Instax Mini 12 Not Working? (Don’t Panic, Try This First!)

When you’re about to snap a photo, you realize that the Instax Mini 12 not working, just when you need it the most. Frustrating, isn’t it? 

Join us throughout this guide, which will help you resolve Instax Mini 12 issues preventing you from capturing important moments and memories.

In a nutshell, you’re experiencing one of the following:

The solution isn’t as simple as listing what’s wrong. So, let’s follow the guide chronologically!

Best Ways to Fix When Your Instax Mini 12 Not Working!

Since the Instax Mini 12 camera may “not work” in a lot of different ways, let’s try to identify what exactly is wrong by using the LED indicators. 

Here’s what each of your camera’s LED light patterns means:

Battery Indicator	Flashing Light	Battery error – low charge or incorrect battery placement.
	Constant Light	The Instax Mini 12  camera is powered on and ready to use.
	No Light	The Instax Mini 12 camera is off, or the batteries are not inserted correctly.
Flash Indicator	Blinking Light	Flash is charging and not ready to use.
	Constant Light	Flash is fully charged and ready to fire.
All Indicators	No Light at All	No power, Instax Mini 12 may be off, battery missing, or completely discharged.

1. Insert Double-A Alkaline Batteries

If your Instax Mini 12 camera refuses to power on, especially if the battery indicator illuminates orange, it means that the batteries have run out of charge.

You should begin by replacing the internal double-A batteries of the Instax Mini 12 before attempting anything more complicated.

Follow these steps to access and replace the Instax Mini 12 batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the side of the Instax Mini.
2. Press on the release latch to access the battery compartment.
3. Remove both AA alkaline batteries from the battery socket.
4. Now, insert two fresh double-A batteries into the compartment.
5. Close the compartment and attempt to start up the Instax Mini.

Once you have replaced the batteries, twist the lens barrel to “OFF” for several seconds, then rotate it back to “ON” to reboot the device.

Wait for at least 10 seconds while the barrel is at “OFF” to perform a “soft reset” of the Instax Mini 12. 

2. Extend & Retract the Camera Lens

The next solution is to gently extend and retract the lens barrel of your Instax Mini 12, as it might be causing issues with the functionality and startup. 

To fully extend your lens, hold the front of the barrel and push it outwards until the compartment clicks.

In turn, to fully retract the lens, hold the barrel, but this time, push it towards your camera.

Note: Only turn on the Instax Mini 12 when the lens barrel is fully extended.

3. Align the Instax Mini Film Cartridge

A general reason why the Instax Mini 12 is not working is an exhausted or improperly inserted film cartridge.

So, before installing a brand-new film for your Instax Mini 12, ZontSound recommends accessing the cartridge compartment and realigning the cassette with the Instax Mini 12 reader.

You can access the film cartridge compartment of the Instax Mini 12 by pushing the latch on the rear side and pulling it towards you.

Then, remove the cassette for ~15–20 seconds and reinsert it properly, by aligning it with the yellow dots. 

Test with a Brand-New Film Pack:

Install a brand-new film pack into the Instax Mini, as the film might have run out.

Do not forget to align the new cartridge with the yellow dots, and take a test photo in good light to verify the new film is responding properly and there is no over- or underexposure.

4. Clean the Battery Compartment Contacts

Whenever the Instax Mini 12 refuses to function, it is often related to the condition of the battery itself and the battery compartment.

Hence, if either of the double-A batteries is not establishing appropriate contact with the compartment’s electrical poles, the camera will not receive power.

Cleaning the compartment requires a soft microfiber cloth and certainly no liquids, as this could damage the integrity of the electrical poles. 

Follow these steps to clean the Instax Mini 12 battery compartment:

After cleaning, verify that the Instax Mini camera powers on and the lens barrel is still extending appropriately.

Additionally, do not reinsert the batteries before the battery compartment is dry.

5. Reset the Instax Mini 12 to Defaults

If you’re still wondering, “Why is my Instax Mini 12 not working?” it could be due to a temporary issue with the software.

So, the next step is to perform a reset, while the camera is still powered on, to reset the film cartridge and all of the other components in the Instax Mini 12. 

Follow these steps to factory reset the Instax Mini 12:

1. Ensure the Instax Mini 12 is powered on with the lens extended.
2. Next, open the battery compartment on the side of the camera.
3. Dislocate both of the AA batteries while the camera is still on.
4. Wait 5 seconds, then reinsert the batteries into the compartment.
5. After that, close the compartment, power on, and test the camera.

Note: Upon reinserting the batteries, verify that both of the alkaline units are facing in the correct direction and that they have established contact with the electrical poles. 

6. Check for Instax Mini 12 HW Defects

It’s not excluded that your Instax Mini 12 is not working due to an underlying problem with the internal components, such as a stuck lens, a faulty motherboard, or power board issues. 

We recommend disassembling and inspecting the camera, especially if it sustained any type of hardware damage recently.

Here’s how to access the hardware of the Instax Mini 12:

1. Power off the camera and remove the batteries.
2. Uninstall the film pack, avoiding light exposure.
3. Undo the bottom, sides, and film compartment.
4. Pry apart each of the Instax Mini compartments.
5. Access your camera HW to begin the inspection.

Now, verify that the following components are in an appropriate condition:

6.1 – Inspect the Lens Mechanism:

Check the lens barrel for sand or misalignment causing unnecessary noises or issues with the extension/retraction, and clean gently with a soft brush to ensure smooth movement.

6.2 – Inspect your Camera Rollers:

Examine the film ejection rollers for buildup of any debris, which can cause noise, and clean with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol for proper function.

6.3 -Inspect the Shutter Assembly:

Inspect the shutter near the lens for debris or damage that might affect the normal operation of the camera, using a brush to clear sand and restore performance.

Note: If the issue persists after reassembling the camera, contact Instax support.