Camera not working
A camera that will not open is often blocked by a site or system permission. Run the webcam test first to see whether access is blocked, the camera is missing, or another problem stopped it. Nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Webcam test
What the webcam test checks
The webcam test asks your device to open its camera and shows whether the page can receive a camera image. If the camera opens and a live preview appears, the test can access it. If it cannot open, the result helps point to the type of problem.
This checks camera access and the camera image reaching the page. Use the result to choose the matching case below, then follow the steps shown for your platform.
Tell which case you have
A NotAllowedError means camera access was denied or switched off. The page's steps cover permission for the site or app, as well as the camera access setting on Windows, Mac, or Android.
A NotFoundError means the device could not find a camera. On Windows, the listed checks cover a camera switch, key, or shutter, hardware detection, and reconnecting an external camera. A NotReadableError means the camera could not be used; the steps cover other apps, security blocking, and the Windows camera driver.
An OverconstrainedError means the selected camera could not meet what the page requested. The listed step is to pick a different camera in Chrome. If the test reports a general problem, try the listed Windows checks, including the Camera app and troubleshooter.
Why a camera stops working
A permission can be denied for the site or app, or camera access can be off in the device settings. This fits NotAllowedError, so check the permission steps for the platform you are using.
A camera can be switched off, covered by a shutter, disconnected, or not detected by the system. Another app may also be using it, or security software may block it. These causes fit the missing-camera or camera-in-use cases in the page's steps.
Sometimes the page is trying to use a camera that is unavailable. If the result is OverconstrainedError, select a different camera using the listed Chrome step.
What to do after a failed test
Follow only the steps shown for your result and platform. Close other camera apps and reload if the camera appears busy. For a general Windows problem, the page also lists testing in the Camera app, running the troubleshooter, and updating Windows with a full restart.
Run the webcam test again after the relevant steps. If it still cannot open the camera after the listed checks, the problem may need attention beyond a site permission. The page includes a Windows driver rollback or reinstall step for NotReadableError; if that does not help, seek device repair advice.
By the error your test showed
Blocked
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Allow the camera for the site in Chrome
Open the site in the Not allowed list and set its camera permission to Allow, then reload the page.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (computer), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Reset a camera permission that was allowed before
Under Default behavior choose the option that lets sites ask to use the camera. If you allowed the site earlier, delete its entry and then set Camera to Allow for the site.
Source: Troubleshoot camera issues in a meeting, Google Meet Help, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the camera for the site in Chrome on Android
Choose the option that lets sites ask for the camera. If the site is under Blocked, tap it and choose Allow.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (Android phone and tablet), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the camera for the site in Safari
Pick Ask or Allow in the menu next to the site. Deny blocks it.
Source: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn on camera access in Windows
Turn on camera access for the device and for apps. Browsers and meeting apps are desktop apps and follow one shared switch; you cannot block a single desktop app. If the first switch is grey, an administrator controls it.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn on the camera for your browser on a Mac
The list shows apps that have asked for the camera. Switch on your browser, then reload the page.
Source: Control access to the camera on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the camera for the app on Android
You can set it per app or per permission. The choices are Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, and Don't allow.
Source: Change app permissions on your Pixel phone, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Check the system switch for the camera on Android
A quick switch can turn off camera access for all apps. A green dot at the top right means an app is using the camera; tap it to see which one.
Source: Check if your Android camera or microphone is on or off, Android Help, checked November 6, 2026
Not found
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Check the camera switch, key or shutter
Some laptops switch the camera off with a function key combination, a dedicated camera key on the top row, a slide switch on the side, or a shutter over the lens. Make sure the switch or shutter is in the on position.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager
If the camera is missing from the list, scan for hardware changes. If it is listed but disabled (error 0xA00F4244, camera not detected), enable it.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Reconnect an external camera
Push the USB cable in firmly and try another USB port. Test the camera on another device to rule out a broken camera.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Busy
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
End the app that is using the camera
Errors 0xA00F4243 and 0x80070005 mean another app holds the camera or access is denied. End that app in Task Manager, then check the privacy settings again.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check antivirus and firewall camera blocking
Security software can block the camera. Turn the camera blocking off for a moment, test the camera, and turn the protection on again.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Close other apps that use the camera and reload
Close any other app that uses the camera, make sure the right camera is chosen, test the camera in another app, then reload the page.
Source: Troubleshoot camera issues in a meeting, Google Meet Help, checked November 6, 2026
Roll back or reinstall the camera driver
If the camera broke after an update, roll the driver back. If there is no rollback, uninstall the device, scan for hardware changes and restart.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Try Basic camera mode (Windows 11 24H2 and later)
Basic camera mode skips maker plug-ins and hardware acceleration that can block the camera. It is not available on Windows 10. Microsoft explains the setting on its Camera settings page.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Setting not available
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Pick a different camera in Chrome
Use the drop-down to choose a camera that is plugged in and working now, then reload the page.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (computer), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Not allowed on this page
The browser blocks devices here, for example inside a frame on another site or under a company policy.
Interrupted
Something stopped the device while it was starting. Try again; if it happens again, restart the browser.
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Test the camera in the Windows Camera app
If the picture works in the Camera app but not elsewhere, the other app's own settings are the likely cause.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Run the camera troubleshooter
Microsoft's automatic camera troubleshooter runs checks and tries fixes for you.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update Windows and do a full restart
Install Windows updates and optional camera driver updates, then restart. Sleep does not count as a restart.
Source: Camera doesn't work in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
What does a camera test check?
The webcam test checks whether the page can open your camera and receive an image. It does not grade image quality or test hearing or health.
Why does the webcam test show a black screen?
Run the test and use its result to choose whether to check permissions, camera detection, another app using the camera, or the selected camera.
Why does my camera work in one app but not on a website?
A site permission may be blocked even when the camera is available elsewhere. If the result is NotAllowedError, use the permission steps for your browser and device.
What if the test cannot find my camera?
A NotFoundError means the camera was not found. The listed Windows steps cover checking its switch or shutter, scanning for hardware changes, and reconnecting an external camera.
Can another app stop the camera test?
Yes, another app using the camera can prevent the page from opening it. Close other camera apps, reload the page, and run the test again.
When should I seek repair?
If the camera still fails after the relevant steps, seek repair advice. For a NotReadableError on Windows, the listed steps include rolling back or reinstalling the camera driver.