What to do when your Samsung Galaxy camera will not open

Last Update date : Aug 21. 2026

If your Galaxy device displays a message saying the camera cannot be opened, the issue may be caused by a temporary camera error or a problem with the camera module. In many cases, restarting the device or clearing the Camera app data may help resolve the issue.

Galaxy phone with an error message pop-up.

Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.

A temporary Camera app error may prevent the camera from opening. Clearing the Camera app data may help restore normal operation.

Settings menu with the Apps option highlighted. Settings menu with the Apps option highlighted.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Apps.

Apps list with Camera selected. Apps list with Camera selected.

Step 2. Select Camera.

Camera menu with the Storage option highlighted. Camera menu with the Storage option highlighted.

Step 3. Tap Storage.

Storage screen with the Clear data button highlighted. Storage screen with the Clear data button highlighted.

Step 4. Tap Clear data.

Pop-up asking to confirm data deletion. Pop-up asking to confirm data deletion.

Step 5. Tap Delete to confirm.

Note: Clearing the Camera app data resets camera settings to default values, but saved photos, videos, and other personal data will not be deleted.

A temporary system error may prevent the camera from functioning properly. Restart the device and check the camera again.

Restart using the power menu

Quick settings panel view with the Power off icon highlighted. Quick settings panel view with the Power off icon highlighted.

Step 1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel > Tap the Power off icon.

Power menu with Restart option highlighted. Power menu with Restart option highlighted.

Step 2. Tap Restart.

Restart using the buttons

Image showing a phone with the Side key and Volume down key being pressed simultaneously. Image showing a phone with the Side key and Volume down key being pressed simultaneously.

Press and hold the Side key and Volume down key at the same time for more than 7 seconds until the device restarts.

You can use the Samsung Members app to check the camera status through Phone diagnostics.

Note: Phone diagnostics is available only on Galaxy devices with the Samsung Members app installed.

Samsung Members home screen with the Support tab selected. Samsung Members home screen with the Support tab selected.

Step 1. Open the Samsung Members app > Tap Support.

Samsung Members support screen with the Phone diagnostics Get started button highlighted. Samsung Members support screen with the Phone diagnostics Get started button highlighted.

Step 2. Tap Get Started under Phone diagnostics.

* The full diagnostics scan begins. You can stop the process and select specific items to run individual tests.

Phone diagnostics list with the Camera option selected. Phone diagnostics list with the Camera option selected.

Step 3. Tap Camera.

Phone diagnostics results screen showing the camera status. Phone diagnostics results screen showing the camera status.

Step 4. Check the diagnostic results.

Note: If the camera still does not work after trying the steps above, the camera module or internal circuitry may require inspection. Please visit a Samsung service centre for professional diagnosis and repair.

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