Z5 Compact - The camera may be in use by another application

[grautinsh]

Greetings.

The back camera on my Z5 Compact has stopped working. Whenever I open the Camera an error message appears "The camera may be in use by another application. Please close the other application and try again.". I can't take pictures with any other app (instagram, snapchat, etc) either. Front camera still works.

So far I have:

- Cleared cache, disabled/enabled the app and Force closed any other apps that might use the camera
- Safe mode
- Restore factory settings
- PCC system repair


None of it worked. Obviously, the next step is taking it to a service center, but perhaps I am missing something, or someone else has experienced similar issue?

Current Android version - 6.0.1., build - 32.2.A.0.305

[dandy63]

Hi, so no difference at all when in Safe Mode....if not then that rules out a 3rd party app, are you using the stock camera app

[grautinsh]

Yes, I am using the stock app. Tried some store applications, but none worked.

[dandy63]

You seem to have tried everything that i would, last thing being the XC repair......i would try that once more, in my opinion if no luck then it does seem a hardware problem so best to contact either your place of purchase or your local support 

http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz3/tools/xperia-companion/

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/support/contact-us/

[NeoBeum]

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@grautinsh wrote:

Current Android version - 6.0.1., build - 32.2.A.0.305

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Go to

SETTINGS >>Device - Apps >> Click the Settings Cog >> Go to App permissions

#

Turn off all your camera permissions. Even ze camera.

Now go use the camera.

Let me know what happens.



EDIT: Actually... hangon... before you use the camera after turning off all the permissions, restart the phone.

Then, go back to the permissions page, and see if any have sneakily turned back on.
If they have there may be something sinister going on.

If not, proceed.

[Mrgdawg]

Turning off the camera permissions and restarting my phone fixed my camera issue. Thank you! 

[Euniq]

Worked for me,cleared permissions for camera, and switched off my phone, then switch phone on, checked if all permissions we're still off then started my camera and it worked, thanks so much

[NeoBeum]

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@Euniq wrote:

Worked for me,cleared permissions for camera, and switched off my phone, then switch phone on, checked if all permissions we're still off then started my camera and it worked, thanks so much

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Yeah, when apps get stuck, it's a pain to try and get them to reset. Specially if it's a system app.

Luckily, you can overwrite a Sony System app if you get someone to export an unmodified APK. We tried and it worked for a user in the calendar section. I exported Nougat Calendar, because their Z5C was using Lollipops Calendar

 thanks for using search instead of a new thread btw

[Banana1712]

Hi,

I have the same problem, but your solution doesn't work for me. I updated to Android 7.1.1 two days ago. Any ideas how to fix this? 

[portablehole]

I have the xperia x compact and after the 7.1.1 update I have the same exact issue.  I tried to disable all permissions to camera, rebooted and issue persists.  Has to be an issue with last update.