Symptoms
- App shows a black screen or permission error when trying to use the camera
- Built-in camera app works normally
- Multiple third-party apps affected, or just one
- Error message may mention camera access or permission denied
Likely causes
- CommonCamera permission not granted to the specific appApps need explicit camera permission, which can be denied by default or revoked accidentally.
- CommonSystem-wide camera access restriction enabledSome phones have a privacy setting that blocks camera access for all apps except approved ones.
- PossibleApp needs an update to work with the current OS versionOlder app versions can lose compatibility with camera APIs after an OS update.
What to do
- Go to the app's permission settings and make sure camera access is allowed.
- Check any system-wide privacy or camera access restriction settings and confirm the app isn't blocked.
- Restart the phone after changing permissions.
- Update the affected app to its latest version.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app if permissions still don't take effect.
- Test with a different third-party app to see if it's isolated to one app or affects several.
When to call a pro
A repair shop isn't relevant here; this is a permissions and settings issue, not hardware.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.