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Updated 2026-10-27

SunFounder GalaxyRVR: no camera picture in the app

Researched by Riley Hart · based on SunFounder GalaxyRVR build guide and docs · we may earn a commission

Short answer

The ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power. Start with this: Turn the rover off. Pull the ESP32 CAM straight out and check it faces the same way as the drawing in step 38.

Why it happens

The ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power.

How to fix it

  1. Turn the rover off. Pull the ESP32 CAM straight out and check it faces the same way as the drawing in step 38.
  2. Open the little latch on the ESP32 CAM, push the camera ribbon fully in and close the latch (step 37).
  3. Check the 5 pin wire is fully in at CAMERA on the board (step 35).
  4. Turn on, press Reset and reconnect the app.

Check the step it comes from

SunFounder GalaxyRVR step 38: Plug in the ESP32 CAM
Step 38 of 49

Plug in the ESP32 CAM

Push the ESP32 CAM into the adapter, lined up exactly like the drawing. Check every pin is in a socket.

Tip: SunFounder warns about this one: backwards means no video later.

Check: Camera board lines up with the adapter. Antenna on the ticked side.

Common mistake: Putting the ESP32 CAM in backwards. It is the top reason for no video.

See this step in the full build guide

Still stuck?

Show the AI coach a photo

Open step 38 in the free build tool, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to change. 3 free questions per kit.

Open step 38 →

Other GalaxyRVR problems

The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show upThe rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi.The app keeps disconnectingYour phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes.The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connectCustom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old.A wheel spins the wrong wayTwo motor plugs are swapped.One wheel does not turnIts plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped.No lights when charging or switching onThe battery plug is loose or the battery is flat.

All 12 GalaxyRVR problems and fixes · The full build guide

SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit$129.99 at SunFounder. Every part and tool in one box.
See it at SunFounder store

Sources

Drawings by robotsforthat. SunFounder GalaxyRVR is a trademark of SunFounder. We are not affiliated with SunFounder.