[Fixed] Unfortunately camera has stopped working Android error

This �unfortunately camera has stopped� error is just a system bug that is not a big issue if you have stock Android installed. Usually a simple restart or clearing cache will fix this error. If you have a custom OS like Cyanogenmod installed, you may have to flash another compatible ROM via recovery. I got this error message on my Nexus 6p whenever I opened the camera app. Then the camera app would simply force close and I would be unable to take any pictures. Here are the possible fix for unfortunately camera has stopped error for Android Smartphones and tablets.

Method 1: Restart phone

Well, this is a very straightforward step that could easily fix the camera has stopped error on your smartphone.

Method 2: Clear cache and data of your Camera application

Most of the time, the application cache may cause this error. To fix it, simply follow these steps:

• Go to Settings >> Apps (or application manager) >> Swipe to go to �All�
• Now scroll down the list of apps, and tap on �Camera�
• Tap �Clear Cache� & �Clear Data�
• Now restart your smartphone

Open the camera app and check for the error.

Method 3: Formatting external microSD card

This method is applicable only if you save your photos on your external microSD card. Simply remove the SDcard and move all of files stored on it to your hard drive. Then insert the microSD card in your PC or Laptop�s SDcard slot and format it. To format it, right click on the microSD card drive after it appears on your PC, then select �Format�. Before formatting , you can also try checking for error by right clicking your SDcard and selecting �Properties� >> Tools >> Check

Method 4: For Custom ROM users (Cyanogenmod, SlimROM etc)

If you are a custom ROM user, you are not new to flashing Operating systems via recovery. If you�re getting this error pop up, you will need to reflash the operating system along with a compatible GAPPs package. If it still doesn�t work, you will have to flash a different ROM.

Sometimes, you may get this error when you have too many pictures in your gallery. Just move the excess images to your PC hard drive or an external storage. After clearing your gallery, open your Camera app and take pictures.




Samsung Galaxy Gear users have also reported this error, where they would get a black screen and then the message saying �camera has stopped working�. Possible fix for this issue include resetting the Samsung Gear smartwatch. Also, check if you have the latest software update installed. If not, make sure you update the OS of your Galaxy Gear.

One of the above methods should fix the unfortunately camera has stopped working error on any Android device. If you have any other

How to fix �Unfortunately, System UI has stopped� on Android phones

Most android devices running stock OS don�t usually get the �Unfortunately System UI has stopped� error. This error is common among smartphones running customized Android operating systems. Some examples of customized OSs include Samsung�s Touchwiz, ASUS�s ZenUI, HTC�s Sense UI and Huawei�s Emotion UI. This error is mostly caused by a faulty or buggy software update and is usually fixed by another update. This can also happen if you have certain third party launcher installed. Here are some of the possible fixes for �Unfortunately the System UI has stopped� error on Android smartphones and tablets particularly Samsung Galaxy Note, HTC and ASUS Zenfone devices:

Method 1: Remove third party launcher

If you have any third party launcher app like NOVA, Trebuchet, Apex or Go launcher installed, uninstall them. Such launcher apps may conflict with your system UI because your system is not granting it sufficient permission to function stably.

Method 2: Remove apps that you recently installed

Sometimes normal apps may also conflict with your system UI. Identify your most recently installed apps and uninstall them.

Method 3: Wipe Cache Partition

A simple reboot may be all you need to fix this error. So try it. If that didn�t fix it, try booting into recovery and clearing caches. The best option is to �wipe cache partition�. First of all figure out the button combination to boot into fastboot. Usually, you turn off your phone and hold the volume down + power button until the recovery menu appears. Then you can use the volume buttons to highlight �recovery� option. Once inside the recovery, again use the volume button to select �wipe cache partition� and then press power button to select it.


If the problem still persists, all you can do is ignore it and wait for another system update to fix this issue. You may also try downloading the previous version of the Android operating system for your device and then install it manually via recovery. However, going the OS flashing route, will require you to unlock your device�s bootloader, which can void your device warranty. But if you have no problem with losing warranty, you can even install other custom ROMs that will surely fix the �Unfortunately System UI has stopped� error on your device.

How to fix Authentication is required error in Google Play Store on Android devices

Last week, while opening Google Play Store on my phone, I got an error message: Authentication is required. You need to sign into your Google Account. Retry. I wasn�t sure why this error popped up my two Gmail addresses are already added and synced in the Google accounts settings of my phone. On the Google help forums, some said it occurs if you have an outdated Google Play Store app.



However, even after installing the latest version, the Authentication required error would come up whenever I accessed Google Play Store to update or download apps. I could of course download/update apps by logging into the Google Play website on my laptop browser, but that is very convenient. Fortunately, I have found some effective methods to fix Authentication is required error in Google Play Store:

Google Play Store Authentication required error fix 

First method: Clear Google Play Store Data

This is the first method you should try for any Google Play Store related errors. It is swift and effective in fixing various Android market error codes.

1. Go to System Settings >> Apps >> App
2. Scroll down and select �Google Play Store� from the list of apps
3. Tap �Clear Data�
4. Now go back and open Google Play Store

Additionally, you can also clear data for �Google Service Framework�.
You can tap the menu icon on the top left to see that the Google Play app is synced the current Gmail account. Proceed to download apps or update your installed apps.

Method 2: Remove and add back Gmail account in device settings

• Go to settings >> Accounts >> Tap on Google >> Select your primary Gmail account
• Tap menu or the dotted button on the top right >> Tap �Remove account� and confirm

Now open Google Play Store and you will be asked to login your Gmail account
Follow instructions and add your Google account. The error should now be solved.

Method 3: Uninstall Google Play Store update

Please note that uninstalling Google Play Store update may not be possible on devices running Android 5. Lollipop, Android 6 MarshMallow or the latest Android 7 Nougat operating system. Still, you can try these steps and see if it works:

• Go to Settings >> Apps >> All
• (On LG devices you navigate to settings >> General >> App. Also tap on top right menu icon to enable �show system apps�)
• From the list of apps, tap on �Google Play Store� >> Select �Uninstall updates�

This will revert Google Play Store app to its original unupdated version. The old version might not have the same bug that is causing issues in the latest Google Play app. Now go ahead and open the Google Play Store app and see if you still get the �Authentication required� error.

Lastly, I see that some other blogs have recommended �factory reset� as a method. But I don�t think you have to go through that route,

Fix Can�t login Pokemon Go: our servers are experiencing issues - failed to get player information

Sometimes you while logging into Pokemon Go you may get this error: �Our servers are

experiencing issues. Please come back later�. This prevents your Pokemon Go account from syncing with the Pokemon servers where all of your login information and game data are stored. Another related error message is: �Failed to get player information from the server, retry�. As soon as you get the error message you will be taken out of Pokemon Go app. While most of the times it is caused by overloaded servers, this error may pop up even when the servers are working just fine. You may also get the �failed to login, retry. Try a different account� error. In such a case, there are few steps that will help you login to your Pokemon Go account and let you hunt your pocket monsters instantly:

The first this you should try is clearing your game data from storage.

Method 1: Clear Pokemon Go data

Go to Settings >> Apps >> All >> scroll down and select �Pokemon Go� >> Tab �clear data�
Note: On some devices (mainly LG) you will have to go to settings >> general >> apps >> Pokemon Go >> Storage >> Clear Data

Now after completing above steps, open Pokemon Go and it should log in just fine. If it didn�t try the below method:

Method 2: Removing and adding back Google account

This is for those users who have used their Google account to sign into Pokemon Go.

• Press menu or the pokeball icon at the bottom. Now on the top right click on settings > Log out.
• Exit Pokemon Go
• Go to device Settings >> Accounts >> Google >> tap on your gmail account (linked with Pokemon Go)
• Press menu or the dotted icon on top right >> tap �remove account�
• Now you can also add a new Google account (in case you want to switch to a different account for Pokemon Go)
• Add back the Google account you removed
• Open Pokemon Go and now choose the option to login with Google
• Choose the Gmail account which you want to sync with Pokemon Go

There you go. One of the above methods should fix your Pokemon Go login errors and slow server issues when the servers are just fine but you are getting an error.

How to fix unfortunately settings has stopped error on Android phones

The Unfortunately, Settings has stopped error has been widely reported on various Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This error prevents users from syncing their contacts, app data, Gmail, calendar etc in the Google settings. The �Settings has stopped working� error may pop up immediately after entering your device settings >> Accounts >> Google. This means you may not even be able to access your Google settings, where you add or remove Gmail accounts.



There are many fixes or solutions to this Android settings bug. If you have flashed a custom ROM like cyanogenmod on your Android phone, the error can be fixed by simply re-flashing the ROM and Gapps package. If you are getting this error on a factory or stock Android operating system, here are the possible solutions:

Gallery app settings

This one is a weird workaround for users who cannot access Google settings due to this error. This fix has worked on many Galaxy smartphones like Galaxy S4, S5 and S6. Open your Gallery app, press menu (or the three dots on the top right) and then tap on your account. Now the Google account settings will open and you can sync your Google data or remove the account and add a new one.
Note: This fix may not work on non-Samsung devices like LG smartphones that have a different gallery app.

Clear device cache from storage

Go to settings >> Storage >>Tap menu >> select �Clear cache�
On some devices from storage >> tap �Cached data� >> tap on �Ok� to clear caches

Wipe cache partition

This solution may also work if you got the settings has stopped error right after installing a software update.

• Turn off your phone
• Press and hold the volume up, power and home buttons at the same time.
• Release once you reach the recovery screen
• Now use the volume button to highlight �wipe cache partition�
• (on some devices it may also be inside advanced options)
• Now press the power button to start the wiping process
• Restart system (device)

Note: The above button combination for recovery mode is for Samsung Galaxy devices, other devices may have different method)

Uninstalling Google Play Store update

• This is a common method used to fix many Google Play Store error codes. It may also be effective for fixing the settings has stopped error.
• Go to Settings >> Apps >> All
• Scroll down the list of apps and select �Google Play Store�
• (on some devices, you will need to press menu icon on top right and then select �show system apps�)
• Tap on �Uninstall updates�
• Optionally, repeat similar steps to uninstall updates of �Google Play Services�

Uninstall third party apps

If you started getting this error after installing some particular apps, then it�s time to uninstall all the third party apps that may be causing some system conflicts.

Re-flash the operating system

Most of the times, factory resetting is not going to resolve this error. If you know how to do it, simply download your stock operating system and then install/flash it via recovery. If your phone is still under warranty, you can take it to the service center and they will reflash a bug free operating system so that your phone will no longer get the �Unfortunately, settings has stopped error�.
If you persistently get this error after trying all the above methods, all you can do is wait for the device manufacturer or carrier to release an update to fix this bug. If the wait is too long, I suggest flashing a compatible custom ROM. Custom ROMs these days are almost as capable and reliable as stock operating systems, so you can expect a satisfying performance from a stable custom ROM.

Fix: Unknown issue with Google Play Services � Gmail sync error

After upgrading my Android system software from CM 11 (KitKat 4.4) to CM 12 (5.0 Lollipop, I started getting Unknown issue with Google Play Services error message on the notification bar every time I tried to sync Gmail. On Gmail, it would just say getting your messages followed by the error messages. The message would also pop up at random times like when I am updating or downloading an app from Google Play Store. This Google Play Services error seems to affect only Custom ROMs on rooted Android smartphones. There is a very simple way to fix it. Here are the solution for with this �Unknown� Google Play Services error on Android phones and tablets running Cyanogenmod and other custom ROMS:

Solution: Clear Data of Google Play Services

Clearing app data is probably the most famous method to fix Google Play Store related errors and the same method will fix the Google Play Services error.  

1. Go to Settings >> Apps >> All
2. Scroll down from the list of apps and select �Google Play Services�
• Tap �Manage Apps� >> Tap �Clear Data�
3. Now reboot your phone

After clearing the data of Google Play Services, the error message will no longer bother you. You will now be able to syn your Gmail messages as well.  Sometimes, Google Play Services related errors can be fixed by wiping cache partition or by re-flashing the Gapps package from recovery. Here are some more methods to fix similar Google Play Android errors: Read: How to fix Google Play Services update error

How to fix Warning: Camera failed error in Galaxy S7 Edge, S6 and S5

Barely after 2 months of purchase, my Galaxy S7 Edge got the �Warning: Camera Failed� error that would not allow me to take any photos. Every time I opened the camera app, the screen would go black and give the camera failed warning error. The 12MP, f1.7 lens on Galaxy S7 is one of the best smartphone cameras today and it can even replace your digital cam or even DSLR for normal

everyday shots. So, I was bummed when this awesome camera stopped working. Fortunately, this isn�t a hardware fault but an Android software bug common among Samsung Galaxy smartphones. I have listed below all the methods to fix Warning camera failed error on Samsung Galaxy S7, S6 and S5 phones. The method are lined up in the order of their effectiveness as reported by users.

Solutions: Camera failed problem on Galaxy S5, S6 and S7 Edge � Samsung Galaxy Camera app troubleshooting

Method 1: Disable �Smart Stay� feature

Smart stay basically detects your face and keeps the screen on when you are looking at it. So, this isn�t really a feature you need because you can increase the screen on-time or simple tap on the screen to keep it awake. This feature seems to conflict with the camera app of Samsung devices resulting in failed camera error.

• Go to Settings >> Display >> Turn off �smart stay�
• Reboot your phone

Method 2: Reset settings:

Resetting app settings is the second most effective solution to camera failed error in Samsung Galaxy devices.

• Go to Settings >> Scrool down and select �Backup and Reset�
• Select �Reset Settings� >> Tap �Reset� (Do not select �Factory Reset�)

Now your Samsung app settings will be reset to default and this will fix the Warning: Camera failed error on your Galaxy S7 edge, S6 or S5 smartphone. After this method, you will also need to again add your saved Bluetooth devices and re-enter your Wi-Fi password.

Method 3: Clear data of the Camera app

The clearing cache and data is the most widely used method for fixing Google Play Store related error codes. This might also solve camera app errors.

• Go to Settings >> Applications >> Application Manager
• Select �Camera� >> Force stop >> Tap Storage >> Select �Clear Data�
• Tap �Delete�

Now open the camera app and try taking a picture. If you still get the �Warning: Camera Failed� error message, proceed to the next method.

Method 4: Wipe Cache Partition

Another method to fix Android firmware issues after an update, is to �wipe cache partition� from bootloader.

• Turn your phone off
• Hold power key + home key + volume up at the same time to bring up the bootloader
• Once you reach the bootloader menu, use the volume key to highlight �wipe cache partition�
• Press power button to select that option.
• Now reboot system

Hopefully the Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera failed warning will be fixed by one of the methods. If you have alternative solutions, drop us a comment below.

Fix Unfortunately Google Play Services has stopped

Some Android users are getting �Unfortunately Google Play Services has stopped� error after installing a software update on their smartphones. This error message is mostly seen on custom ROMs like Cyanogenmod and some devices running Chinese UI like MIUI and EMUI on Xiaomi and Huawei phones. Recently, many devices got the Marshmallow update and due to some incompatibility issue these devices are experiencing many Google Play store related errors.



There are many methods to fix Google Play Services has stopped error and the most effective methods are mentioned below.

Method 1: Clear Data Cache of Google Play Services & Play store

• Go to Settings >> Apps >> All
• (On LG phones, settings >> General >> All)
• From the list, Scroll down and select �Google Play Services� >> Tap �Clear Data�
• Again, Scroll down and select �Google Play Store� >> Tap �Clear Data�
• Again, Scroll down and select �Google Services Framework� >> Tap �Clear Data�

Note: In some devices running Android Marshmallow 6.0, you will have to first make system apps visible. To do this, go to settings >> Apps >> All. Now tap menu button (top right) and select �show system�. Then for clearing data like in step 3, you will need to go to Apps >> All >> Google Play Services >> Storage >> Manage Space >> Clear All Data. Repeat the same step for �Google Play Store� and �Google Services Framework�. Additionally, you can also �clear cache� for each.

Method 2: Uninstall Google Play Services updates

This method is useful if you are running Android 5.0 Lollipop and earlier operating system. Before you uninstall Google Play Service updates, you will need to remove your Google account from Settings.

• Go to settings >> Accounts >> Google >> Tap on you Gmail Address
• Tap Menu button (icon) and then select �remove account�
• Again, go to settings >> Apps >> All >> Google Play Services >> Uninstall updates
• (In case of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Apps >> All >> Google Play Services >> Permissions >> enable all)
• Again, go to settings >> Apps >> All >> Google Play Store >> Uninstall updates
• (In case of Marshmallow, Apps >> All >> Google Play Store >> Permissions >> Enable all)

Method 3 (For Custom ROM users):

If you have a rooted device with a custom Android ROM installed with custom recovery, first try wiping cache partition from recovery. Reboot and see if the problem persists. If you still get the error check your GAPPs zip file and make sure it is compatible with your custom ROM. Re-flash the Gapps package and reboot system. If you still get the error, the problem may be caused by a buggy OS. So, it�s time re-flashing another custom ROM. While you may not have to completely wipe data or factory reset your device, it is recommended that you perform a clean installation.

Method 4: Sideloading Google Play Services and Play Store

Here will download an APK file of the latest Google Play Services compatible with the Android OS installed on your phone. First you will need to allow installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings >> Security >> Enable �Unknown Sources�. Now you can download the Google Play Services apk file and then install it. For clear instructions on how to sideload or install Google Play Services apk file, refer to the comment section of this post: Fix Google Play Services update error

Do you have any other solution for Unfortunately Google Play Services has stopped error? Drop a comment with your fix and recommendation.

ASUS Zenfone 2 display problem- flickering, horizontal lines, vertical bands, discoloration

My almost new ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML has suddenly developed a display issues like flickering, lines, bands and discoloration. When you reboot or turn on the device you see the ASUS logo and right after that a thick vertical line or band appears right on the middle of the screen. When the device finally boots up, everything appears to be fine. Then it starts glitching and horizontal lines appear on the top of the screen. Then, many vertical bars slowly start to appear, eventually taking over the whole screen. Swiping down from the top of the screen will temporarily resolve the issue. Also when you open some apps, only the top 25% becomes visible. Right now this Zenfone 2 display problem has been coming and going. When you are working with the device for a long time the issue seems to resolve but when you leave it for some time, the problem resurfaces.

Update: Situation has worsened now and only a small portion on the top of the screen becomes visible- that too for a few seconds and then the LCD is covered by vertical rainbow colored bands. I have also noticed that the screen becomes visible when you start charging the phone, but once you unplug it, it again starts glitching.




I haven't found any permanent solution for this LCD issue. Many Zenfone 2 users are all of a sudden facing similar display glitches, which has led many to believe that this is caused by a recent software update that ASUS released. Some of them have reportedly resolved the issue by simply tweaking certain settings while most have had to replace the entire LCD panel. If you are still under warranty, you can take your Zenfone 2 the nearest service center and they will simply repair it for you free of charge. However, if this problem has emerged after you dropped the phone, it won't be covered by warranty.

Here are some suggested fix for Asus Zenfone 2 display flickering and vertical bars issue

Method 1: Disable Hardware Overlay

• Go to Settings >> scrool down and tap "About"
• Tap on "Software Information"
• Keep tapping on "Build number" until developers option is enabled
• again from Settings >> select "Developers options"
• Scroll down and select "Disable HW overlays"

See if that resolved the IPS display issues of your Zenfone 2.

Method 2: Wipe Cache Partition

Boot into recovery and wipe cache by following these steps

• Turn off phone
• Press and hold volume up and power button at the same time
• When you hear the buzz, let go of the power button but keep pressing volume up
• Now you will enter Fastboot
• Use the volume button to switch to "Recovery mode" and press power button to select it
• Now you will see a new screen with a green Android lying down
• Press volume up and power and the same time and let go
• Now from recovery scroll down and select "wipe cache partition"
• Do not turn off your phone until this process is completed
• sometimes it can take as long as 15-20 mins

Method 3: Check for loose connection

Sometimes the display flickering, color fading out and vertical bands/bars might occur because you dropped your phone and the display connection became loose from the motherboard. If yo you are confident about disassembling your phone, just use the right screwdrivers to unscrew and take apart the phone. Once you find the display connectors, make sure they are securely connected to the mainboard.

Method 4: Replace LCD panel

If your phone's display is still flickering and glitching, it's time to admit that it is a hardware failure. If you are under warranty, then you are covered. Simply take the Zenfone 2 to the nearest ASUS service center and  they will replace the LCD. If you are out of warranty, then you can purchase a new LCD panel with digitizer online from websites like Ebay and Aliexpress. Then follow the disassembly guides (available in YouTube) to take apart the Zenfone 2 and replace the display. If you don't think you can do it, you can take your Zenfone 2 to the nearest mobile repair center and they will easily install the panel for you.

Here's a video demonstrating this screen glitching problem of Zenfone 2:



It is very unfortunate that ASUS hasn't addressed this issue on its forums. It's mostly the consumers who are discussing and suggesting the solutions. The Zenfone 2 was a great product until it started having many different issues. For what you are paying, you'd expect it to last longer than a year. As for me, I have become  more wary about  affordable "high-end" phones due to this unpleasant experience with Asus Zenfone 2.

Poweramp can't find music on microSD card /external storage

Poweramp is a great Android music player and I haven�t had any issue with it but recently some users have reported that their Poweramp won�t find music saved on SD card or external storage even when doing a rescan. When you search for the music files they do not show up. The reason why Poweramp can�t recognize/scan music files/folder stored in microSD card is because you haven't selected the music folders in the external storage in the "Folders and library" settings. In many music player apps all folders on your device are selected by default so that it can scan everything. However Poweramp scans the music folder in your device storage by default and then gives you the choice to select the music files/folders in other locations. This enables Poweramp to quickly scan for any new music files only in the selected folders. Here is how you can scan and play audio files saved on micro SD card, external storage or any location in Poweramp music player:

How to fix Poweramp won�t scan music files/folders on microSD

• Go to settings
• Select �Folders and Library�
• Tap on �Music Folders�
• Scroll down to find this location �storage/MicroSD� (or any location in external storage)
• Now select the music folders in your SDcard or any location that you want Poweramp to scan

Now Poweramp will read all the music files in your selected folders in the SDCard. You can search for your music files or simply play it from the �recently added� section of your music library.

You can also enable �Auto-Find� from the Folders and library settings, but that will detect all music files (ringtones, game sound, recorded audio etc) in your device. You can then customize the �Music Folders� setting to select only some preferred folders.

Fixed: Asus Zenfone 2 NFC not working problem

The NFC on my Zenfone 2 was working fine and easily pairing with my Bluetooth speaker and tablet. One day it suddenly stopped working. At first I thought I may have received a defective unit or that I had accidentally damanged it. I also assumed the recent firmware update disabled my NFC. However, I managed to solve this Zenfone 2 NFC issue after reading suggestions from other users in various forums. Here is how to resolve the NFC not working problem in Zenfone 2.

How to fix ASUS Zenfone 2 NFC Stopped Working Issue

The inside of the back cover has contacts for NFC antennas

1. First Remove the cover and then put it back firmly in place. Make sure the cover snaps properly i.e no gaps anywhere.
2. Now turn off NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
3. Reboot your Zenfone 2
4. Get your NFC device which you want to pair with the Zenfone
5. The Zenfone 2�s NFC chip is somewhere in the middle i.e. right below the volume to rockers
6. Gently tap the middle back of your Zenfone 2 (or the entire back) on the device you want to pair with.
• Note: You have to tap or gently put the phone on the other device otherwise it won�t work. I use to simply slide my Zenfone on top of another NFC device and it wouldn�t pair. Also, you may have to tap all over the device several times until you find the right spot of the NFC chip.
7. Once the NFC is detected, you should hear a notification sound followed by prompt that will show that the NFC device has connected to your Zenfone 2.

Sometimes your Zenfone 2 can�t pair with other devices even when the NFC is working. You will hear the notification sound but it still won�t pair. In that case, you�ll have to restart your phone and then it will work. This seems to be a software bug or caused by incompatibility with some apps you installed recently. I hope ASUS will roll out an update to fix the NFC instability issue.

If you have just put a thick protective casing on your ASUS chances are that it is the culprit. Remove the protective casing and then try to pair via NFC.

Sometimes a damaged backpanel can also cause the issue because the inside of the backcover has the leads that contact the inner NFC antenna. Swap the backcover with a new one and check if that resolves the NFC issue.