Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold selfie cameras are failing for some users

It has been over a year since Google launched its second-generation foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While the hardware was a significant step up from the original, a concerning hardware defect has plagued users for months: the sudden and total failure of both selfie cameras. To make matters worse, recent reports suggest that seeking help from Google Support might be a gamble, with one user alleging their device was physically destroyed during the repair evaluation process.

Reports of the issue began surfacing in significant numbers around August 2025. Users describe a consistent pattern: the device functions perfectly until, suddenly, the front-facing cameras stop working. This affects both the outer cover display selfie camera and the inner folding screen camera.

When attempting to switch to selfie mode, users are met with a black screen, often followed by the generic “Something went wrong” error or an immediate app crash. In some cases, a small green indicator light appears briefly in the corner before the crash, suggesting the software is attempting—and failing—to initialize the hardware.

The problem extends beyond the Google Camera app. Third-party apps like WhatsApp and video conferencing tools fail to load the video feed, and system-level features like Face Unlock become unusable.

Software fixes are proving futile

Tech-savvy users and developers in the community have dug into adb logcat reports, revealing that this is likely a deep-seated hardware failure. Logs show the system returning errors such as camera id 1 does not exist, indicating that the Android OS simply cannot communicate with the front camera sensors anymore.

Consequently, standard troubleshooting steps such as clearing cache, booting into Safe Mode, factory resetting, or even flashing OTA updates have universally failed to resolve the problem. The consensus among the community is that a connection on the motherboard or the camera IC itself is failing, possibly due to heat or wear from the folding mechanism.

The “Extended Repair Program” and a horror story

There is a silver lining, followed by a dark cloud. In December 2025, Google announced an Extended Repair Program specifically covering “issues that affect functionality” of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This tacit admission by Google suggests the company is aware of this selfie camera failure and other defects.

However, actually getting that repair might be risky.

In a Reddit post published hours ago, a user in Japan shared a harrowing experience with Google Support after sending their device in for the camera fix.

According to the user, the phone was sent in with minor cosmetic hairline cracks on the outer screen, which Google Support initially acknowledged. The user agreed to pay for the screen repair to facilitate the warranty replacement of the camera. However, the situation took a bizarre turn.

Google allegedly returned the device, claiming they could not reproduce the camera issue and refused coverage due to “physical damage.” Upon receiving the returned unit, the user found the phone in a catastrophic state—far worse than when it was sent. The outer glass was missing chunks, the inner OLED was leaking (ink spots), and the hinge was broken.

“They broke my phone to avoid fixing the camera,” the user alleged, sharing photos of the destruction. “I was able to reproduce the camera failure in just 5 seconds on the returned, destroyed unit.”

If your Pixel 9 Pro Fold selfie cameras have stopped working, you are likely eligible for the Extended Repair Program, even if your standard warranty has expired.

However, given the recent reports of mishandling by repair centers, we strongly advise the following:

• Document everything: Before sending your device in, take high-resolution photos and videos of the phone from every angle, specifically showing the condition of the screens and hinge.
• Verify functionality: Record a video showing that the phone (other than the selfie camera) is fully functional to refute any claims of prior damage.
• Check the repair status: If possible, visit a physical Google Store or authorized repair partner rather than using the mail-in service to ensure the device’s condition is verified in person.

Google has not yet issued a public statement regarding the alleged damage incident in Japan, but as reports of the camera failure continue to mount, the company will face increasing pressure to streamline the repair process for its premium foldable.

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