What should you try first?
These five quick checks fix most camera and microphone problems in a minute:
- Reload the page and click Allow when the browser asks for camera and microphone access.
- Close other apps that may be using the camera, such as other video calls, the camera app or other browser tabs.
- Check for a physical cover or switch on your laptop camera, and make sure an external webcam is plugged in.
- Update your browser to the latest version.
- Make sure the address starts with https:// — browsers only allow camera access on secure pages.
Still not working? Follow the steps for your browser and device below. Menu names can differ slightly between versions.
How do you allow the camera in Chrome or Edge?
- Click the icon to the left of the address bar (site information).
- Set Camera and Microphone to Allow. If you don’t see them, open Site settings (Chrome) or Permissions for this site (Edge).
- Reload the page.
You can also manage all sites in Chrome under Settings › Privacy and security › Site settings › Camera (and Microphone). If the wrong camera is selected, choose the right one from the drop-down on that page.
How do you allow the camera in Safari on a Mac?
- With the video chat page open, choose Safari › Settings for this website in the menu bar.
- Set Camera and Microphone to Allow (or Ask).
- Reload the page.
To review all sites, go to Safari › Settings › Websites and select Camera or Microphone in the sidebar.
How do you allow the camera in Firefox?
- Click the permissions icon (a crossed-out camera or microphone) in the address bar.
- Clear the Blocked setting for the camera and microphone.
- Reload the page and choose Allow when asked.
All site permissions are under Settings › Privacy & Security › Permissions › Camera.
How do you fix the camera on iPhone or iPad?
Safari
- Tap the page settings button (“aA” or a similar icon) in the address bar.
- Tap Website Settings and set Camera and Microphone to Allow or Ask.
- Reload the page.
If that does not help, open the Settings app and find Safari (under Apps on newer iOS versions), then check Camera and Microphone under Settings for Websites.
Chrome or another browser
Open the Settings app, find the browser (under Apps on newer iOS versions) and switch on Camera and Microphone. Then reload the page in the browser.
How do you fix the camera on Android?
- In Chrome, tap the icon to the left of the address bar, then Permissions, and allow Camera and Microphone.
- Or open Chrome’s ⋮ menu › Settings › Site settings › Camera (and Microphone) and remove the site from the blocked list.
- If Chrome itself is blocked, open your phone’s Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions and allow Camera and Microphone.
What if your computer is blocking the browser?
Your operating system can block a browser from the camera even when the website is allowed.
| Device | Where to look | What to switch on |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Settings › Privacy & security › Camera (and Microphone) | Camera access, plus access for apps and desktop apps |
| Windows 10 | Settings › Privacy › Camera (and Microphone) | Allow apps and desktop apps to access your camera |
| macOS | System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera (and Microphone) | The toggle next to your browser |
After changing a system setting, fully quit and reopen the browser, then reload the video chat page.
