Volume buttons, mute switch and back camera not working: What could be causing this issue on my phone?

Volume buttons, mute switch and back camera not working: What could be causing this issue on my phone?
I’m really frustrated because my phone’s volume buttons, mute switch, and back camera have all stopped working. I rely heavily on these features every day, and now I’m unable to adjust the volume, mute my calls, or take pictures. The issue seemed to start out of nowhere, and I haven’t dropped my phone or exposed it to any extreme conditions. It’s puzzling because all three problems occurred simultaneously. I’ve tried restarting the device and making sure the software is up to date, but nothing seems to help. Has anyone else experienced this combination of issues, and what could potentially be causing all three to malfunction at the same time?
9 Answers

I have encountered similar woes, traced back to software anomalies. This is what you could try: Backup your essential data, then perform a factory reset on your phone. This action can help determine if your issue is software-related. Should the reset remedy the situation, then a software glitch is likely to blame. Just be mindful as you restore your data to avoid reintroducing any problematic software.

Software conflicts might be the culprit. Here’s what I’d advise: Uninstall any recent apps you’ve added and observe if the problem resolves. Another tactic is to boot your phone into safe mode. If the functionalities return, the issue is app-related. Identifying and removing the problematic app can restore your device’s normal operations.

My experience pointed towards the internal flex cables. Considering that these cables can loosen or degrade, affecting multiple functionalities at once, this was my solution: If you’re handy, carefully disassemble your phone and inspect the ribbon cables. Reseating or even replacing these cables brought my phone back to life. Do note, doing this yourself could void any warranties.

When encountering your issues, I discovered that the problem lay with the mainboard. Symptomatic of simultaneous failures, I took these steps: Brought the phone to a certified technician who ran diagnostics confirming the mainboard fault. Though pricey, replacing the mainboard resolved everything. Be sure to weigh this repair versus buying a new phone.

When I had a similar issue, the fix was a hardware examination. Over time, internal connections may loosen or suffer damage. Here are my suggestions: First, take your phone to a professional technician or an authorized repair center. They can inspect and, if needed, replace the internal components near the volume buttons, mute switch, and back camera. This approach solved the problem for me, and my phone’s functions were restored.

Once, I had these exact issues, and it turned out to be from moisture getting into my phone. Surprisingly, even without direct water exposure, humidity can infiltrate. Here’s what worked for me: Power off the device, place it in a bowl filled with uncooked rice or silica gel packets, and leave it for 24-48 hours to soak up any moisture. If, after drying, the problem persists, you may need to seek professional repairs.

Interestingly, the root cause for me was a deteriorating battery. Symptoms such as yours can emerge when the battery ages and fails. Check your battery’s health status from your phone’s settings. If it’s below optimal performance, replacing the battery—whether on your own or via a repair shop—resolved the volume, mute, and camera issues for me.