Instagram Camera Not Working [FIXED]

By John Adebimitan

We’ve all learned over time that no app is perfect, and neither is Instagram. In this article, we will tackle a crucial topic that could defeat the very reason why you have Instagram installed. It is primarily a platform for sharing images, and we can’t do this without access to the device’s camera.

Many of our readers complained about the Instagram camera not working, and we have had similar issues and have been able to get the camera working again, so we thought it perfect for sharing a list of possible fixes to get your camera running again on Instagram.

Instagram Camera Not Working? Best Fixes

Examine the App’s Permissions. No app can genuinely function on our phones without permission to access your phone’s hardware component. That is why you see all these apps asking for permission to access your contacts, location, microphones, camera, and others.

Likewise, Instagram requires access to your phone’s camera. So, your Instagram camera not working might be because it lacks the necessary permissions.

You might have denied the permission request or disabled it by mistake. Here is how to check and enable the needed camera permissions for Instagram.

  • Go to Settings >> click on Apps 
  • Scroll through the list and select Instagram 
  • Next, select the Permissions option
  • Check and Ensure that the Camera permission is toggled ON

Empty the App’s Cache and Data

Instagram regularly releases optimizations and app updates such as face filters and story improvements, so the likelihood of it going wrong is possible. This program gathers and stores files regularly, which might impact the overall performance or specific capabilities, resulting in the Instagram camera not working.

As a result, ensure that you clear the app’s cache and data and check for changes:

  • Go to Settings
  • Click on Apps
  • Pick Instagram and Open Storage
  • Select Clear Cache
  • Wait for it to clear and restart your phone

Keep the App Up to Date

Doing an update fixes the Instagram camera not working issue in many cases. So, if you’re experiencing issues with Instagram camera settings, a simple app update should do, as it may include features that can solve your challenge.

  • Navigate to the Google Play Store
  • Click on your profile at the top right corner and select “My Apps and Games”  (or search for the Instagram app)
  • Look for Instagram and check for any available updates. Update if you find any.
  • Once the app has been updated, check if you can use the camera.

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Remove and Reinstall the App

If, after trying the update method, the Instagram camera is still not working, then try uninstalling and reinstalling again. Not all updates work, so it is best to uninstall and reinstall the app. This will resolve the “Instagram camera not working” error.

  • Go to your phone’s Settings 
  • Go to Apps 
  • Click on Instagram
  • Tap the Uninstall button
  • After uninstalling the app, you can download and install it again

Android OS Update

Another way to look at this is that your app might not be faulty, but your OS isn’t current. If you don’t update your phone, the old Android version may become buggy.

That update you refuse to do may be behind the Instagram camera not working issue.

Keeping your software up to date is usually a smart idea. Why? Because each new update comes with patches and fixes for the older version to prevent situations like this from happening.

  • Navigate to your phone’s settings
  • Select System >> then Software Update
  • Check if there is an available update
  • Click it to download it
  • Wait for the system to reboot itself
  • Open Instagram again and see if the camera is working

Check That Your Native Camera Is Active

There are times when your native camera isn’t your default camera. So check that you are not using a third-party camera app. The downside of these kinds of apps is that they do not integrate effectively with other apps, such as Instagram or WhatsApp. So, using your native camera prevents situations like the Instagram camera not working.

Use these steps to make your native camera app the default camera.

  • Go to Settings
  • Open Apps, then Default Apps 
  • Open the Camera Tab
  • Make sure that your default camera app is your native camera
  • Reopen Instagram again to see whether you’re able to resolve the Instagram camera not working on Android issue

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Factory Reset your Phone

This should be your last resort. If all other procedures fail, try resetting your phone to see if it will address the issue. By doing a factory reset, you will erase all of your apps and their data, as well as any other data on your phone. Therefore, back up your data before trying this.

  • Go to Settings >> then the System 
  • Click Backup Your Data to save your data
  • Then click Reset Options and Erase All Data

Wait for your phone to reboot, then download Instagram and log in. After that, try using the camera. As I said earlier, this method is the last option if all others fall, but it should solve the Instagram camera not working in most cases.

Best Instagram Camera Settings

  • Use a Filter and Effects
  • Make the Background Blurry
  • Add Stickers and Stamps to your Picture
  • Use Natural Lighting

Use a Filter and Effects

One prominent feature of Instagram is its filters. So, you can add any filter you want to your picture to give it a more edgy look.

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Make the Background Blurry

Almost everyone likes taking pictures in portrait mode. Some phones, like Samsung, have a feature called Live Focus, which allows you to blur the background while taking your photo. So you need to open your camera app, choose the live focus, modify the blur, and you are good to go.

Add Stickers and Stamps to your Picture

Stickers are another thing you can add to your picture to make it catchier. Everyone wants to post pictures on their stories. With these stickers, they’ll each have something to say.

Use Natural Lighting

A lovely photograph is built on the foundation of appropriate lighting. Therefore, the first and most crucial guideline for taking beautiful shots with only your phone is understanding how to use light. If you want to produce more vibrant and brilliant pictures, don’t use your flash.

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