USB Endoscope Camera Not Working?- Try This Fix

Fix for usb endoscope camera not working? In this article, we will give you fix for the different types of issues that you might face with USB endoscope. Here we are only considering USB endoscope, so if you own a different model, you will have find some other source for fixing your issues.  

Fix For USB Endoscope Camera Not Working

The USB endoscope is known to be problematic at times. There could be many reasons for this. We have listed the most common ones below. We have tried our best to give you maximum trips that prevent repair costs.

1. The Cable Wire Itself

This is one of the biggest issue of USB endoscope camera not working. You need the main cable to connect the endoscope to your phone or computer. Aside from this, you will require an OTG adapter. This stands for “On-the-go”. This is a piece of cable that is easily connected to any device you want. You get different sizes, but it should be compatible with your device. Sometimes, people use too many other company products. If we use the USB endoscope a lot, there might be bends on the cable. This means that the internal wiring too is bent. If this increases any further, the wire can break eventually.

Therefore whenever you are using the cables, try to keep them straight. This is one reason why most of our earphones get spoiled too. This leads to the problem. Your OTG adapter and the endoscope should be of the same brand and company. Both these could stop working over the years if the cable is not right. As mentioned, this is the most common problem. Thus, it is easily reversible. The problem lies with the cables and not the internal parts. To rectify this problem, there are two ways. First, check if the OTG adapter is working fine.

Plug it into another endoscope. If it works with the new one, you know where the problem lies. Now check the main USB cable. 80% of the time, the line itself is the issue. If you can safely remove the cable, once again test it with another device. If t works well here, the problem is the phone. Sometimes, the problem runs much deeper than a replacement. You might not always be able to replace the camera. It will be impossible to detach the camera and the USB. This is the worst-case scenario. In such circumstances, you will have to purchase a new endoscope. 

2. Software Malfunction

This problem is more challenging to fix than the previous one. We all know that software problems are much more complicated than hardware issues. Sometimes these malfunctions happen due to no fault of yours, or your cables. Our smartphones are subjected to frequent updates. As software updates, there are many changes that happen. This is another major issue for usb endoscope camera  not working.

Before doing the update, android and Apple will always give a detailed list of the changes. Very few people have the patience to read this. Just like you, even we directly go for the update. The fact is that after a software upgrade, the permission settings change. Since a USB camera and endoscope are an external device, the permissions are unique. These are not regular application permissions. Even if it worked well previously, the update could alter the permission factor. Such kind of software problem can be amended very quickly.

Simply go to your device settings. Click on the USB option. You will get a list of permissions here. Enable permission to give access to the endoscope. Now, to check if it is working, pull down the notification bar. It will show ‘connected’, and now the endoscope camera works. Another major software problem lies in using the wrong software. We mentioned above that you need specific software to use the camera.

People tend to download cheap or malfunctioning versions of the software. This is because it is cheap. This will not only hamper the USB endoscope camera, but also the entire device. In the worst cases, it will give you a bug or virus on your PC. Therefore, use original software only. Investing in the right software is much better than repurchasing the materials again. 

3. Camera Issues

The previous two points focused on the cable and the software. Now we come to a crucial part of the entire device: the camera. If camera is the reason why usb endoscope camera not working, it might be a little heavy on your pockets. You might have the best camera, but it will still deteriorate. No matter how expensive or how cheap it is. All products have a shelf-life. The only solution to such a problem is to get a new endoscope camera. Yes, we know that is not what you want to hear. Sadly, it is true. There is nothing that can be done about a camera. 

4. Image Screening

 This is another common issue for usb endoscope camera not working. Even if everything else works perfectly well, sometimes the image will not cast on the screen. Why does this happen? There could be many reasons for that. Right now, our focus is on the solution instead of the problem. Therefore, firstly, make sure that the screen is functioning. The device should be on. Not just the screen but even the camera should be on. The next step is to make sure it is disconnected from everything else.

There has to be only one relationship between your USB camera and the image. If you have done everything right to this point, there should be an image on your screen. If not, then try reconnecting. Now, check if the camera lenses are not blocked by anything. Sometimes the adaptor covers the lenses. There is no other reason why image screening will not work. Another thing to check is your internet connection. This is usually the case.

5. Color Issues

Sometimes, the color tones seem too unreal. The color balance is not as you desire. This is easy to fix. Just like our televisions and phones, you can adjust this in settings. Keep in mind that here, settings mean the camera settings. You can change the color saturation and balance. A manual way to do this is to conduct a white sheet balance. You will need a white, matte paper. It does not necessarily need to be matte. The requirement is that there should be no gloss or reflection of the paper.

The camera needs to be in focus the whole time. Scan the white paper with the camera for a while. This will take some time. Once it is done, you will hear a tone or a beep from the device. This is usually done when the USB endoscope camera is new. The older models required manual adjustment. The more modern cameras have this in-built.

It has an automatic color balance option. If the color is still too odd for you, you can go to the store for a replacement. This might depend on warranty issues again. If the device is too old, the color is likely to fade. No store will give you credit for this.

6. Dysfunctional White Balance

 This can be a nightmare to fix. The only way to solve a color problem is by adjusting the white balance. But what are you going to do if the white balance itself does not work? It can get quite frustrating. In such cases, there is an additional feature that comes with the camera. It is called the Gain on or the boost feature.

This is used as a last resort to fix color problems. All you need to do is turn it on and now turn it off. This is the most common thing we do when our phones give trouble. Use the same technique for your USB endoscope camera. Initially, after you turn it back on, it will be very bright. Therefore you will have to give the device some time to let it adjust. Another reason this feature is used is to fix low lighting. 

7. Unclear Image

We all hate blurry pictures. If you love taking a lot of photographs, you will resent blur pictures. Sometimes the endoscope can be a real pain, metaphorically. It will give you a lot of blue pictures. There are a few things you can do to turn this around.

a. Adjust The Focus Ring

A focus ring is very different from a ring light. A focus ring is what you place the camera in. If the picture is still blurred, tap on the device until it focuses. This is much like taking an image on a cellphone. Another thing you can do is adjust the zoom settings. Try focusing in and out and see where it gains clarity. 

b. Disconnect The Devices

 Yes, we are back to step one. The device should be on. Not just the screen but even the camera should be on. The next step is to make sure it is disconnected from everything else. There has to be only one relationship between your USB camera and the image.

 If you have done everything right to this point, there should be an image on your screen. If not, then try reconnecting. Now, check if the camera lenses are not blocked by anything. Sometimes the adaptor covers the lenses. There is no other reason why image screening will not work. Another thing to check is your internet connection.

This is usually the case. If it is still unclear, below the eyepiece. There must be dirt accumulated there. Dust this off very carefully. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Use minimal alcohol for this. In spite of all this, if it does not work, take it down to the local store and check the scope.

c. Check The Image Via The Eyepiece

 Before cleaning it, you can just check the resolution from the eyepiece itself. If it is evident here, there is no need for the previous point. The camera needs to be disconnected during this process. Now you can check the coupler. It has to be tightly secured. Follow the same procedure to clean the camera directly. 

d. Check How The Endoscope Is Connected

Sometimes, the endoscope itself is not adequately connected to the camera. The endoscope is the main point of contact here. If it is not connected correctly the usb endoscope does not work. The endoscope needs to be well connected to the source of light too. The light should not be too bright for the camera. 

8. Flickering Images

Honestly, who likes flickering unless it is at the disco. Horror movies have made a very unwanted aversion to flickering. The same goes for the USB endoscope. The image might be exact but it tends to be flashing on the screen. This means that it is continuously going on and off. The first thing to do here is once again, to check the connection.

The video cable should connect everything smoothly. The camera head to needs to be in the team. People forget about the camera head, but it is an essential component of the project. This camera head should not have any dents and bends. If we use the USB endoscope a lot, there might be bends on the cable. This means that the internal wiring too is bent.

 If this increases any further, the wire can break eventually. Therefore whenever you are using the cables, try to keep them straight. This is one reason why most of our earphones get spoiled too. Thus the tip here is to check all the connections. If the image still flickers, there is a problem with your display.

Final Thought

We have covered most of the reasons and fix for usb endoscope camera not working. However, sometimes our problems lie outside our realm. In such cases, the best thing to do is adapt to the situation. If you have your data backed up, you can purchase a new camera and transfer it there. Another tip is to keep changing your camera after a few years. Do not use the device until its breaking point. If you’re looking to buy a new endoscope camera, You should definitely check out the detailed reviews of Depstech Endoscope Camera and Oyrlize Inspection Camera Endoscope.