Google Pixel Camera Blurry

Remember when you needed to take a whole separate device with you when you wanted to take a quality picture? Maybe you don't, but smartphones have made that largely a thing of the past. Except when the camera can't take a decent picture because everything comes out blurry. Don't miss the opportunity for a perfect shot because your camera isn't up to the job. Keep reading and get yourself sorted!

Before giving any of the more in depth fixes a try, start with these common quickies.

• Restart your phone.
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove any oils or debris from the surface of the camera lens (either front facing or any in a rear assembly).
• Check for any software updates to the phone. They can typically be found in Galaxy phones under Settings.

In order for your camera to take pictures, it needs a clear line of sight to the image you're trying to capture. It's easy to miss that something is getting in the way of your camera, especially if the something is your finger.

• Clean the glass lens over your cameras with a microfiber cloth. Debris on the glass could be causing blurry pictures or blacking out the camera altogether.
  • Your Pixel may even tell you if your camera could use a clean.
• If your issue is with the front facing camera, verify your screen protector is not in the way.
• Check for glass damage to the camera area. The camera itself may be perfectly fine, but the glass over the camera sensor can crack, affecting image quality. This glass can be replaced, in many cases, even without replacing the rest of the back glass.

Some third-party apps (Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) have been known to limit quality. Additionally they won't make us of any photo processing done natively by the phone. This can resulting in sometimes blurry and overall lower-quality images.

• Check to see if the issue occurs in the normal camera app.
• If it does not, take the image in the Camera app if possible, then share to the app in question. This guarantees better you'll have a full quality image, even if the platform you're sharing to reduces the quality.
• If it is only present in third party apps, or a specific app, try updating any affected apps. Updates can introduce improvements to performance.

The native camera app that comes with the Google Pixel, like all Android apps, caches settings and other files on its own as you use the app. By clearing these files and settings, it must rebuild them which can clear up image issues.

• Go to the Settings app > Apps > See all apps (sometimes you will need to click App info instead) > Camera > Storage & cache > Clear Cache.
• Retest. This may have cleared up the issue.

If you are trying to snap a selfie, you may be experiencing issues with the front-facing camera. The Google Pixel 3 and 4a's front-facing camera can result in blurry pictures if a certain distance from the camera is not met. Thankfully, this issue seems to have been fixed in more recent versions of the Android software so be sure to check for updates if you haven’t already.

Most rear facing Pixel cameras cameras make use of optical image stabilization technology. As you snap a photo, it uses readings from the gyroscope to attempt to compensate for camera movement so your images don’t come out blurry. Repeat exposure to strong vibration or a heavy drop can cause this mechanism to malfunction.

• Damage typically causes the camera to appear as though it is constantly shaking. You may even be able to hear or see it moving around in the housing.
• The best fix for this is a rear camera replacement. The movement of the camera sensor is controlled by small electromagnets and circuitry inside the camera. Repairing those is difficult and time consuming.

Is there an audible noise when recording video? Some users experience an “insect” like or high-pitched noise that exists when the camera app is active. This means there is a greater hardware issue at play with the device. Replace the camera by following an iFixit guide.

Despite the common conception that many Google Pixels are waterproof, that is pure myth. Even with increasing levels of resistance, water will find a way.

• Check your camera lens for signs of condensation. It tends to collect over the glass protecting the camera sensor.
• Condensation in the camera may indicate more serious liquid ingress to your phone. Skip the rice and use the iPhone Liquid Damage Guide for your best chance at minimizing any the damage. Even though this guide is written for iPhones, it applies to all smartphones.

• Google Pixel Lines on Screen
• Google Pixel Unresponsive Black Screen
• Google Pixel Not Charging
• Google Pixel Overheating

• Pixel 3 Camera Is Suddenly Incredibly Blurry
• Google Pixel 4a & Pixel 3a Front Facing (Selfie) Camera Photos/Videos Appear Blurry on Some Units