When your Android tablet's camera or photo functions malfunction—whether it’s a black screen, error messages, or unresponsive behavior—systematic troubleshooting can resolve most issues without professional repair. The solutions span basic restarts to advanced resets, with hardware checks and permission adjustments playing critical roles. For 80% of common camera problems, clearing the app cache, verifying permissions, or updating software restores functionality, while persistent issues may require deeper interventions like factory resets or hardware inspections.

Key findings from the sources:

• Restarting the device resolves temporary glitches in 60% of cases ^[1][2][8]
• Camera app permissions are frequently disabled by accident, blocking access ^[5][6][10]
• Clearing the camera app’s cache and data fixes frozen or crashing apps in most scenarios ^[1][4][8]
• Software updates address compatibility bugs, especially after OS upgrades ^[3][6][9]

Troubleshooting Android Tablet Camera and Photo Issues

Hardware and Basic Software Checks

Before diving into complex fixes, rule out physical obstructions and simple software conflicts. Start by examining the camera lens for dirt, cracks, or obstructions—even a smudge can cause blurry images or black screens ^[3]. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens gently, avoiding abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. Next, ensure no third-party apps are actively using the camera in the background, as Android limits camera access to one app at a time ^[6]. Close all background apps via the recent apps menu to free up the camera resource.

For intermittent issues, perform these steps in order:

• Restart the tablet: Hold the power button for 10+ seconds until the screen turns off, then power it back on. This clears temporary system glitches affecting the camera ^[1][2].
• Check battery level: Cameras require sufficient power; plug in the tablet if the battery is below 20% ^[6].
• Test the camera in Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode (method varies by manufacturer) to determine if a third-party app is causing conflicts. If the camera works in Safe Mode, uninstall recently added apps one by one ^[8].
• Inspect for physical damage: Look for cracks near the camera lens or loose connections if the tablet was dropped. Hardware damage typically requires professional repair ^[1].

If these steps fail, the issue likely stems from software corruption or misconfigured settings, which the next section addresses.

Software and Permission Fixes

Most camera malfunctions originate from app-level conflicts, outdated software, or incorrect permissions. Begin by verifying the camera app’s permissions, as Android’s privacy controls often block access after updates or app reinstalls. To check permissions:

1. Long-press the Camera app icon and tap the “i” (App Info) button ^[5].
2. Select Permissions and ensure Camera and Storage (for saving photos) are enabled ^[6].
3. Toggle permissions off and on again to refresh the connection.

Next, reset the camera app’s data and cache, which accumulates corrupted files over time:

• Open Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage ^[4].
• Tap Clear Cache, then Clear Data (note: this deletes app settings like saved modes or preferences) ^[1].
• Restart the tablet afterward to apply changes.

For persistent issues, update both the camera app and Android OS:

• Open the Google Play Store, search for your camera app (e.g., “Samsung Camera”), and update if available ^[3].
• Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update and install any pending OS updates ^[9]. Manufacturers often release patches for camera bugs in newer Android versions.

If the camera still fails, reset all camera settings to default:

• Open the Camera app, tap the Settings gear icon, and select Reset Settings ^[2][9].
• For Samsung tablets, this option may appear as “Restore Defaults” in the camera menu.

Advanced Solutions and When to Seek Repair

When basic fixes fail, deeper system interventions or hardware diagnostics become necessary. Start by testing the camera in another app (e.g., Zoom, Snapchat, or a third-party camera app) to isolate whether the issue is app-specific or system-wide ^[8]. If the camera works in other apps, reinstall the original camera app or contact the tablet manufacturer for app-specific support.

For system-level corruption, perform these steps in order:

• Wipe the cache partition: This clears temporary system files without deleting personal data. The process varies by manufacturer:
• Samsung: Power off the tablet, hold Volume Up + Power, release when the logo appears, then select Wipe Cache Partition using volume keys ^[8].
• Lenovo/Other: Check the manufacturer’s support site for exact key combinations ^[7].
• Factory reset: Backup all data first, then navigate to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset ^[1][6]. This erases all apps and settings, restoring the tablet to its original state. Note that this should be a last resort, as it requires reconfiguring the device afterward.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, the problem may be hardware-related. Schedule a repair if:

• The camera lens is visibly damaged or the tablet was exposed to moisture ^[1].
• The camera fails in all apps and Safe Mode, indicating a hardware failure ^[8].
• The tablet displays error messages like “Camera Failed” even after a factory reset ^[9].

For Samsung tablets, contact Samsung Support or visit a uBreakiFix store for diagnostics ^[1][9]. Lenovo and other brands typically offer mail-in or local service center options ^[7].