Kodak Easyshare M381 Troubleshooting

The battery is installed, but the camera will not power on.

Make sure that the battery is properly installed in the device. Without correct installation, the battery will not function properly and your device will not turn on. Try again after taking the battery out, wiping the terminals with a damp cloth, and re-installing the battery. For additional help visit the Loading the Battery guide.

If the camera is not operational, the battery may be drained or dead. You will need to charge your battery using the Kodak USB cable or the 5V AC adapter. For additional information and a visual reference visit the Charging the Battery page.

If the battery cannot hold a charge it may be dead and needs to be replaced. For battery replacement and useful tips for extending battery life, please visit the Battery Removal Guide page.

The device is plugged in, but the battery still won't charge.

Make sure that the battery is properly installed in the device. Without correct installation, the battery will not function properly and your device will not turn on. Try again after taking the battery out, wiping the terminals with a damp cloth, and re-installing the battery. For additional help visit the Battery Removal Guide page.

Examine the charger for any debris or material that may prevent proper function. If the camera will not charge after a thorough investigation of any confounding issues, the charger could be dysfunctional and will need to be replaced.

Be sure that you have the compatible equipment for your device. If you are uncertain, contact the manufacturer or replace for good measure.

There may not be a problem with the camera, charger, or battery, but rather the outlet you are using to charge the device. Try using a different outlet.

Pushing buttons and controls has no effect.

Make sure that the camera is turned on. If your device is set to on but not functioning, turn the device off for five seconds and try again.

If the camera is not operational, the battery may be drained or dead. You will need to charge your battery using the Kodak USB cable or the 5V AC adapter. For additional information and a visual reference visit the Battery Removal Guide page.

Make sure that the battery is properly installed in the device. Without correct installation, the battery will not function properly and your device will not turn on. Try again after taking the battery out, wiping the terminals with a damp cloth, and re-installing the battery. For additional help visit Loading the Battery reference guide.

If you suspect that water got into the camera, remove the battery and card. Allow device to air dry for 24 hours. Alternative measures include embedding the device in uncooked white or brown rice for 24 hours.

In picture view mode, the screen is blue or black and you cannot see your pictures

The memory card may be at capacity and you need to transfer all of your photos onto your computer or external storage device. For sequential instruction and illustrations on how to transfer your photos visit our Transferring Photos reference.

You may be required to delete some photos from your memory card. This can be done using your digital camera, or home computer. Sequential instruction on how to delete your photos can be found in the Deleting Your Photos guide.

Try taking another picture. After you have successfully taken a picture, select review mode and search for your image.

If nothing else seems to work, the technology in your screen may have malfunctioned. You may have to replace it. For instructions on how to do so, please visit the Screen Replacement Page

Your memory card is not functioning properly in your device

Your memory card may be at capacity and you need to transfer your photos onto your computer. For information on how to install the Easyshare software on your computer please visit the Installing Software page. After the software has been installed, be sure that your camera is turned off before connecting it to the computer. Connect your camera to your storage device using the Kodak USB Cable. Turn the camera on. If your computer has the correct software, you could plug your memory card directly into it via an SD port in your PC. If you need help removing the memory card from your camera, please visit the SD Card Removal page

Be sure that your memory has sufficient storage for your media. To access photos via your device, put the camera into review mode. Otherwise, connect your device to the computer and access your memory card through media software.

If you are having issues transferring your photos, make sure that you have compatible functioning equipment. A Kodak USB Cable Model U-8 is used to connect your camera to your computer.

Be sure that the camera's battery is charged, and correctly installed. If the camera does not turn on, you will not be able to transfer your photos.

The camera turns on, but it is unresponsive when shutter button is pressed.

The shutter button can be pressed halfway in order for the camera to focus an image. Make sure you haven't been holding it down for more than a few seconds before taking a picture, or it will not respond when pressed down completely.

Your memory card may be at maximum capacity. Turn off your device, and try taking the card out and uploading the images to your computer or another device. Then, simply delete them off the card, insert it back into the camera,and power up your device again.

When the battery is too low, the camera stops taking photos in an attempt to conserve energy. You will need to charge your battery using the Kodak USB cable or the 5V AC adapter. For additional information and a visual reference visit the Charging the Battery page.

There is a Mode Dial located at the top of the camera. While the camera is powered off, make sure the dial is turned to "Capture" mode. This mode is displayed as an image of a camera. Power up your device, and proceed to take a photo.

Sometimes, the technology itself does malfunction. If your lens is not opening when you turn your camera on, it may be broken and need replacement. For instructions on how to do this, please visit the Lens/Optics Replacement page

For more information please visit the Extended User Manual