Fix the 'Camera Failed' Error on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung Galaxy smartphones and the discontinued Samsung Galaxy digital camera can take great pictures. However, like all electronic devices, sometimes the technology doesn't want to work right. One frequently encountered error is Camera failed. What does that mean exactly, and how can you fix it? There are several potential causes and solutions.

How to Fix the Camera Failed Error in Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Cameras

You may have to try several strategies to fix this camera error. Work through these steps in order to try the simpler solutions first.

1. Restart your phone. Many issues that cause software errors can be addressed with a simple restart.

   A restart and reset are two very different things. Restarting your phone simply powers it down and then starts it back up. None of your apps, files, or settings will be removed.

2. Check for system and app updates. An outdated operating system or app can cause this camera error.

3. Power up in Safe Mode, then check to see if your camera works properly. If it does, the problem could be a third-party app that conflicts with the camera software.

   Restart the phone in regular mode and remove recently installed or updated third-party apps one at a time until the problem disappears. You may need to restart the phone after removing each app to ensure it's completely deleted.

   Third-party apps are a common cause of the Camera Failed error, so don't skip this step.

4. Clear the Camera's app cache and storage data. Once the cache is cleared, restart the Camera app and test it to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Remove and then reinsert the microSD card. Occasionally a Galaxy phone camera encounters an error reading the SD card, which can cause the Camera Failed error. Reformat the card if prompted.

   Reformatting a microSD card erases all the data on that card. If you have pictures or apps you don't want to lose, transfer those files to your computer using a microSD card reader.

6. Turn off Smart Stay. This feature uses the selfie camera to monitor the position of your face while you're looking at the screen for a long time without touching it. Because this uses the camera, it can sometimes cause a conflict if you use the rear camera when Smart Stay is active.

7. Reset your phone. If nothing has worked up to this point, the last thing to try is a full factory reset. This returns the phone to its factory settings, after which you'll need to go through the initial setup process again as if it's a brand new device.

   Completing this step will erase everything on your phone, including all the apps you've added to it since you first got the device, any files you've downloaded, photos and videos stored on the phone, etc. Back up anything you don't want to lose before starting the factory reset process.

8. If you're still getting the error even after resetting the phone's software, contact Samsung Support for further assistance.

How to Fix the Camera Failed Error in the Samsung Galaxy Camera

Samsung Galaxy cameras can experience the same Camera Failed error as Galaxy smartphones, but some troubleshooting steps are different.

1. Press-and-hold the Power button to turn off the camera. Once it's off, allow the camera to sit for at least 30 seconds before powering it back on. Many issues that cause software errors can be fixed with a simple restart. 

2. Shut down running processes that could be causing a camera conflict and then restart the camera.

   To do this, go to Apps > Settings > Application manager > Running > Show cached processes. Then, tap an app and choose Stop.

3. Reformat the SD card. Occasionally the Samsung Galaxy camera encounters an error reading the SD card, which can cause the Camera Failed error. Reformatting the card may resolve the issue.

   Here's how: Go to Apps > Settings > Storage > Format SD card > Format SD card > Delete all.

   A reformat will erase all of its data. If you don't want to lose the pictures on the card, transfer the files to your computer using an SD card reader before performing a reformat.

4. Restore the camera to its factory default settings. This option is available in Apps > Settings > Back up and reset. Tap Factory data reset and then Reset device.

   Completing this step returns your camera software to the way it was when it was first built, before you customized anything on it. Apps and other data will be lost. Use the Back up my data option on the Back up and reset screen to back up these items if you want to.

5. Visit Samsung's Digital Camera Support page for repair information. At this point, if the camera error remains after resetting the software, reaching out to Samsung is the next best choice.

Causes of the Camera Failed Error in Samsung Devices

This error doesn't include any other information about why the camera isn't working correctly. That makes troubleshooting difficult. It's not impossible to fix, though, since, in most cases, it's a simple software issue. The error can be caused by an incomplete firmware update, out-of-date third-party apps, or an SD card the camera suddenly doesn't recognize.