BenchReady — Pixel Camera: preview, capture and cache
Standard Pixel 7 (2022), stock Android · 2.0.0
Compare front/rear capture in the Pixel Camera app before attributing a third-party app problem to hardware.

MODEL FIT
Open Settings → About phone and confirm Pixel 7. Check Android version and security update locally. Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 Pro are separate models.
Android 14 December 2023 update or later for Repair Mode. Other checks: stock Android with the named settings available.
Excluded: Pixel 7a; Pixel 7 Pro; Pixel 6; custom Android ROM

PREPARATION
[ ] Intact camera glass and normal phone temperature
[ ] Private non-sensitive subject in good light
[ ] Soft clean cloth
[ ] Pixel Camera and existing Play Store access
[ ] Keep any existing backup accessible to you.
[ ] Keep credentials and personal files outside this record.

GUIDE
1. Remove a case blocking the lens and gently wipe back glass with a soft clean cloth. Use a well-lit subject with the phone cool.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en; Shutter delay: check device
2. In Pixel Camera, compare front and rear preview and a saved photo. If only another app fails, keep that result separate.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en; Third-party app tip; Selfie camera
3. Press Power with Volume up to show the menu, choose Restart and repeat the affected camera path.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7374159?hl=en; Restart: Pixel 6 and later
4. If needed, hold Camera’s app icon → App info → Storage & cache → Clear cache. Use cache only; then repeat the same camera test.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en; Step 2: Clear Camera cache
5. Review Pixel Camera updates in Play Store → Manage apps & devices. After any chosen update, repeat the same front/rear comparison.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en; Step 3: Update apps
6. For shutter delay, check timer/flash settings and compare in good light. If selfie preview works but switching cameras fails, retain that distinction for Google support.
Sources: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en; Try selfie camera; Check Camera settings

EVIDENCE TO RECORD
Where problem occurs: Not recorded
Affected operation: Not recorded
Cache check: Not recorded
Camera app update: Not recorded
Rear preview — Pixel Camera; cool phone; clear lens: Not checked
Front preview — Same app and light; camera switched: Not checked
Rear saved photo — Check local saved result; no upload: Not checked
Front saved photo — Same ordinary subject; no upload: Not checked
Original third-party app — Only if already installed and permitted: Not checked

STOP CONDITIONS
Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it.
Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors.
Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step.

OUTCOMES
Comparison recorded: Save the Pixel Camera comparison and the first step that changed it. If only another app fails, follow that app’s support path.
- Front/rear preview versus saved capture
- First change that affected the result: restart, cache or app update
- Pixel Camera versus another-app behavior
Complete the missing preparation: Start with a cool phone, clear lens and built-in Pixel Camera comparison.
- Establish good light and a safe lens condition before retesting.
- Front/rear preview versus saved capture
- First change that affected the result: restart, cache or app update
- Pixel Camera versus another-app behavior
Discuss the recorded result with support: Give Google the affected camera and operation, plus the restart/cache/update result. No particular module is diagnosed here.
- Front/rear preview versus saved capture
- First change that affected the result: restart, cache or app update
- Pixel Camera versus another-app behavior
Keep the unknowns in your handoff: One or more preview/capture paths remain untested; cache or update status alone cannot fill them.
- Tell support whether preview, saved capture or switching could not be checked.
- Front/rear preview versus saved capture
- First change that affected the result: restart, cache or app update
- Pixel Camera versus another-app behavior
Stop powered checks: Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Do not open or press on the phone or handle hot or smoking equipment. Contact Google or an authorized provider; use local emergency help for immediate fire danger.
- Report scratched/broken camera glass or abnormal heat before more camera use.
- Front/rear preview versus saved capture
- First change that affected the result: restart, cache or app update
- Pixel Camera versus another-app behavior

SOURCES
Fix Pixel Camera app: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6306624?hl=en (General troubleshooting steps 1–3; Selfie camera; Shutter delay; checked 2026-10-13)
Turn your Pixel phone on and off: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7374159?hl=en (Pixel 6 and later; Restart; checked 2026-10-13)
Pixel 7 safety and regulatory guide: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/12164747?hl=en (Safety warnings; Repair and service; Charging; checked 2026-10-13)
Use Pixel Repair Mode: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/14266732?hl=en (Learn how it works; Access; Exit; checked 2026-10-13)
Fix Pixel battery drain: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6090599?hl=en (Battery diagnostics; Battery usage; Updates; Still have issues; checked 2026-10-13)
Fix Pixel Bluetooth problems: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7334382?hl=en (Bluetooth basics; Cannot hear music; Cannot make or get calls; checked 2026-10-13)
Fix touch and response issues on Pixel: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/6010316?hl=en (Check screen; Pixel 8a and earlier; checked 2026-10-13)

This is a blank guide. Use the website to save observations and export an importable record. No physical repair has been verified.