LG G4 Ticking Sound: Causes & Fixes

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

If your LG G4 makes a ticking or clicking noise, the most common cause is the mechanical shutter or optical image stabilization (OIS) unit in the rear camera, which is normal. However, a persistent or loud ticking can also indicate a faulty OIS module, a loose internal component, or a failing speaker, and this guide explains how to diagnose and fix each scenario.

Why the LG G4 Makes a Ticking Noise

The LG G4 was released in 2015 and was one of the first smartphones with a f/1.8 aperture lens and a large 1/2.6-inch sensor. To keep photos sharp, it uses a floating lens element controlled by electromagnets — the OIS system. When the camera app is open, the lens constantly moves to counteract your hand shake. That movement produces a faint ticking or clicking sound, especially when you tilt the phone or when the camera is focusing. This is completely normal and not a defect.

Another source of ticking is the laser autofocus module on the back. It emits a low-power infrared beam to measure distance, and the actuator that moves the lens for focus can make a soft click. Both of these sounds are expected and harmless. The problem arises when the ticking is loud, continuous, or happens when the camera app is closed.

Normal Ticking vs. Faulty Ticking

To tell the difference, pay attention to when the sound occurs:

Camera open: A faint tick when you open the camera, tilt the phone, or tap to focus is the OIS working. Normal.
Camera closed: If you hear ticking while the phone is idle on the home screen, the OIS should be off. A persistent sound indicates a hardware fault.
During calls or media: Ticking that syncs with audio playback or ringtones is likely a speaker issue, not the camera.
After a drop: If the phone was dropped, the OIS lens may have come loose, causing a rattling or ticking sound when the camera is active.

How to Fix a Faulty Ticking Sound

If you’ve determined the ticking is abnormal, try these steps in order:

Restart the phone. A temporary software glitch can cause the camera app to keep the OIS active. A simple reboot often stops it.
Clear the camera app’s cache. Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage and tap “Clear Cache.” This doesn’t delete your photos.
Update the software. LG released several updates that improved camera behavior. Check Settings > About phone > Update Center for any pending updates.
Test in Safe Mode. Boot into Safe Mode (press and hold the power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until the Safe Mode prompt appears). If the ticking stops, a third-party app is interfering. Uninstall recently installed apps.
Check for physical damage. Look at the camera lens for cracks or debris. If the phone was dropped, the OIS module may need replacement.

If none of these work, the OIS module itself is likely defective. This is a known issue on the G4 and requires a hardware repair. You can either send it to a professional repair service or attempt a DIY replacement, but the latter is risky because the camera module is delicate and glued to the main board.

Common Misconceptions About the Ticking

Many users worry that the ticking means the phone is about to explode or that the battery is faulty. Neither is true. The G4’s battery is removable, and a failing battery typically causes swelling, not ticking. Another misconception is that the ticking is a sign of water damage. While water can corrode the OIS coils, the sound itself is not a reliable indicator. If you suspect water damage, look for the liquid damage indicator (a small white sticker that turns pink) inside the battery compartment.

Also, some users think that disabling the camera’s OIS in settings will stop the sound. The G4 does not have a user-accessible OIS toggle in the stock camera app. You can only reduce the sound by keeping the camera app closed or using a third-party camera app that doesn’t trigger OIS (though most do).

When to Seek Professional Repair

If the ticking is accompanied by any of the following, stop using the phone and get it checked:

The camera app crashes or shows a black screen.
Photos come out blurry even with OIS on.
The phone gets unusually hot near the camera.
The ticking continues even after a factory reset.

A factory reset (back up your data first) can rule out any software corruption. If the sound persists after that, it’s almost certainly hardware. Repair costs vary by region and provider, but a camera module replacement is generally moderate. Given the phone’s age, you might also consider whether a repair is more cost-effective than a new device.

Preventing Future Ticking Issues

To avoid OIS problems:

Use a protective case that has a raised lip around the camera to absorb shock.
Avoid exposing the phone to extreme temperatures, which can warp the OIS springs.
Don’t shake the phone aggressively, especially with the camera open.
If you drop the phone, test the camera immediately for unusual sounds or blur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticking sound from the LG G4 camera normal?

Yes, a faint ticking when the camera is open is the optical image stabilization system moving the lens. It is designed to do this and is not a sign of a defect.

Why does my LG G4 tick when the screen is off?

If the phone is on a table and you hear ticking with the screen off, it could be the laser autofocus re-calibrating, but it’s more likely a notification vibration or a failing speaker. If it persists, try a factory reset.

Can I replace the LG G4 camera module myself?

It is possible with the right tools and a replacement part, but the module is glued to the motherboard and requires careful disassembly. If you’re not experienced, professional repair is safer.

Does the ticking affect photo quality?

No, the normal ticking is the OIS working correctly. If the ticking is loud and photos are blurry, the OIS may be failing and needs repair.

Is the ticking sound a sign of the bootloop issue?

No, the G4’s infamous bootloop (where the phone restarts repeatedly) is caused by a loose internal connection on the main board, not the camera. Ticking and bootloop are unrelated.

Will a software update fix the ticking?

Only if the ticking is caused by a software bug that keeps the camera active. Most updates improve camera stability, but if the sound is hardware-related, no update will help.

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