OBS Studio Camera Test & “Camera Not Working” Fix

Step 1: Does your camera work at all?

Click Test my webcam above and allow access:

• You see yourself here — the camera and drivers are fine; the problem is in your OBS Studio settings. Go to OBS Studio video settings.
• The preview is black or fails — the issue is system-level (permission, driver or another app holding the camera), not OBS Studio. See System-level fixes.

Step 2: Fix OBS Studio video settings

Open + → Video Capture Device, then:

1. Add a Video Capture Device. In Sources click + → Video Capture Device and select your webcam.
2. Pick the right Device. In its Properties set Device to the camera that previewed above (not Disabled).
3. Close rival apps. Most webcams allow one app at a time — quit Zoom/Teams and reopen OBS.

OBS-specific gotchas worth checking

OBS will not show your camera until you add a Video Capture Device source (Sources → + → Video Capture Device); an empty scene is a black canvas, not a broken camera. In the source's Properties, set Device to your webcam (not Disabled) and pick a Resolution/FPS the camera actually supports — an unsupported mode shows black.

A common OBS trap is the source being hidden (the eye icon toggled off), placed off-canvas, or sitting behind another full-screen source in the stacking order. OBS also exposes a Virtual Camera that other apps can select — if Zoom/Teams shows your scene instead of your real webcam, that is why. Only one app can own the physical webcam, so close rivals before launching OBS.

Step 3: System-level fixes (if the preview above also failed)

Windows 10 / 11

1. Settings → Privacy & security → Camera: turn on camera access and allow desktop apps and your browser.
2. Device Manager → Cameras: if there is a warning icon, update or reinstall the driver.
3. Close every other app that may be using the camera — most webcams allow only one at a time.

macOS

1. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera: enable OBS Studio (or your browser), then quit and reopen.
2. If the preview is still black, restart the Mac to clear a camera process stuck by another app.

Step 4: Last resorts

• Remove any physical privacy shutter or tape over the lens.
• Update OBS Studio and your webcam/USB drivers, then reboot.
• Try a different USB port for an external camera.

FAQ