Why Xiaomi’s camera doesn’t work: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

You opened the camera app on your Xiaomi, and instead of the usual interface, you see a black screen, a failed camera connection error, or a message, "Camera busy," the camera problem is one of the most common malfunctions on the brand's smartphones, but it doesn't always require repair, and 70 percent of the time it's the software, not the hardware, that's the fault.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s camera (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models) might stop working, from a simple app crash to physical damage to the module. You’ll learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when exactly it’s time to carry the phone to the service center. And a list of Xiaomi models with known camera bugs that the manufacturer never fixed in the firmware.

1. Software glitches: When the camera 'gluts' for no apparent reason

If the camera was working normally and then suddenly stopped opening, there's a 90 percent chance that the software is to blame.

• 🔄 Closing the application background – the system “kills” the camera process to save battery.
• 📱 Shell conflict MIUI — especially after updating.
• 🚫 Permissions blocking – accidentally disables access to the camera for all applications.
• 🐞 The bug in the firmware - some versions MIUI Have a critical error with the camera drivers.

The first thing you need to do is reboot your phone, which is trivial, but it works 30 percent of the time, and if it doesn't, check if there's a camera icon in the notification panel (📷) — It means that some app is blocking it, and some of the culprits are WhatsApp, Snapchat or TikTok, who may forget to release the camera after using it.

2. “Camera is busy” or “Camera failed to connect” error

This message appears when the system cannot access the camera module.

• 🤖 Another application uses a camera (e.g. messenger or antivirus).
• 🔧 Media.server service failure – responsible for interaction with the camera.
• 📵 There is no connection between the processor and the camera (hardware problem).

How to fix it:

1. Close all applications through the multitasking menu (swipe up).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera and click “Stop”, then “Clear Cache”.
3. If it doesn’t help, reset your camera settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset application settings.

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On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) helps disable the function “Dual applications” for instant messengers – it can conflict with the camera drivers.

3. Black screen or "no image": hardware causes

If the camera opens but only shows a black screen (or an image with artifacts), the problem is likely physical damage.

• 🔌 Camera plume is a common problem after falling or disassembling the phone.
• 📸 Camera module damaged (crack on lens, moisture intrusion).
• 🔋 Motherboard malfunction – if the phone fell into water or overheated.

How to check:

1. Light a flashlight on the camera – if you see rainbow divorces or a muddy spot, the lens is damaged.
2. Shake the phone next to your ear – if you hear a foreign noise, the plume may have detached.
3. Try to start the camera in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode). If the camera is running, it is the fault of third-party software.

4 Problems after MIUI Update

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for MIUI, but sometimes they break the camera, especially on models:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro (update to the MIUI 12.5 - Bug with front camera).
• 📱 POCO X3 NFC (after MIUI 13 Autofocus stops working).
• 📱 Mi 10T (into MIUI 14: The error "Camera disabled by administrator" appears»).

Decisions:

1. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an Service Pack.
2. Install custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience) if the warranty is over.
3. Clear the Camera and Google Play Services data.

Check the MIUI version in Settings

Clear the camera cache.

Reboot the phone.

Reverse to the old firmware (if available)

Contact Xiaomi Support-->

5. Viruses and malware

Some viruses block access to the camera to spy on the user or show ads.

• 🔍 The camera turns on by itself (the LED next to the module lights up).
• 📵 Unknown applications appear in the list of installed.
• 🚨 Antivirus alerts about suspicious activity.

How to remove the virus:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light and scan your phone.
2. Check the list of apps with camera access: Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Camera.
3. If the virus is not removed, reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

⚠️ Note: Some cleaners (such as Clean Master) may themselves be the source of viruses. Use only proven antiviruses from Google Play.

Problems with camera access permission

Sometimes the camera doesn't work because the apps don't have the right to use it.

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Camera.
2. Make sure that the Camera app and others (e.g. Instagram, Zoom) have an Allow switch.
3. If the permission is disabled, turn it on and restart the phone.

Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) have a bug: once you reset the settings, permissions are not reset for all applications, in which case only manual settings will help.

7. When to carry the phone to the service

If you've tried all the ways, but the camera still doesn't work, it's probably a hardware problem.

• 💥 The phone fell from a height or was flooded with water.
• 🔧 You have disassembled the device yourself (for example, changed the battery).
• 📸 On the camera screen, physical damage (cracks, scratches) is visible).
• 🔌 The camera doesn’t work even after resetting to factory settings.

Cost of repair:

• 💰 Replacement of camera plume: 1,500 to 3,000 ₽.
• 💰 Replacement of camera module: 3,000 to 8,000 ₽ (model-wise).
• 💰 Diagnosis: usually free if you do the repairs there.

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust repairs to unofficial workshops if you have Xiaomi with a valid warranty.A self-opening of the case voids the warranty!

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If the camera stops working after a fall or moisture, don't try to dry your phone with a hair dryer or rice. This will aggravate the damage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about a broken camera on Xiaomi