Instax Mini 11 Not Working With New Batteries? – Easy Solutions

Wondering why Instax mini 11 not working with new batteries? We got you covered!

We can relate to your frustration if you recently replaced the batteries in your Instax mini 11 camera but it is still not working and not capturing pictures.

If you’re experiencing the same issue, don’t worry; this guide will demonstrate to you how to fix it in an effective way!

Usually, the Instax mini 11 is not working when you use any cheap quality batteries or non-alkaline batteries.

Since Instax 11 mini cameras require a sufficient charge to operate effectively, when they are not inserted correctly, we can observe the same issue! 

Let’s move further to find out more details about not working Instax Mini 11!

Why Is My Instax Mini 11 Not Working?

If your Instax mini 11 is not working, then no worries because you are not alone with this issue.

We understand how annoying it is when the camera suddenly stops working or flashes lights of different colors.

Usually, the Instax mini 11 cam stops working when the batteries are low.

It is very important to know about the causes of the not working Instax mini 11 cam first!

✅ Dead Batteries

One of the most common and frequent causes is dead batteries! The new AA Alkaline batteries will last up to 100 shots, but when the shots are completed then it is important to change the batteries in order to restore the performance!

✅ Faulty Film

Mostly the Film causes different issues with the device and of course, any fault in the film will lead to a not working mini camera. When the film is not installed properly during replacement or the film, can greatly impact the camera’s performance.

✅ Dirty Camera

Over time dirt stuck and built up the layer on the nooks and crannies that’ll affect the camera performance. Therefore, when the camera’s dirty areas and lens are not cleaned the camera will stop working because it faces difficulty capturing!

✅ Short distance From Subject

Another possibility of not working a camera is when you are standing too close to the subject. When you are too close, the camera lens will not focus properly and that’s why it does not work appropriately as it normally does.

✅ Camera Not Powering

When the power button of the camera is not pressed properly, the cam does not turn on, which deceives users into believing that something is wrong.

With the most-frequently causes up front, we can proceed with the troubleshooting!

Instax Mini 11 Not Working With New Batteries – 1 Minute Fix!

Many users are reporting that their Instax Mini 11 is not working even after replacing the batteries so there is no need to panic because we are going to fix this.

It’s only important to follow the solutions in chronological order and never skip anything!

Let’s jump right in!

Solution #1 Use Alkaline Batteries

To get the best performance out of your Instax Mini 11, using the right batteries is the key! 

The Instax Mini 11 manufacturers recommend always using good quality alkaline batteries for your camera to work effectively.

Maybe the current new batteries you have installed in your camera are non-alkaline and that’s why the camera is causing issues and not working.

The only thing you need to do is first confirm whether the new batteries in your camera are alkaline or non-alkaline.

If non-alkaline, set up new Alkaline batteries and check if the camera starts working, which might surprise you how fast it would happen.

In case the batteries are already Alkaline and the camera is still not working, keep reading!

Solution #2 Check New Battery Voltage

After ensuring that you are using Alkaline batteries then next you need to check the new batteries’ voltage.

It is possible that the new batteries you are using are not actually new because they have very low voltage or maybe there is an issue with the units!

Here is how to check the battery voltage:

1. Take out the new batteries from your Instax Mini 11 camera.
2. Acquire a Multimeter to test the batteries!
3. Connect the red wire to the positive end of the battery.
4. Connect the black wire to the negative end of the battery.
5. Then check the voltage reading on the multimeter.

If the reading on the multimeter is less than the voltage mentioned on your batteries, then the batteries are dead and you need to set up new ones.

But if the voltage on the multimeter and batteries are the same, then the batteries are fine.

However, it can be seen in most cases that even if the batteries are totally fine with full voltage, they can’t work on the device when there is a fault.

Maybe your batteries have the same issue and that’s why they are not working, so you need to replace them!

Tip: To confirm the fault in batteries, simply put them in any other device to test with!

Solution #3 Replace The Batteries

In case you haven’t done so already, we strongly recommend replacing the batteries in your Instax Mini 11 camera now.

You shouldn’t proceed any further if you’re not confident that the batteries in your camera are alkaline and new!

Here is how to replace the batteries in your Instax mini camera:

1. Locate the Battery Compartment on your camera.
2. Remove the cover from the compartment.
3. Take out the previously installed batteries from your camera.
4. Then, install the Fresh New Batteries in your camera.
5. Close the cover and turn on your camera.

Need Alkaline Batteries?

In case you’re wondering where to acquire alkaline batteries, we strongly suggest getting the AA Duracell Alkaline Batteries.

Inserting these into your camera we can enjoy even more than 100 shots, and never wonder whether the batteries are the culprit for the issue!

Solution #4 Factory Reset Camera!

Now that we’re confident that the batteries in your Instax mini 11 are new and they are not the reason why the camera is not working, we can switch our attention.

Assuming that your camera is turning on, but not working, hence not taking pictures, the reset should help!

Follow the steps below to factory reset your Instax 11 mini camera:

1. Open the Paper Tray.
2. This will unveil the Reset button.
3. Acquire a sharp object (toothpick or needle).
4. Reach inside the pinhole.
5. Press and hold the Reset button for 5 seconds!
6. The camera will start the reset.

The reset process shouldn’t take long and your camera will be reset in a matter of minutes.

Be patient and when the lights on the camera come back on, test whether the device is now working.

In case not, keep reading!

Solution #5 Replace The Camera Film

Even when the Instax mini 11 cam batteries are okay, the device won’t perform any tasks, if the film is not correctly installed.

This is why in this solution we will learn how to properly install a new film in order to prevent functionality issues with the Instax mini 11 cameras!

1. Take the film out of the box.
2. Pull on the notch to open the film.
3. Open the film door on your camera.
4. Use the yellow label for orientation.
5. Gently insert the film into the compartment.

Make sure that the Instax mini 11 film door clicks upon closing it since this might prevent the camera from functioning properly.

When the film is installed, your camera light should blink and you will be able to start taking pictures!

Note: Take at least 1 picture after inserting the film to eject the film (black) protector!

Solution #6 Clean The Camera!

In case nothing works, perhaps the camera lens is obstructed or there is something preventing the batteries from reaching the electrical poles.

This is why before seeking any help, we need to clean the camera using a Microfiber Cloth!

1. Open the battery compartment and eject the batteries!
2. Clean anything inside the compartment.
3. Eject the film and wipe ALL connectors!
4. With gentle movement, wipe the lens as well!
5. Re-insert the batteries and film correctly!
6. Turn ON the Instax 11 mini camera!

Now that we’ve done anything that we can possibly do at home, we can test one last time whether the Instax 11 mini cam will work.

In case not, perhaps you’ve got a faulty camera so it would be best to check whether the warranty is still intact. Good luck!

Quick Recap:

Whenever the Instax Mini 11 not working with new batteries, you first need to ensure that the new batteries are Alkaline and also check the battery voltage.

Moreover, try replacing the batteries with a fresh pair, and in case that doesn’t work, perform a Factory Reset.

Check out our blog for more guides on Instax Mini cameras!