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[Robot kits](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) / [SunFounder GalaxyRVR troubleshooting](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) / **No camera picture in the app**

Updated 2026-10-27

# SunFounder GalaxyRVR: no camera picture in the app

Researched by [Riley Hart](https://robotsforthat.com/author/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

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

## Check the step it comes from

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](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-38)

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 →](https://robotsforthat.com/lab/build/mars-rover/steps/#step-38)

## Other GalaxyRVR problems

[The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show up The rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-wifi)[The app keeps disconnecting Your phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wifi-drops)[The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connect Custom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#app-wont-connect)[A wheel spins the wrong way Two motor plugs are swapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-backwards)[One wheel does not turn Its plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-dead)[No lights when charging or switching on The battery plug is loose or the battery is flat.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-lights)

[All 12 GalaxyRVR problems and fixes](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) · [The full build guide](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/)

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

[See it at SunFounder store](https://www.sunfounder.com/products/sunfounder-galaxyrvr-mars-rover-kit)

## Sources

- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR quick start](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/quick_start/quick_start_robopilot.html)
- [GalaxyRVR board: switches and lights](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/hardware/cpn_galaxy_shield.html)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR paper guide (PDF)](https://github.com/sunfounder/sf-pdf/raw/master/assembly_file/z0112v11-a0001012-galaxyrvr.pdf)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR FAQ](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/faq.html)

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

HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-no-video/