Complete guide to fix webcam issues. Covers browser permissions, system settings, driver problems, and hardware troubleshooting.
Webcam not working? Don't worry — most camera issues are easy to fix. This guide covers the most common problems in order of likelihood, so you can quickly identify and resolve the issue.
Quick checklist Check these first (90% of issues):
Did you allow camera access? — Look for a camera icon in your browser's address barIs another app using the camera? — Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, DiscordIs there a privacy shutter? — Check for a physical slider covering the lensDid you try restarting? — Close browser completely, or restart computerCommon issues When you visit a site that uses the camera, your browser asks for permission. If you clicked "Block" or dismissed the prompt, the camera won't work.
How to fix:
Look for a camera icon (often with a red X) in your browser's address bar Click it and select "Always allow" or "Allow" Refresh the page For detailed instructions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, see our browser camera permissions guide .
If another application is using your webcam, it won't be available to your browser. This is a very common issue.
Apps to check and close:
Zoom (check system tray — it often runs in background) Microsoft Teams Google Meet (in another browser tab) Skype Discord OBS Studio FaceTime or Photo Booth (Mac) Camera app (Windows) Tip: Check your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) for apps running in the background.
Learn more: How to find which app is using your camera
Even if your browser has permission, your operating system might be blocking camera access for all apps.
Windows:
Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera Make sure "Camera access" is ON Make sure "Let desktop apps access your camera" is ON (this includes browsers!) macOS:
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera Make sure your browser is listed and toggled ON For complete instructions, see our camera system settings guide .
Many laptops and external webcams have physical privacy features that can block the camera.
Privacy shutter: A sliding cover built into the webcam. Look for a small slider near the camera lens.Privacy cover/sticker: Did you put a cover or tape over the camera? Remove it.Lens protector: New webcams sometimes have a protective film. Peel it off.If your camera shows a black image but no error, this is likely the cause.
Sometimes camera permissions or connections get stuck in a bad state. Try these in order:
Close all browser windows — Not just the tab, quit the browser entirely and reopenRestart your computer — This releases any camera locks from crashed appsTry a different browser — This helps determine if it's a browser-specific issueHardware issues If you're using an external USB webcam:
Check the cable connection — Unplug and firmly replug both endsTry a different USB port — Some ports may not provide enough powerAvoid USB hubs — Connect directly to your computer if possibleCheck the cable — Try a different USB cable if availableUSB 3.0 vs 2.0: Some webcams require USB 3.0 ports (usually blue inside). Check your webcam's requirements.
Windows — Check Device Manager:
Press Win + X and select Device Manager Look for Cameras or Imaging devices Your webcam should be listed without warning icons If not listed:
For external webcams: check connection, try different USB port For built-in cameras: may be disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings The camera may be hardware-damaged macOS — Check System Information:
Click Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report Select Camera in the sidebar Your camera should be listed Need help? See our Device Manager guide .
If your webcam appears in Device Manager with a yellow warning icon, there's a driver issue.
Update the driver:
Open Device Manager Right-click your camera Select Update driver → Search automatically Reinstall the driver:
Right-click your camera in Device Manager Select Uninstall device Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall the driver For detailed instructions, see our driver installation guide .
If you see a down arrow icon next to your camera in Device Manager, it's disabled.
To enable:
Right-click the camera Select Enable device Other issues If you have multiple cameras (e.g., laptop built-in + external webcam), the wrong one might be selected.
In your browser/app:
Look for camera settings in the app you're using On our webcam test, use the device dropdown to select your preferred camera In Zoom/Teams: Settings → Video → Camera As a workaround: You can disable the camera you don't want in Device Manager to force apps to use the other one.
Some antivirus programs (Norton, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET) include webcam protection that blocks browser access.
Open your antivirus software Look for "Webcam Protection", "Privacy", or "Device Access" Add your browser to the allowed list Or temporarily disable webcam protection to test Still not working? If you've tried everything above:
Test in another app — Try the Camera app (Windows) or Photo Booth (Mac) to see if the camera works outside the browserTest on another computer — For external webcams, this rules out hardware failureCheck for hardware switches — Some laptops have a function key (Fn + F8 or similar) that toggles the cameraConsider replacement — If the camera is old or damaged, it might be time for a new one. See our webcam buying guide Ready to test again? Go back to our webcam test .