Step 1: Test the camera
Click Test my webcam and allow access. If you see yourself, the camera is fine and an app has the wrong device — see Zoom, Teams or Discord. If the preview is black or fails, follow the OS fixes.
Step 2: Quick checks
- Remove any physical privacy shutter or tape over the lens.
- Close every other app that may be using the camera — most webcams allow only one at a time.
- If permission was denied, click the camera icon in the address bar, allow it, and reload.
- For an external webcam, try a different USB port and cable.
Step 3: Windows 10 / 11
- Settings → Privacy & security → Camera: turn on camera access and allow desktop apps and your browser.
- Device Manager → Cameras: update or reinstall the driver if there is a warning icon.
- Check that antivirus or a vendor privacy tool is not blocking the camera.
Step 4: macOS
- System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera: enable the app or browser, then quit and reopen it.
- If still black, restart the Mac to clear a camera process stuck by another app.
FAQ
My camera previews here but not in my app — why?
The camera is fine. The app has the wrong Camera selected or another app is holding it. Pick the right device in the app and close rival video apps.
Why is my webcam showing a black screen?
Almost always another app is holding the camera, or the lens is covered. Close other video apps, remove any shutter, and reload.
Does this webcam test record or upload video?
No. The preview and any snapshot stay only in your browser and never leave your device.