Why Is My Webcam Not Working? 8 Things to Check
A webcam problem is often caused by permissions or the wrong camera being selected rather than broken hardware. Work through these checks before reinstalling anything.
1. Test the camera outside your meeting app
Open the Webcam Test and allow camera access. If you can see a live preview there, the webcam hardware and browser permission are working, which narrows the problem to the meeting app or its settings.
2. Check browser and operating-system permission
Browsers can remember a previous decision to block camera access. Use the lock or site-permissions icon near the address bar and make sure Camera is allowed. Your operating system may also have a separate privacy setting that can block desktop apps or browsers.
3. Make sure the correct webcam is selected
Laptops can have an internal camera plus a USB camera, virtual camera or phone-camera feature. Meeting apps sometimes remember an old device. Open the app’s video settings and select the camera you actually want to use.
4. Close another app that may be using the camera
Some camera drivers do not behave well when several applications request the webcam at once. Close other meeting apps, browser tabs and camera utilities, then retry.
5. Check the physical privacy shutter or keyboard switch
Many laptops include a small slider over the lens or a function key that disables the camera. A black preview with otherwise normal permissions is a good reason to check the physical controls.
6. Try another browser or restart the browser
If the camera works in one browser but not another, the problem is probably permissions, extensions or browser configuration rather than the webcam itself. Record your environment with Device Information if you need to compare settings.
7. Check the device in Windows or macOS
If no app can see the camera, check whether the operating system detects it. On Windows, Device Manager can show whether the camera is disabled or has a driver problem. On macOS, check System Settings privacy permissions and whether the camera appears in supported apps.
8. Run a complete pre-call check
Once the webcam works, use the Laptop Check to verify camera, microphone and basic internet readiness together before an important call.
Related guides
Useful MyLaptopTools checks
Use these free browser tools to check the parts of your setup discussed in this guide: