Camera not working? Find and fix the problem

The tool runs its checks in order and marks each one with a check mark or an X. Fix the first X first; the later checks often pass on their own afterward.

The tool detects your system and browser and shows only the steps that apply, plus tips for Zoom, Teams, Discord and OBS. On Windows and Mac, a quick link opens the camera privacy settings (your browser asks first). Everything happens in your browser; no image is saved or uploaded.

A black picture with the camera light on, or no light at all, usually has a physical cause:

• Privacy shutter. Many laptops and webcams have a small slider over the lens. Slide it open.
• Camera key or switch. Some laptops have a function key with a camera icon, or a switch on the side, that turns the camera off. Press or flip it and check again.
• Something over the lens. A sticker, tape or a protective film left from the box.
• Wrong camera selected. A virtual camera (such as OBS Virtual Camera) shows nothing useful when its app isn't running. On laptops with face sign-in, an infrared camera may be listed too; it gives a dark, gray picture. Pick your regular camera instead.

If the image is frozen, unplug a USB webcam and plug it straight into the computer, not a hub, then try again. If it is just too dark, face a window or lamp; light behind you makes your face a silhouette.

Windows 11: open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera. Browsers, Zoom and Teams count as desktop apps, so the last switch matters. Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras lists your cameras; make sure yours is not disabled.

Windows 10: go to Settings > Privacy > Camera, select Change to turn on Camera access for this device, then turn on both app switches.

Drivers (both): right-click Start, open Device Manager and expand Cameras (some webcams appear under Imaging devices). If the camera shows a down-arrow icon, right-click it and choose Enable device. Otherwise try Update driver, or Uninstall device and restart.

Mac (Ventura and later): choose Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and turn on your browser or app; quit and reopen it afterward. Built-in apps such as FaceTime and Photo Booth have camera access automatically, so if Photo Booth shows a picture, the camera works and the problem is a permission.

• Chrome: click the icon to the left of the address bar, turn on Camera (or open Site settings and choose Allow) and reload. For all sites and the default camera, go to chrome://settings/content/camera (Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera).
• Edge: click the lock icon left of the address bar, open Permissions for this site and set Camera to Allow, or go to edge://settings/content/camera.
• Firefox: click the crossed-out camera icon in the address bar, clear the block and reload. For all sites: Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Camera > Settings.
• Safari on Mac: choose Safari > Settings for [site name] and set Camera to Allow, or use Safari > Settings > Websites > Camera.

Once you click Block, the browser stops asking until you change it here.

• iPhone and iPad: for Safari, go to Settings > Safari (Settings > Apps > Safari on iOS 18 and later) > Camera and choose Ask or Allow. For Chrome or another app, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and turn that app on.
• Android: in Chrome, tap the icon left of the address and open Permissions, or go to ⋮ > Settings > Site settings. Then check Settings > Apps > Chrome > Permissions > Camera. On Android 12 and later, open Quick Settings and make sure the Camera access tile is on. Menu names vary a little between phone makers.
• Chromebook: open Settings > Privacy and security > Privacy controls and turn on Camera access. Some Chromebooks also have a physical camera privacy switch.

On Windows, a webcam often works in only one app at a time. If the check says the camera can't be opened, quit Zoom, Teams, Discord, OBS and any camera app completely, including from the system tray, then run it again.

If the camera works here but not in a call app, choose it inside that app: Zoom: Settings > Video. Teams: Settings > Devices. Discord: User Settings > Voice & Video. In OBS, a webcam added as a source stays busy while OBS is open.

When every check passes, use the webcam test to check resolution, frame rate and lighting. Mic trouble too? Try the mic troubleshooter.