SONY Cyber-Shot DSC-W170 Troubleshooting

The pictures are unclear, and the camera does not properly focus.

The most frequent issue is a dirty camera lens. To solve it, use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens while the camera is on and the lens cover is open.

In this video you can see how to clean a camera lens properly: How to clean a camera lens

Go to settings and switch the focus method.

On page 55 you can find how to switch the settings: DSC-W150/W170 (sony.com) 

The subject is too close. Ensure you position the lens further away than the minimum shooting distance, which is approximately 10 cm (4 inches) during shooting.

The power suddenly turns off or on.

The camera turning off unexpectedly is due to the energy-saving mode. If you don't use the camera for three minutes while the camera is on, it will automatically turn off to save the battery. Just turn it back on.

Replace the depleted battery pack with a fully charged one.

When the camera is turned on, an error message that says “Turn power off then on” or “Turn power off and on again” appears on the screen because the camera detects a malfunction of some kind. Refer to this repair guide: Error: "Turn power off then on" appears on the camera screen 

The camera detects a malfunction somewhere in the camera.

• Try turning the camera off for a few seconds and then turning it back on.
• If turning the camera off and on again doesn’t work, try to power cycle the camera by following the following steps:
  • Turn off the camera
  • Remove the batteries and let it sit for a full minute
  • Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds
  • Release the power
  • Reinsert the batteries
  • Turn on the camera

Turn the camera off and carefully inspect the lens mechanism to ensure there is no debris or a spilled liquid preventing it from opening properly. Try turning it on again after cleaning the lens mechanism. For in-depth instructions on properly cleaning the lens mechanism, refer to this guide on cleaning the camera body, lens, and image sensor.

After pressing the power button the camera screen is still black.

The battery pack is discharged. Insert a charged battery pack.

Make sure that the battery pack is inserted correctly.

In the link below on page 2 and 132 you can find more information about the battery.

DSC-W150/W170 (sony.com)

The screen on the camera is stuck or “frozen”. If the screen doesnt move or doesn’t let you input anything there is a really easy fix.

There is an issue somewhere with the hardware of the camera.

• Try turning the camera off for a couple seconds then back on
• If the camera doesn't turn off or if it doesn’t fix the problem then try the cameras power cycle:
  • Turn off the camera
  • Remove the batteries and let it sit for a full minute.
  • Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
  • Release the power.
  • Reinsert the batteries.
  • Turn on the camera.

Take something sharp and push it in between the button and the camera, push around the edge of the button and see if there’s something making it stuck. If that doesn't work refer to the video: Sony Digital Camera Shredded to Pieces [CyberShot DSC-W170