LG apps can’t access the camera — what to check first (easy help for seniors)
Steve H.
Reviewed for technical accuracy
Specialities: LG / Android camera permission issues (apps say “camera unavailable,” “can’t open camera,” black camera preview, permission denied).
LG phone apps can’t use the camera? Common reasons + safe checks (permissions, camera in use, after update)
Technician
We’ll do this in a calm, low-risk order. I don’t want you tapping a setting that makes things worse or feels scary.
First, just tell me what you’re seeing:
• Which LG phone (even “LG Stylo” / “LG Velvet” / “LG G” is enough)?
• Which app can’t use the camera (Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook, Zoom, banking app, etc.)?
• What does it say exactly — “Camera unavailable,” “Permission denied,” “Can’t open camera,” or a black screen?
Technician
Two gentle questions (no changes yet):
1) Does the regular Camera app (the one you use to take pictures) still open and take a photo?
2) Did this start after an Android update, or after installing/updating a specific app (like WhatsApp or Facebook)?
Trust moment: We’ll start with the safest checks — we’re not doing a factory reset, and we’re not installing “cleaner” apps.
Technician
Common reasons after an update on LG/Android:
• The app lost Camera permission (or it got set to “Ask every time”).
• The app is allowed for photos but not for the camera, so it can’t “open the lens.”
• Another app is using the camera in the background (video calling apps can do that).
When you open WhatsApp/Messages camera, do you see a pop-up asking to allow camera access, or does it fail without asking?
Technician
Safe check 1 (very low risk): confirm which apps are allowed
Instead of guessing inside the app, we check Android’s permission list for Camera and see whether WhatsApp/Messages is allowed, denied, or “ask every time.”
Trust moment: I don’t want you to flip a bunch of switches. We’ll look at the permission status first, then decide.
If you’re also seeing a full black preview, this guide can help you compare symptoms: Android camera shows black screen – easy help for seniors.
Technician
Here’s the safe way to think about it:
• If you want to take a photo inside WhatsApp, it needs the Camera permission.
• If you only want to share existing photos, it may only need Photos/Media access — but many apps still ask for camera to capture new pictures.
We can keep it minimal: allow the camera only while you’re using the app, and you can change it later. If you ever feel stuck with confusing permission screens, this may also feel familiar: Android phone consent screen confusing – simple fix.
Technician
Safe check 2: “camera busy” signs
If Zoom, Instagram, TikTok, or a flashlight/camera app was left open, the camera can feel “locked.” A simple sign is if the Camera app struggles to open right after you used a video call.
The gentle approach is to fully close recent apps and do one clean test. If you’re seeing other “phone feels off” symptoms too (battery draining, charging slow), those can be related to background activity: Android phone battery drains overnight – simple explanation and Android phone charging very slowly – what to do next.
Technician
Common “after update” patterns on LG phones:
• The app’s permission changed to “Deny” or “Ask every time.”
• The app needs an update to match the new Android version.
• A new privacy feature blocks camera access until you confirm it in settings.
Trust moment: We’ll focus on verifying permission status and app updates first — the safest, easiest things to reverse if needed.
Technician
Because your issue is mainly apps not accessing the camera, it usually points to permissions, app updates, or the camera being in use. Those are settings-level problems and often fixable without service.
If you also have charging issues or the phone shuts down, that’s a separate track: Android phone battery not charging – easy help for seniors.
Technician
Safe check order (senior-friendly)
1) Confirm the Camera app opens and can take one photo.
2) Note which apps fail (WhatsApp, Messages, Facebook) and whether you see “permission denied” or “camera unavailable.”
3) In Android settings, look at the Camera permission list to see if those apps are allowed, denied, or set to ask each time.
4) If the camera feels “busy,” close other apps (especially Zoom/video calling) and test again.
One small check at a time keeps you in control. If you tell me your exact LG model and the app names, I can help you interpret what you see without guessing.
Technician
When you’re ready, share two details and we’ll narrow it down safely:
• Your LG model + Android version (if you can find it)
• Which apps are denied or missing under the Camera permission list
Trust moment: If any screen asks you to install a “camera fixer” app, enter passwords, or allows something that feels confusing, pause — we’ll verify first. Calm steps beat random tapping every time.
Quick answer: the accepted fix
Accepted first approach when LG phone apps can’t access the camera: confirm whether it’s a permission issue, a “camera busy” situation, or an update mismatch — using safe checks.
What usually helps most:
• Check if the Camera app works (helps separate hardware vs app permissions).
• Review the Camera permission for the affected app(s) and choose a privacy-friendly option like “only while using.”
• Close video-call/social apps that may be using the camera, then test again.
• Make sure the problem app is updated (some apps need updates after Android updates).
• If something looks suspicious (pushy pop-ups, “install this fixer”), back out and verify before allowing anything.
Why LG apps lose camera access (and why it can start suddenly after an update)
On LG phones running Android, camera access is controlled by app permissions. After a system update, permissions can be re-checked, and some apps may need their own updates to work smoothly with the new Android version. Another common reason is the camera being “in use” by a video call or social app in the background. The safest path is to confirm the Camera app works, then check camera permissions for the exact apps that fail.
What to check first: camera permission, “camera in use,” or a stuck app
Start with simple comparisons: does the Camera app open, but WhatsApp/Messages cannot open the camera? That usually points to settings/permissions for that specific app. If the camera fails everywhere, or you see “camera unavailable” in multiple apps, it could be a system-level issue or the camera being busy. Avoid changing many settings at once — one safe check at a time makes the cause clear.
LG apps can’t access the camera — gentle troubleshooting tips for seniors
Most cases are caused by camera permission settings, an update, or another app using the camera.
Best approach: confirm the Camera app works, then check whether the specific app is allowed to use the camera. If you prefer privacy, choose “allow only while using the app” when that option is available. If the camera is “busy,” closing video-call and social apps before testing can help. Avoid downloading random “camera booster” or “fixer” apps — they can add pop-ups and make things more confusing.
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. Avoid making multiple system changes at once. For device-specific steps, consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech or the manufacturer’s support before making decisions.
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FAQ
Why did LG apps stop accessing the camera suddenly?
This often happens when a camera permission was denied earlier, or Android changed permission rules after an update. Another common reason is the camera being used by a different app in the background. If your regular Camera app still works, the issue is usually app settings, not a broken camera. Checking the camera permission list is the safest first step.
Did an Android update cause this camera permission problem?
It can, yes. Updates may re-check privacy settings, and some apps need their own updates to match the new Android version. After updates, a permission can switch to “deny” or “ask every time,” which makes the camera fail inside apps. It’s usually fixable without drastic changes if you check permissions and app updates calmly.
Is it hardware, or just LG/Android settings?
If the Camera app can still take photos, hardware failure is less likely. When hardware fails, the camera usually won’t open anywhere and may show errors in every app. App-only problems typically mean permissions, a stuck app, or “camera in use.” A single, careful check can help you tell the difference.
Can this be fixed without going to a repair shop or service?
Often, yes. Many people solve it by confirming camera permissions and making sure the affected app is up to date. Closing other apps that may be using the camera can also help. Service is more likely only if the camera fails in every app, including the Camera app itself.
Sources
- Google Support — Change app permissions on your Android phone
- Google Chrome Help — Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (Android)
- Verizon Support — LG V60: Turn app permissions on/off (Camera, etc.)
- LG Support — Why do I need to agree to access permissions (ThinQ)
Filed under: Sensors & Permissions
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