Why isn't my camera working?
Updated 2026-09
A step-by-step checklist for a webcam that shows no video at all — in order of how often each cause turns out to be the real one.
1. Check the OS actually sees the device
On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Cameras. If your webcam isn't in the list, the problem is at the OS/driver level, not the app you're using.
On macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Same logic — if it's not listed there or the toggle is off for your browser, no app will get video either.
2. Check the app has permission
Browsers and apps need explicit camera permission, separate from the OS-level toggle. Look for a camera icon in your browser's address bar — click it to check or change the permission for this specific site.
3. Check nothing else has it locked
Only one app can usually hold an exclusive video stream at a time. If Zoom, Teams, or OBS is still running in the background with the camera open, close it fully (not just minimized) and retry.
4. Rule out the hardware
Test the same webcam on a different computer or a different USB port. If it fails everywhere, it's the hardware. If it only fails on one machine, it's that machine's driver or settings.
Still not working? Run the webcam test to confirm exactly what's failing, or check the driver directory.