What Am I Using?
Webcam or camera not working?
Compare the camera in two apps, then check the privacy shutter, USB connection and camera permissions for the app or website.
Can another app show a picture from the camera?
Close the meeting app and open the device’s built-in camera app or the camera test.
Device and operating system
Select the camera in the affected app
A working preview elsewhere points towards device selection, app access or another app using the camera.
- Close other apps using the camera. Open the affected app’s video settings and select the camera by name.
- For a browser meeting, check the permission for that meeting site, then reload the page and reopen its preview.
Check the shutter, connection and system permission
A closed privacy shutter can give a black image even when the camera is detected.
- Open the physical shutter if present. Reconnect an external camera directly and try another compatible port.
- Check the system’s camera permission and test again. If the camera is still missing, contact device support with its model.
Read the exact camera message
A blocked permission, missing device and busy camera require different checks.
- Record the exact message and whether the camera’s light turns on.
- Ask IT if the setting is locked, or try a direct connection if an external camera is missing.