Quick answer
The most common cause is the wrong device selected in the app or a blocked camera permission in the system or browser. First check whether another app can see the camera, then permissions and device selection in the call itself, and only then drivers and the order in which you turn things on.
How to recognize the problem
- The call shows a black screen or a crossed-out camera icon
- The app only offers "No camera" or an empty device list
- The camera works in another app but not in the call
- The browser asks for camera permission that never appears
- The camera turns on for a second then turns itself off
Most common causes
Another app is using the camera
Another program or background process may be holding the camera, so the new app cannot take it over.
Blocked permission in the system
Windows, macOS, Android or iOS can deny camera access for the whole app or for the browser.
Wrong device in the app
The call settings have a virtual camera, a monitor camera or a device that is no longer connected selected.
Driver or USB connection
After a system update the camera driver may be faulty, and with external cameras the cable or port may be the problem.
Blocked in the browser
With Meet and web versions of other tools, permission is given per site, so a block may be saved for the site's domain.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check whether another app can see the camera
Open the Camera app in Windows or Photo Booth on macOS and see whether you get a picture. If there is a picture, the hardware and driver are fine and the problem is in permissions or device selection in the calling app. If it is also black there, move on to checking the cable and driver.
- 2
Close programs that are holding the camera
Close all other video calling apps and any programs that use the camera in the background. On Windows open
Task Managerand end processes that are clearly using the camera. Then restart the app where you have the meeting. - 3
Allow camera access in the system
On Windows 11 go to
Settings > Privacy & security > Cameraand turn on camera access and access for the specific app. On Windows 10 the path isSettings > Privacy > Camera. On macOS openSystem Settings > Privacy & Security > Cameraand turn on the switch next to the app. - 4
Check permission in the browser
If you use Meet or the web version of a call, click the site information icon (padlock or sliders) to the left of the site address and check the camera permission. Set it to Allow, then refresh the page. In Chrome the path is
Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera, and in EdgeSettings > Cookies and site permissions > Site permissions > Camera. - 5
Select the right camera in the app
In Zoom open
Settings > Videoand in the Camera drop-down select the physical camera, not a virtual one. In Teams go toSettings > Devicesand check the Camera list. In Meet, before joining a meeting click the arrow next to the camera and select the device. - 6
Turn off virtual cameras and background effects
If a virtual camera is selected in the list (for example from a recording or background replacement program), switch back to the real device. Also temporarily turn off blur or virtual background options, because some of them take over the camera before the app itself.
- 7
Check the cable, port and switch
For an external USB camera, unplug and plug the cable back in, preferably into another port directly on the computer, without a USB hub. Also check the physical switch or cover on a laptop camera. If the camera is on a monitor, check that the monitor's USB cable is connected.
- 8
Restart the computer and the app
Restarting the computer solves most cases where the camera stayed in use after an app crash. After the restart, open the calling app first and check the video preview immediately before joining a meeting.
- 9
Update or reinstall the camera driver
In
Device Manageron Windows open the Cameras or Imaging devices branch, right-click the camera and select Update driver. If that does not help, select Uninstall device (do not tick the option to delete the driver from the computer), then restart the computer so the driver installs again. On macOS check that the system is up to date.
If nothing helps
First check whether the problem occurs in another app on the same computer, and if the camera is external, try it on another computer too. That quickly separates a hardware fault from a software one. If the camera does not work anywhere, it is probably physically faulty or the cable is damaged. If it works on another device, create a new user account on the computer and try a call from it: that rules out a damaged profile and wrong settings. On work computers also check whether the organization's policy blocks the camera in some apps, because such a block does not show in ordinary settings. As a temporary solution for the meeting, join from your phone and let the other participants know in advance.
How to prevent it
- Before every important meeting, open the camera preview in the app
- Keep system camera permissions turned on for the apps you use
- Do not leave other calling apps open in the background
- Regularly update the system and camera drivers
When to call a professional
Contact IT support if the camera is not visible in any app, if an error appears after reinstalling the driver, or if the computer is part of a corporate network with restrictions.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does the camera work in one app but not another?
Most likely the wrong device is selected in the app or that app is not allowed to access the camera. Check the device list in the app settings and the permission in the system or browser.
The camera turns on then immediately turns off, what should I do?
That usually means another app has taken over the camera or the driver is unstable. Close other programs that use the camera, restart the computer and reinstall the driver if needed.
Is it enough to allow the camera in the browser?
Not always. Besides the browser permission, camera access must also be allowed in the operating system. Check both places, then refresh the meeting page.