The Samsung Galaxy S21 is equipped with a powerful triple-lens camera system, capable of taking sharp photos and detailed videos in various lighting conditions. However, some users have reported frustrating issues like camera app crashes, blurry photos, focus problems, or error messages like “Camera failed” or “Unable to open camera.”
These problems can disrupt your photography experience, whether you’re capturing quick moments or using advanced camera features like Night Mode or 8K video. Thankfully, most camera issues on the Galaxy S21 are related to software glitches, settings conflicts, or hardware obstructions, and can be resolved with simple steps.
📸 Common Camera Issues on the Galaxy S21
- The camera won’t focus properly (especially on close-up shots)
- The app crashes or shows a black screen
- Blurry or shaky images even with steady hands
- The camera displays an error like “Camera failed”
- Autofocus gets stuck or takes several seconds to respond
- Portrait Mode or Night Mode stops working
- Front camera doesn’t activate or stays black
🔍 Why Your Galaxy S21 Camera May Be Misbehaving
Software Bugs or Glitches
Temporary software bugs can cause the camera to lag, fail to launch, or crash. This is especially common after:
- A recent One UI or Android update
- Installing new apps that access the camera (e.g., Instagram, Zoom)
- Using camera mods or third-party editing tools
Focus System Conflicts
Autofocus uses sensors and software to detect depth. If the phone switches between lenses incorrectly, or if there’s a sensor issue:
- Focus may get stuck mid-frame
- You’ll get blurry images, especially in close-ups or low light
- The lens may repeatedly hunt for focus without locking
Obstruction on the Camera Lens
Smudges, fingerprints, or dust on the lens can confuse the autofocus and degrade image clarity. A dirty lens may also interfere with the ultra-wide or telephoto camera performance.
Background Apps or Camera Access Conflicts
If another app is actively using the camera or microphone (e.g., video calls or QR scanners), the main camera may fail to launch or produce errors.
Camera App Settings or Cache Corruption
Over time, the Samsung Camera app may accumulate cache that causes slowdowns or misbehavior, particularly if you’ve customized features like Scene Optimizer, grid lines, or shooting modes.
✅ How to Fix Camera Focus and App Errors on Galaxy S21
Clean the Camera Lenses
- Gently wipe the camera module with a microfiber cloth
- Check for dirt, lint, or cracks around the lens and housing
- Avoid using wet tissue or alcohol directly on the lens
A clean lens can dramatically improve autofocus and image sharpness.
Restart the Camera App
- Close the Camera app completely (from Recent Apps view)
- Wait 5–10 seconds, then reopen it
- If the camera was frozen or stuck, this will often reset the lens module
Clear Camera App Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps > Camera
- Tap Storage > Clear cache
- Optionally, tap Clear data (this resets camera settings but won’t delete photos)
This can fix persistent lag or settings-related glitches.
Reset Camera Settings
- Open the Camera app
- Tap the gear icon (Settings)
- Scroll down and select Reset settings
This resets zoom behavior, filters, and shooting modes to factory defaults.
Test Focus in Pro Mode or Manual Focus
- Open the Camera app > More > Pro
- Try adjusting focus manually using the MF (manual focus) slider
If manual focus works but autofocus doesn’t, it’s likely a software or firmware bug rather than a hardware issue.
Update the Camera App and Software
- Go to Galaxy Store > Menu > Updates and update Samsung Camera
- Also check Settings > Software update > Download and install
Camera stability is frequently improved via One UI patches.
Boot into Safe Mode
This disables third-party apps and helps identify if any are interfering with the camera.
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons
- Tap and hold “Power off” on the screen
- Choose Safe Mode
Test the camera in Safe Mode. If it works fine, a third-party app (like a social media camera or scanner app) is likely the cause.
Use Samsung Members Diagnostics
- Open the Samsung Members app
- Go to Support > Diagnostics > Camera
- Run a full test to check for hardware-level issues
If the diagnostics fail or show hardware errors, visit a Samsung Service Center.
⚠️ When to Visit a Service Center
- Camera shows “Failed to initialize” even after clearing cache
- Autofocus doesn’t work in any app, including third-party ones
- The lens appears damaged or cracked
- Camera makes clicking noises or refuses to switch between lenses
- Your Galaxy S21 is under warranty and shows hardware diagnostics errors
Samsung technicians can inspect the camera module, laser autofocus sensor, or OIS (optical image stabilization) components for defects.
✅ Conclusion
Camera issues on the Galaxy S21—whether it’s focusing problems, blurry photos, or app crashes—are usually related to software bugs, lens obstructions, or app conflicts. Most of these can be resolved by clearing the cache, updating software, or resetting the camera settings.
If none of the fixes help, testing in Safe Mode or using the Samsung Members diagnostics tool can confirm if the issue is app-related or due to a hardware fault. In rare cases, professional service may be required.
