Troubleshooting S10 Camera Focus Issues

If your Samsung Galaxy S10 camera is blurry and not focusing, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to address the problem. Firstly, ensure that your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. Check if the camera lens is clean, as dirt or foreign objects can interfere with autofocus. You can also try manually focusing the camera by tapping the screen on the area you want the camera to focus on. If your device has Tracking Auto-focus enabled, try disabling it as this feature locks the focus on a single subject for three seconds, which may make it seem like the camera is not focusing properly.

Try manually focusing the camera

If your Galaxy S10 camera is blurry and not focusing, it could be because the phone is not held steady enough to focus on a subject. Try holding the phone steady and tapping the screen where you want the phone to focus. This will tell the phone to refocus in that area.

If this does not work, you can try manually focusing the camera by tapping and holding anywhere on the screen to lock the focus and exposure.

If you still cannot get the camera to focus, there are a few other things you can try. First, make sure your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. You can do this by going to Settings > Software update, then tapping Download and install, and following the on-screen instructions.

Next, check that the camera lens is clean. A dirty lens can interfere with autofocus. Clean the lens with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, and make sure your phone cover and accessories are not covering the edges of the lens.

If the problem persists, try deactivating the Tracking Auto-focus feature. Open the Camera app and tap the Settings icon in the top left corner. Then, tap the switch next to Tracking auto-focus to turn it off. With Tracking Auto-focus enabled, the camera will be locked on a single subject for 3 seconds, which may make it seem like the camera is not focusing on the entire scene.

Update installed apps

If your Galaxy S10 camera is blurry and not focusing, it could be due to a software bug. To address this, make sure you have the latest version of your device's software and related apps installed.

• Open the Google Play Store app on your Samsung Galaxy S10 device. The Play Store is like a supermarket for apps, with all apps developed and published through Google.
• Tap on your profile picture, then tap "Manage apps & device".
• Tap "Updates available" to see what apps need updates.
• From here, you can either:

• Tap "Update" next to individual apps
• Tap "Update all" to install all available updates

You can also turn on auto-updates so that your apps will update automatically without you having to think about it. To do this:

• Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile picture.
• Tap "Settings", then "Network preferences".
• Tap "Auto-update apps" and select your desired setting.

You can also update apps from the Galaxy Store, which has exclusive content made for Samsung devices. You will need to update these apps separately from your Play Store apps. To update apps from the Galaxy Store:

• Open the Galaxy Store and tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Updates".
• From here, you can either tap the circling arrow next to individual apps to update them one at a time, or tap "Update all" to install all available updates.

To turn on auto-updates in the Galaxy Store:

• Open the Galaxy Store and tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines), then tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
• Tap "Auto update apps" and select your desired setting.

Install a firmware update

If your Galaxy S10 camera is blurry and not focusing, it could be due to a number of reasons. Firstly, ensure that your phone is held steady enough to allow it to focus on a subject. Secondly, tap the part of the screen where you want the phone to focus on. If this does not work, check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. Outdated software could be the reason why your camera is not focusing properly.

To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Software update.

Step 2: Tap on Download and install.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions.

It is important to regularly check for updates and install them as they come to lessen the chances of problems. By default, the Galaxy App Store is set to automatically download app updates, but if you have changed this behaviour, be sure to regularly check for updates.

If you are still facing issues with your camera focusing, you can try to reset your camera application to factory default settings. This will help to clear all caches and restore the camera app to its original settings.

Wipe the cache partition

If your Samsung Galaxy S10 camera is blurry and not focusing, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to address this problem. One suggestion is to wipe the cache partition. This is a safe procedure and will not result in any loss of personal data.

To wipe the cache partition on your Samsung Galaxy S10, follow these steps:

• Turn off the device.
• Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
• When the green Android logo is displayed, release all keys.
• Press the Volume down key several times to highlight 'Wipe cache partition'.
• Press the Power button to select.
• Press the Volume down key until 'Yes' is highlighted and press the Power button.
• Once the wipe cache partition is complete, "Reboot system now" will be highlighted.
• Press the Power key to restart the device.

Note: Some users have reported that connecting the device to a PC or laptop via USB-C cable and then performing the above steps has helped when the normal process did not work.

Check your phone case isn't blocking the lens

It's possible that your phone case is obstructing the lens and preventing the camera from focusing properly. This is a common issue that many S10 users have faced. It's important to ensure that your phone case is not only protective but also compatible with the device. Here are a few things to check:

First, examine the phone case itself. Ensure that it is designed for the Samsung Galaxy S10 and that it has precise cutouts that align perfectly with the camera lens and flash. If the cutouts are even slightly misaligned, it can obstruct the lens and cause focusing issues.

Next, check if the case is properly secured and fitted to your phone. A loose or improperly fitted case can shift and block the camera lens, especially if it is bulky or has moving parts. Remove the case and refit it, ensuring it is secure and doesn't move around.

Now, inspect the camera lens area. Ensure that the case doesn't have any raised edges or protrusions that might extend over the camera lens, as this could definitely cause focus problems. Also, check for any debris, lint, or dirt that might have accumulated inside the case, especially around the camera lens cutout. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air to gently clean the area, ensuring no foreign objects are blocking the lens.

Additionally, consider testing the camera without the phone case. Remove the case and see if the camera focuses properly. If it does, then the case is likely the culprit and you may need to consider a different case that is fully compatible with the S10's camera system.

Finally, if none of the above solutions work, it might be worth trying a different case altogether, opting for one that is thin and lightweight, ensuring it has precise cutouts that match your S10's features. A case that is specifically designed for the S10 will ensure you avoid any obstruction of the camera lens and should help resolve your focusing issues.

Frequently asked questions