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Droid DNA camera not working after KitKat update

I have updated my Droid DNA to the latest KitKat update. Now the camera doesn't open and says "Unable to start the camera".

has anyone else seen this? Does anyone know ho to uninstall the update, or fix the issue. I've tried third party camera apps and they all cant open the camera.

Thanks for any responses!!!

Comments

Ann154

Try clearing the data and cache for the Camera app.

efp1225

I've tried that and no success. I've even reset to factory defaults and it didn't work. the camera worked great before the upgrade :smileysad:

Verizon_Support

We want you to be able to enjoy all those great features after the update efp1225! Are you having difficulties with any other apps? Tried testing in safe mode? http://vz.to/1g3i9mj

JonathanK_VZW

VZWSupport

Follow Us on Twitter@VZWSupport

efp1225

Any app that uses the camera is having issues. It does work every once in a while but once I close the camera app it stops working for a few hours then works again. It seems like the camera app isn't releasing the resource once closed.

I have tried in safe mode and there is no difference.

Verizon_Support

I'm so sorry your camera isnt working on your device efp1225. Have you performed a hard reset yet? Here are the steps http://vz.to/RM2KBN . Please keep us posted and make sure your phone is backed up so you are able to recover all your data.

KinquanaH_VZw

Follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

efp1225

Yes I have tried hard resetting the device multiple times. It doesn't make a difference. It will work for a short time and stop working for a long time. It is extremely frustrating and I wish I had never upgraded to KitKat. The Phone was working perfectly and now I cant take a picture when I want to. The new features that the upgrade had are definitely not worth not having a camera.

eeyore15301

Mine stopped working yesterday. I was hoping for a quick fix.

Verizon_Support

eeyore15301,

Oh no! Let's take a deeper dive to provide a quick resolution. Is your device updated with the most recent software? Have you attempted to reboot your device then test? Any physical/liquid damage? Any error messages appear when opening the camera app?

EfrainM_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

JohnSDawson

My DNA camera quit working yesterday after the update. It starts, then hangs, then the phone occasionally restarts on its own.

John

nrwphoto

I am on my 4th DNA in 1.5 years because of this camera issue. My phone is no longer warrantied and the camera has been out of commission since new years. I need it for work so I have had to go out and buy a dedicated camera.

I have cleared caches, rebooted, force stopped apps, safe mode, reset to factory... No matter what it just randomly comes and goes. Usually dead for a couple months and then works for a week, then dead again. Worst phone I've ever had.

Verizon_Support

Hi JohnSDawson,

Picuture memories are important! Do you receive an error message when your camera quits working? Has there been any liquid or physical damage to the device? Try clearing the camera cache, go to settings>applications>camera>show more>clear cache>then force stop.

Thanks,

PamelaF_VZW

Tweet us @vzwsupport

Verizon_Support

nrwphoto, it's important to us that you have a properly working device for business and personal usage. Is there any physical or liquid damage? Do you subscribe to Total Equipment Coverage? http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/features/calling_features/equipment_protection.html

LasinaH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

jf2go

I am having camera issues after the update as well. I have had several occasions where I snap a picture and the phone reboots. This has happened using the stock camera as well as Google Camera. Sometimes it works perfectly. Taking pictures has become hit or miss since the KitKat update. I had no issues with the camera prior to the update. I would get a replacement under warranty, but that phone would either have the KitKat update already, or immediately prompt me to install the update - which would result in the same problems. Between the camera and the signal strength issues I am having now, the KitKat update has been HUGE disappointment for me.

Verizon_Support

jf2go,

We want you to have a fully functional device. The camera is a very important part of the device. Have you tried all the steps listed above with clearing the cache and application data? Have you also tried a factory reset of the device? http://vz.to/RM2KBN

LindseyT_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

JohnSDawson

I can't clear the cache. I click "Clear cache" multiple times (12.00 KB cached) and nothing happens. I've force stopped many times and it still doesn't work.

Is there a way to back out the KitKat upgrade without jailbreaking the phone and dealing with all of the hassle and Barbra Streisand (BS) that that entails?

Ann154

You can't revert to the older version of the OS.

Verizon_Support

JohnSDawson,

I am sorry for the issues you are having with the camera still. Where you able to choose clear data for the camera app? If not, have you tried a full reset on the device yet? http://vz.to/1jMHn8R

LindseyT_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

JohnSDawson

I just did a factory reset (preferred method) and the camera still won't function. I tried it twice and it froze the first time and the second attempt caused the phone to auto-reboot.

It really sucks not being able to use my camera!

John

Verizon_Support

This definitely sounds like a serious issue JohnSDawson! Do you recall the original purchase date of your device? Do you have insurance/extended warranty? Is there any physical damage to the device? Please keep us posted, thanks!

MatthewS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT

greggie195

I know this is an old thread, but like everyone else here I am having the same problem. Mine started after the previous (pre kit kat) update. I have tried everything (safe mode, hard reset, killing apps, etc). I have spent too much time trying to fix this camera. I am out of warranty and do not have insurance. I absolutely hate this phone. I will never buy another HTC product and will probably move away from VZW after this contract is up. I can't wait for the day that I can run this phone over with my car.

thenuck

I agree. No camera and no help.

thenuck

I have the same issue. I have done all the recommended actions - safe mode, hard reset, clear cache. My phone has not damage to it. No water damage no dropping. I am out of warranty and another 9 months until I can get a new phone. Any options? Anybody?

Verizon_Support

Hello thenuck, a working phone is super important! You may qualify for our Device payment Program for a new phone. View details here: http://vz.to/ZILXBT Also, another option is to purchase a Certified- Pre Owned phone that is lightly used but much less than full retail: http://vz.to/1i4rsW4 Please send us a direct message if you would like us to review the account for any specific promotions available. Here's steps: http://vz.to/1b8XnPy

WiltonA_VZW

VZW Support

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

Kipsee

I am one of the few thousands that is having camera problems on a DNA. Like everybody else, I tried all possible versions of reset (including factory reset), emptying cash,etc. What is crazy is that this stupid camera sometimes starts and works for a few hours. Last time it was after my battery totally died. I was all excited, thought I might have found a fix. Haven't been able to get it to work again since. I AM SOOO MAD !!!!

You are trained at coming up with those cheesy sentences like "a working phone is super important!", "Picture memories are important!", "it's important to us that you have a properly working device", "lets get you running smoothly again!"...

THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FIRMWARE ISSUE. OUR PHONES ARE NOT DAMAGED.

WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION?

Verizon_Support

Hello Kipsee!

I completely understand how you feel, since I use my phone's camera all the time! Let's find a solution for you! I've followed you in the forums. Please follow me back and send a Direct Message. Let's see what we can do for you!

ChristinaB_VZW

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

fastinjun

I guess Im one of the many that have the same issue. Camera worked fine before update and now I am without a camera, will not enable etc.... Whats your solution Verizon??? No water damage etc....this is a firmware issue!!!

cakeyboss

I too am having the same issue,. The phone worked fine for a few weeks after the kitkat upgrade. Now the camera won't start. I need the camera to work and the phone to work. I had the phone for 17 months now and not had any issues until now. The phone has no damage or scratches, no water issues. It was a fine phone until yesterday. How can I get it replaced or fixed??? Thanks!

makbot

I also have the same issue.. as soon as i updated boom no front camera... now neither camera works. front or back. i did resets etc. there is obviously a screw up with the update. it sucks. i've had a number of problems with this DNA phone anyways. mainly with the wireless charging..

out of warranty.. out of luck. blah.

makbot

A couple things here... i hardly think sending in my phone for 1 or 2 weeks for them to "fix" something they broke is hardly a solution. I imagine there are more than a couple people with this problem. They should be able to push a fix just like they pushed the break. it's obviously a software problem.

Also doesnt this seem like it should be illegal? it's basically them sending us an software that doesnt work, then they charge us to fix what they broke? I'm sure somewhere nestled in their "terms" we bare all responsibility for them screwing up our phones when out of warranty. Still sucks.

I went into the Verizon store and while nice, they were not able to fix it via any of the methods that are available to the normal user like resets. Ugh...

I ended up just upgrading my phone via the edge program. I think pretty much everyone's time is too valuable to go back and forth with billion dollar companies that can basically spend your time b/c it costs them nothing. Luckily this phone sucked enough most of the time I wanted an upgrade.

thenuck

Update - the joke is on me! After sending my phone back and being very pleased with the pleasant and helpful repair team, I got it back and all was good as I posted a week ago. This morning, the problem returns. I tried to start the camera and what do you know - black screen. It it obvious that there is a serious problem with something. If it was the update - then why would it work at all? If it is hardware - why does it work sometimes? Even though Verizon is very irritating - they are the best of the bunch in this area so I won't threaten to leave them but sheesh - this is frustrating. My wife keeps asking me why I don't get an iphone - not sure I have a good answer after all of this. I sent some info to HTC again - we'll see what happens.

Kipsee

Why am I not surprised? If the problem is in the Firmware, as long as they don't take time to look into it and come up with a fix, a Factory reset might temporarily make it work but it will eventually fail again. As I said previously, I got it to work a few times after various forms of reset, but it never worked very long.

This situation is so crazy frustrating !!!

I can't count the number of times I badly missed my camera. HTC I HATE YOU !!!!

VERIZON PLEASE HELP !!!!!!

NotHappyDROID_DNA

Droid DNA Camera not working with kitkat update YES I did a factory reset and still not working....NO there is no water damage...I installed other camera apps and still not working....

Yojimbo123

I've had the same problem. It started as soon as my DNA was updated to kit Kat. Now only my Screen facing camera works. On top of that the battery life has become dismal. Their are tons of comments all over this forum about this happening. I've tried every single fix that's been posted but no luck. To make things worse Verizon won't take responsibility and HTC wants to charge you to send the phone in for servicing! I'm thinking of just going to Google now to ask them to give me a new phone.

Kipsee

Welcome to the club!

Question: how do you start your face cam without the app working ???

Yojimbo123

The camera app always worked but the back camera acts like it's not there. Coincidentally I can't even use flashlight apps because they don't see the back camera. It's a huge pain in the a$$.

shrtstff17

mine did the same thing and then the entire camera quit.I noticed that prior to the complete failure,that the icon to change the camera to forward looking disappeared. Two weeks later the entire camera quit and it won't even start. Lucky I don't use the camera very often and I have about six months before my contract expires. Then I will get another camera (not HTC) and possibly a different service. I also noticed that if this many persons are having the same problem that you would think that your service provider will get involved trying to find a fix and keeps its present customers happy. Maybe they think that the number of issues does justify the cost to fix the repair like GM and their recalls.

Well all of us that have this problem and choose not to replace the phone or service provider and tell everyone we know, then maybe and only maybe the companies wake up if their sales and stocks are in a decline.

Kipsee

We are on a Verizon blog, so you think they would react. In fact, I have not seen anyone from VZ in this blog for a very long time.

They must have it on "do not get there" list.

They probably decided to simply ignore us...

shrtstff17

I guess that this proves my point. Maybe some companies, like the Federal government, gets soo big that they think they know what we need or want. Oh well, My money can be spent either here or elsewhere.

Pat_su

I posted this same problem in June, verizon offered the hard reset non-solution. See below:

My DNA camera is not working properly since Update

Last time I get HTC phone, I bought this one because my last HTC bricked after an update.

uokiok2

I read all the posts and done all the steps. I've noticed that Verizon stopped responding over a month ago and do not expect them to start now. I too am having the same camera issue. I've been using HTC phones for a very long time dating back to the original Incredible. I have never had an issue like this one. from what I've read, there is no solution except getting a new phone or paying for the repair which I think is sad. I am convinced that it is the firmware because I've owned this phone since they first hit the market and never had this issue nor has it been replaced. it wasn't until this latest update that the problem started. I'm waiting patiently for a new update but don't see one forth coming. I truly miss the camera and I hope something happens soon. Maybe what I've heard is true. these phones are built to have a short life span to keep folks buying them or maybe they intentionally inserted the break to sell more phones. I would hope that this isn't the case because that would mean it doesn't matter what phone we purchase. they all will eventually have problems. what they don't realize is for many of us these phones are an investment, for our lively hood and for enjoyment. I hope that they are reading these post and take our concerns seriously and get the bug fix out soon.

jdc916

I just called htc support after trying to use my camera on my Droid DNA for the first time since the update.

We were at a concert last night and couldnt take pics !! When I would start the camera app the screen was frozen. What was on the screen was what ever it was pointed at when I started the camera app. Moving the phone around did not change the image on the screen. In fact, any app that needed the camera, instagram, scanner, FB, etc, the camera image was frozen !

So here's what they had me do......

Go to settings........power........ uncheck fast boot.......

then hold down the button that you would to power off the phone........

chose the restart option........

wait till the phone comes completely back up.....

then try the camera.

It fixed my issue.

Hope this helps !

TimothyOceanside

Thanks! I took your advice and it worked!!!

shoreline

Didnt work for me, does your camera still work?

richrocks

Wow...thanks, man. I happened to stumble on this. I'm not quite ready for a new phone, but that camera issue was [removed] me off.

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