Fixing Galaxy S9 Camera Focus Issues

If your Samsung Galaxy S9 camera is not focusing, there are several things you can try. First, make sure that the camera lens is clean and free of dirt, smudges, or fingerprints. You can use a microfiber cloth or a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the lens. Next, check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. If not, update your device's software by going to Settings > Software update, then tapping on Download and install. You can also try closing and re-opening the camera app, restarting your device, using night mode, or force-stopping the camera app. If these steps do not work, you can try adjusting the focus on the screen, controlling the temperature of your device, or installing a third-party camera app like GCam.

Clean the camera lens

If your Galaxy S9 camera is not focusing, it could be due to a dirty camera lens. Dirt or foreign objects on the lens can interfere with autofocus. To clean the lens, follow these steps:

Firstly, power on your camera so that the lens pops out and opens. Then, take a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion. Be sure to avoid using tissues, as these can be too rough and may scratch the lens. You can also use lens cleaning fluid or water to help remove any stubborn marks. If you do use a liquid, dampen the cloth rather than applying liquid directly to the lens. Gently rub the damp cloth on the lens, moving counter-clockwise, and then dry the lens with a separate dry cloth. Repeat this process until the lens is clean.

It is also important to ensure that your phone case and accessories do not cover the edges of the camera lens, as this can also prevent the camera from focusing properly.

Deactivate Tracking Auto-focus

If you are experiencing issues with your Samsung Galaxy S9's camera not focusing, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, ensure that your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. It is also important to check if the camera lens is clean, as dirt or foreign objects can interfere with autofocus. Make sure your phone cover and accessories do not cover the edges of the camera lens, as this could also impact the camera's ability to focus.

Now, to the main issue: deactivating Tracking Auto-focus. When you want to take a picture, your camera should focus on a subject when you touch it on the screen. If Tracking Auto-focus is enabled, your camera will be locked onto that person or item for three seconds. As a result, it may seem like the camera is not focusing on the entire scene. This issue can be resolved by turning off the Tracking Auto-focus feature. Here's how you can do it:

Deactivating Tracking Auto-focus:

• Open the Camera app on your Samsung Galaxy S9.
• Tap the Settings icon located in the top left corner of the screen.
• Locate the "Tracking Auto-focus" option. It may be labelled as "Tracking AF" in some models.
• Tap the switch next to "Tracking Auto-focus" to turn it off.

By disabling Tracking Auto-focus, you will allow your camera to focus on the entire scene, rather than being locked onto a specific subject for three seconds. This should help improve the overall focus of your camera and prevent any issues caused by the Tracking Auto-focus feature.

If you still encounter problems with your camera's focus, there are a few additional steps you can take. These include resetting the camera app to its default settings and using Safe Mode to determine if a recently installed app is causing the issue. You can refer to the Samsung support pages for detailed instructions on these additional troubleshooting steps.

Restart your phone

If your Galaxy S9 camera is not focusing, you can try restarting your phone. This is because a recently installed app could be causing the camera focus problem. To enter Safe Mode and restart your phone, follow these steps:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel and tap the Power icon.
• Touch and hold the Power-off icon.
• Tap Safe Mode when it appears.
• Your phone will restart, and Safe Mode will be displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen.
• Check your camera's focus function. If there is no problem with focusing in Safe Mode, the issue may be caused by a third-party app installed on your phone.
• Restart your phone to exit Safe Mode.

Check for physical damage

If your Samsung Galaxy S9 camera is not focusing, you should check the device for physical damage. Remove the phone case and carefully inspect the camera module on the back of the phone for any serious damage or cracks. Physical damage to the camera module can cause the autofocus feature to malfunction, resulting in blurry or unfocused images.

It is important to note that physical damage to the camera module can be caused by various factors, including accidental drops, exposure to water or moisture, or pressure applied to the lens. Even a small amount of physical damage can impact the camera's ability to focus properly. Therefore, it is essential to handle your device with care and protect it from potential sources of physical damage.

In addition to checking for physical damage, it is recommended to keep the camera lens clean. Dirt, dust, or foreign objects on the lens can interfere with autofocus, leading to blurry images. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently clean the lens without applying excessive pressure. Ensure that your phone case and accessories do not obstruct the edges of the camera lens, as this can also hinder the autofocus function.

If, upon inspection, you discover physical damage to the camera module, it may be necessary to seek professional repair services. Depending on the extent of the damage, it might involve replacing the camera module or calibrating the autofocus mechanism. In such cases, it is advisable to contact Samsung support or a reputable phone repair service to assess the damage and provide appropriate solutions.

By following these steps and being mindful of potential sources of physical damage, you can help ensure that your Samsung Galaxy S9 camera remains in optimal condition and continues to capture sharp, focused images. Remember to handle your device with care and take preventive measures to minimize the risk of physical damage to the camera module and other sensitive components.

Use night mode

If your Galaxy S9 camera is not focusing, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, check that your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. If not, go to Settings > Software update, then tap on Download and install. Secondly, make sure the camera lens is clean. A dirty lens can interfere with autofocus, so give it a wipe with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Now, onto the 'Night Mode' feature. The June 2019 security update for the Galaxy S9 introduced a dedicated Night Mode to the phone's camera. This feature had previously been released for the Galaxy S10, but Samsung decided to roll it out to older devices too. Night Mode is designed to improve the quality of photos taken in low-light scenarios. While the update doesn't quite match the quality offered by the Galaxy S10, it still does a solid job, and Samsung may continue to tweak the feature in future updates.

To check if the update is available for your device, go to Settings > System update to see if there is an OTA update available. If you have the update, you can test out the Night Mode feature by taking photos in low-light conditions and comparing the results with the automatic Photo mode.

Frequently asked questions