The“unfortunately camera has stopped” error is a system bug that is not a common issue on devices with stock Android OS. Usually a simple restart or clearing cache will fix this error. However, if you have a custom OS like Cyanogenmod installed, you may have to flash another compatible ROM via recovery. I got this error message on my Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 whenever I opened the camera app. Then the camera app would simply force close and I would be unable to take any pictures. Here are the possible fix for the unfortunately camera has stopped error for Android Smartphones and tablets.

Method 1: Restart phone

Well, this is a very straightforward step that could easily fix the camera has stopped error on your smartphone.

Method 2: Clear cache and data of your Camera application

Most of the time, the application cache may cause this error. To fix it, simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings >> Apps (or application manager) >> Swipe to go to “All”
• Now scroll down the list of apps, and tap on “Camera”
• Tap “Clear Cache” & “Clear Data”
• Now restart your smartphone

Open the camera app and check for the error.

Method 3: Formatting external microSD card

This method is applicable only if you have changed the camera settings to save your photos in your external micro SD card. Simply remove the SD card and move all of files stored on it to your hard drive. Then insert the micro SD card in your PC or Laptop’s SD card slot and format it. To format it, right click on the microSD card drive after it appears on your PC, then select “Format”. Before formatting , you can also try checking for error by right clicking your SD card and selecting “Properties” >> Tools >> Check for errors.

Method 4: For Custom ROM users (Cyanogenmod, SlimROM etc)

If you are a custom ROM user, you are certainly not new to flashing Operating systems via recovery. If are constantly getting the “camera has stopped” error, you will need to reflash the operating system along with a compatible GAPPs package. If it still doesn’t work, you will have to flash a different ROM.

Sometimes, you may get this error when you have too many pictures in your gallery. Just move the excess images to your PC’s hard drive or an external storage. After clearing your gallery, open your Camera app and try taking pictures.

Possibility of Hardware fault

If you have recently dropped your phone on the floor or in the water, there is a good change the camera error is a result of a hardware failure. The hardware fault can be as simple as a loose connection to a broken camera interface. In either case, replacing just the camera module is not as expensive as replacing the mainboard on your phone. If you are a bit of a risk-taker, you may even go through some YouTube repair videos and replace the camera yourself- saving a hefty repair labor cost in the process. However, replacing any part of the phone can be a bit tricky specially if it involves not just screws but taking apart a screen that is stuck to the frame with a high strength glue. So if you are doing this yourself, it is at your own risk and sometimes you may end up having to replace additional hardware- like the screen for instance.