Direct answer
A black camera preview can be an app lock, another app holding the camera, permission state, temperature protection or hardware failure. Compare front and rear cameras in a second app.
What this covers
- The observed symptom matches this record
- Customer-accessible settings, connections and external components
- Diagnosis before reset, deletion or component replacement
What it does not cover
- ×A model-specific error code with a different documented meaning
- ×Internal electrical, battery-cell, gas, refrigeration or sealed-component repair
- ×A guarantee that every model exposes the same control label
Capture the exact symptom
ReversibleSwitch lenses, record any error and close video/social apps that may be using the camera.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversibleRestart, check Camera permission and storage, then test in the built-in Camera and one calling app.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleUpdate Pixel Camera and Android; clear Camera cache before considering its data.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleCapture and play back one photo and short video from each working lens.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I check before resetting anything?+
Switch lenses, record any error and close video/social apps that may be using the camera.
What is the safest isolation test?+
Restart, check Camera permission and storage, then test in the built-in Camera and one calling app.
When should I stop troubleshooting?+
Service the phone if one lens stays black after restart or after impact/liquid exposure.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.