Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

Are you facing the ‘Unable to Access Camera’ issue while trying to use Instagram on your Android device? This problem can be a roadblock to capturing and sharing your favorite moments on the platform. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the ‘Unable to Access Camera’ error on Instagram. Whether it’s a permissions issue, a glitch, or other common causes, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to ensure that you can once again use your camera seamlessly within the app. Let’s get your Instagram experience back on track.

Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

Method 1: Check App Permissions

1. Open the Settings of your phone then tap on the Apps option.

2. Now, select Instagram from the list of apps.

Select the Instagram app from the list of apps

3. After that, click on the Permissions option.

Click on the Permissions option

4. Make sure that the toggle switch next to the camera is turned on.

Make sure that the toggle switch next to the camera is turned on

Method 2: Clear Cache and Data for Instagram

Every app stores some data in the form of cache files. These files are used to save different kinds of information and data. Apps generate cache files to reduce their loading/startup time. Some basic data is saved so that when opened, the app can display something quickly. However, sometimes these residual cache files get corrupted and cause apps to malfunction. When you are experiencing a problem with Instagram, you can always try clearing the cache and data for the app. Follow these steps to remove the cache and data files for Instagram.

1. Go to the Settings of your phone then tap on the Apps option.

2. Now, select the Instagram app from the list of apps.

3. Now, click on the Storage option.

Click on the Storage option | Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

4. You will now see the options to clear data and clear cache. Tap on the respective buttons, and the said files will be deleted.

Under Instagram app see the options to clear data and clear cache

5. Now, exit settings and try using the Instagram app again and see if you’re able to fix unable to access the camera in Instagram on Android issue.

Also Read: Fix Instagram Couldn’t refresh feed Error on Android

Method 3: Update the App

The next thing that you can do is to update your app. Irrespective of whatever problem you are facing, updating it from the Play Store can solve it. A simple app update often solves the problem as the update might come with bug fixes to resolve the issue.

1. Go to the Play Store.

2. On the top left-hand side, you will find three horizontal lines. Click on them.

3. Now, click on the “My Apps and Games” option.

Click on the “My Apps and Games” option

4. Search for Instagram and check if there are any pending updates. If yes, then click on the update button.

Search for Instagram and check if there are any pending update  If yes, then click on the update button | Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

5. Once the app gets updated, try using it again and check if it works properly or not.

Method 4: Uninstall and then Re-install

If updating the app didn’t work or there wasn’t any update available in the first place, then you need to uninstall the app, and they install it again from the Play Store. Follow the steps given below to see how:

1. Open the Settings on your phone.

2. Now, go to the Apps section.

3. Search for Instagram and tap on it.

Select the Instagram app from the list of apps

4. Now, click on the Uninstall button.

Now, click on the Uninstall button

5. Once the app has been removed, download and install the app again from the Play Store.

Method 5: Update the Android Operating System

1. Go to the Settings of your phone.

2. Tap on the System option.

3. Now, click on the Software update.

Now, click on the Software update | Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

4. You will find an option to Check for Software Updates. Click on it.

Click on Check for Software Updates

5. Now, if you find that a software update is available, then tap on the update option.

6. Wait for some time while the update gets downloaded and installed.

7. After that, open Instagram and see if it was working properly or not.

Also Read: What Can I Do If I Forgot My Instagram Password?

Method 6: Make Sure that you are Using the Native Camera App

You might be using a third-party camera app as your default camera. The problem with such apps is that they don’t work well with other apps like Instagram or WhatsApp. To avoid complications, it is better to use the native camera app. Follow the steps given below to make sure that the default camera app is indeed your native camera.

1. Open Settings on your device.

2. Now tap on the Apps option.

3. Here, select the default apps option.

Select the Default apps section

4. Now, click on the Camera tab.

Now, click on the Camera tab | Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android

5. Make sure that the native camera is selected as your default camera app.

Make sure that the native camera is selected as your default camera app

6. After that, open Instagram again and see if you’re able to fix unable to access the camera in Instagram on Android.

Method 7: Perform Factory Reset 

This is the last resort that you can try if all of the above methods fail. If nothing else works, you can try to reset your phone to the factory settings and see if it resolves the problem. Opting for a factory reset would delete all your apps, their data, and also other data like photos, videos, and music from your phone. Due to this reason, it is advisable that you create a backup before going for a factory reset. Most phones prompt you to backup your data when you try to factory reset your phone. You can use the in-built tool for backing up or do it manually, the choice is yours.

1. Go to the Settings of your phone then tap on the System tab.

2. Now, if you haven’t already backed up your data, click on the Backup your data option to save your data on Google Drive.

3. After that, click on the Reset tab.

Click on the Reset tab

4. Now, click on the Reset Phone option.

Click on the Reset Phone option

This will take some time. Once the device is ready to use, download, and install Instagram again. Complete the entire login and registration process and grant all the necessary permissions that it asks for. After this, you should be able to able to access the camera from Instagram.

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As mentioned earlier, sometimes the problem is with Instagram itself. If you’re still unable to access the camera in the Instagram app after trying all the solutions mentioned above, then there is nothing that you can do apart from waiting. At times, Instagram’s servers are down, and that causes the app to malfunction. You have to be a little patient and hope that Instagram fixes the issue as soon as possible.

1 thought on “Fix Unable to Access Camera in Instagram on Android”

  1. I have the same problem, but I think I found a “solution.” When you click on the “+” button to create a new post, I bet it shows all of the pictures in your “Gallery,” with no little camera icon, just the button to select multiple images. If you tap on the Gallery menu, and select one of the names of the camera apps you have installed (I picked “Camera”), I bet you’ll see the little camera icon appear under the gallery photo. That should activate your camera.
    Now if only I could figure out how to make IG default to opening the Camera, instead of the Gallery.

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