- Check for a physical cover or a small switch by the camera. Some laptops also have a keyboard key that turns it off.
- Close other programs that might be using the camera, like Teams, Skype or a browser tab. Only one program can use it at a time.
- Check permissions: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera, and make sure Camera access is on, along with Let desktop apps access your camera. Do the same under Microphone.
- Inside Zoom or Teams: Settings → Video and Audio, and pick the right camera and microphone from the list.
- If you're in a browser, click the lock icon by the address and allow Camera and Microphone.
- Restart the computer.
MacOn a Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and Microphone, and turn on the switch next to Zoom, Teams or your browser. Then quit and reopen the app.
Important: If the camera light turns on when you haven't opened anything that uses it, it may be a sign of malware. Run a full scan and check.
Quick questions
The camera works in one app but not another. Why?
The second app probably wasn't given permission, or it picked a different camera in its own settings. Check the camera list in that app's settings.
People hear me faintly or with an echo. What can I do?
Use headphones with a microphone, and check in the sound settings that the right microphone is selected and its volume isn't low.
Still not working?Describe it in the chat, or book remote support and we'll fix it together.
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