Zoom camera not working
A camera permission block is a common cause of Zoom camera problems. Run the webcam test first to check whether the camera works; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Webcam test
What the webcam test checks
The webcam test checks whether a camera can provide a live picture to the page. Start the test and look for an image. If you see one, the camera can work in this test. Zoom may still be blocked, using a different camera, or unable to access it while another program is using it.
If the page reports a permission, missing-camera, or camera-busy error, that points to a different kind of problem. The error helps you choose the matching steps shown below. The test checks camera access, not every part of a Zoom meeting.
Find the case that matches
A permission error means the device or browser did not let Zoom use the camera. Follow the steps for your platform: Windows 11, iPhone, or Zoom in a web browser. If you use another setup, the browser-permission step is marked for any platform.
A missing-camera error means Zoom or the system could not find a camera to use. The page includes steps for Lenovo Camera Privacy Mode, the camera driver, and Zoom itself. A camera-busy error means something else may be using or blocking the camera. Its steps cover iPhone apps, security software, Zoom's webcam blocklist, and other programs or websites.
If the test shows a picture but Zoom does not, the meeting may have the wrong camera selected. Use the general step to pick a different camera in the meeting.
Why Zoom camera problems happen
Camera access depends on permission, a camera being available, and other software not holding or blocking it. If permission is refused, Zoom cannot open the camera. If the camera is missing, privacy settings, its driver, or Zoom may be involved, which is why the page gives steps for those possibilities.
When another app, program, or website is using the camera, Zoom may not be able to use it at the same time. Security software or a webcam blocklist can also prevent access. A picture in the test alongside a blank Zoom view can point to the camera choice in the meeting instead.
What to do after the test
Use the steps that match the error and your device. The steps are provided on this page, so follow their instructions for allowing access, closing other camera users, changing the meeting camera, or addressing a missing device. Run the test again after a change to see whether the page can show a picture.
If the camera still cannot be found after the listed driver, privacy-mode, and Zoom steps, or remains unavailable after you close other camera users and allow access, stop troubleshooting with these steps.
By the error your test showed
Blocked
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Allow Zoom to use the camera in Windows 11
Turn on Camera access, then switch on the Zoom entry. If Zoom appears under desktop apps, switch on that toggle too.
Source: Video not working on Lenovo devices, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Allow Zoom to use the camera on iPhone
Turn the Camera switch on for Zoom, then restart the device.
Source: My video/camera is not working on iOS, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Zoom on the web: allow the camera in the browser
In the browser's privacy and security settings, allow the camera and check that Zoom is not on the list of sites blocked from using it.
Source: Zoom error message: Zoom is unable to detect a camera, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Not found
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Lenovo: turn Camera Privacy Mode off
On Windows 10 open Lenovo Vantage and switch Camera Privacy Mode to Off. If it switches back on, check for a physical camera switch on the laptop and turn it on.
Source: Video not working on Lenovo devices, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update the camera driver from the maker's support page
Zoom names Logitech, Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Samsung and Sony as places to find the camera driver.
Source: Zoom error message: Zoom is unable to detect a camera, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update Zoom, or clean it off and reinstall
Install the latest Zoom. If the camera is still not found, run the CleanZoom tool, restart the computer and install Zoom again from the Download Center.
Source: Zoom error message: Zoom is unable to detect a camera, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Busy
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Close other apps that use the camera on iPhone
Make sure no other app, such as the Camera app, uses the camera. Close it by swiping it up from the app switcher.
Source: My video/camera is not working on iOS, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn off security software for a test
If Zoom sees the camera but shows a black tile, turn off anti-virus or network security software on the device and start a test meeting.
Source: Troubleshooting video display appearing as a black screen, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove Zoom from the webcam blocklist
Open your anti-virus or network security software, find its webcam access blocklist, remove Zoom from it, and start a test meeting.
Source: Troubleshooting video display appearing as a black screen, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Close other programs and websites that use the camera
Close other programs or websites that use the camera, make sure the camera is plugged in properly, and restart the computer.
Source: Zoom error message: Zoom is unable to detect a camera, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Setting not available
The device cannot deliver what the test asked for, such as a resolution or a sample rate.
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.
Pick a different camera in the meeting
If the device has more than one camera, you can switch during the meeting.
Source: Troubleshooting camera issues during a meeting, Zoom Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
Why is my Zoom camera not working?
A permission block is a common cause, but the camera may also be missing, busy, or not selected in the meeting. Run the webcam test to see which kind of issue it reports.
What does a permission error mean?
It means the device or browser did not allow Zoom to use the camera. Follow the step for your platform to allow camera access, then try the test again.
What does a missing-camera error mean?
Zoom or the system could not find a camera to use. The listed steps cover Lenovo Camera Privacy Mode, the camera driver, and updating or reinstalling Zoom.
What does a camera-busy error mean?
Another app, program, or website may be using the camera, or security software or a blocklist may be preventing access. Follow the matching steps to close other camera users or check the listed blockers.
The webcam test shows a picture. Why is Zoom still blank?
The test can show that a camera provides a picture to the page, while Zoom may be set to another camera. Use the meeting step to pick a different camera.
Should I repair or replace my camera?
If the camera remains unavailable after the matching steps, stop and seek help from the device maker or a repair service.