protected case, which will keep the lens from scratching and hitting.

Pay special attention to temperature regime. overheating (for example, during prolonged video shooting in the air). 4K) If the phone gets hot, let it cool down. 10-15 minutes before reuse.

⚠️ Warning: Never use high alcohol (over 70%) alcohol wipes to clean the lens, which can damage the protective coating of the lens.

8.When to contact the service center

If you've tried all the techniques, but the camera still doesn't work, it's time to call in the experts. Here are the signs that repairs are essential:

• 🔍 The camera is not defined in any application or engineering menu.
• 💥 Physical artifacts appear on the screen (colored stripes, spots).
• 🔊 When switching cameras, extraneous sounds are heard (squeaking, crackling).
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration.

The cost of repair depends on the model and nature of the breakdown:

When choosing a service center, give preference to authorized Xiaomi partners, who use original parts and provide a warranty.

1. Make a backup copy of the data.
2. Check if your data will be saved during the repair.
3. Check out the reviews about the service (especially for camera repairs).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is warranty, don't take it apart yourself! This will void warranty obligations. Contact the official Xiaomi service - camera repair warranty is usually free (if the breakdown is not the fault of the user).

Frequently asked questions