Webcam not working or showing a black screen
A webcam that shows nothing is usually blocked, busy or covered. Go through these checks in order. Most people are fixed by step 3.
Step 0: run the webcam test
Start the webcam test on this site. You'll get a clear result: no camera found, permission blocked, camera busy, or a working picture with its real resolution and frame rate. Use that result to jump to the right fix below.
1. Open the privacy shutter
Many laptops (Lenovo, HP, Dell) have a small sliding cover above the screen, and some have a camera kill switch on the side or a function key with a camera icon. A shutter gives you a black or grey image while the camera reports that it works fine.
2. Close other apps using the camera
On Windows, most webcams can only be used by one app at a time. Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, OBS, the Camera app and any other browser tab with a video call. Then reload the test.
3. Allow camera access
- Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera. Turn on "Camera access", "Let apps access your camera" and "Let desktop apps access your camera".
- Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, then turn on your browser and call apps.
- In the browser: click the lock icon next to the address bar, set Camera to Allow and reload.
4. Check the cable and port (USB webcams)
Plug the camera directly into the computer, not a hub or a monitor's USB port, and try another port. A 1080p webcam on a busy USB port can connect but deliver no frames.
5. Lower the resolution
If the picture freezes or stays black only at 1080p or 4K, switch to 720p in the test. If that works, the camera or the USB connection can't keep up at the higher setting.
6. Reinstall the camera driver (Windows)
- Right-click Start → Device Manager.
- Open Cameras (or Imaging devices).
- Right-click your webcam → Uninstall device, then restart. Windows installs a fresh driver on boot.
- If the camera isn't listed at all, choose Action → Scan for hardware changes.
Low FPS or a dark, grainy picture
Webcams slow their frame rate in dim light so each frame gets more exposure. Turn on a lamp in front of you, not behind you, and the FPS usually jumps back to 30. Also clean the lens. A smudge is the most common reason a picture looks soft.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my webcam work in one app but not another?
Each app picks its own camera. Open that app's video settings and select your webcam by name. Also make sure no other app is holding it.
Why is my webcam image mirrored?
Preview images are mirrored so they feel like a mirror. Other people on the call see you the right way round.