How to use the webcam test
- Press Start and allow camera access when the browser asks.
- Pick a camera in the Device list. On a phone with one entry, use Switch camera to change between front and back.
- Turn Mirror on or off. Mirror only changes the preview, not what others see on a call.
- Check Resolution, Camera maximum and Frame rate under the picture.
- Press Take photo to grab a still, then Download photo to save it on your device.
- Press Stop when you are done. The camera light goes off; it also closes if you leave the page or switch tabs.
What the result means
| Message | What it means |
|---|---|
| Your webcam works. | The picture arrives at the camera's best size the browser could get, with a smooth frame rate. |
| Works, below its maximum resolution. Apps may pick a lower quality. | The camera can do more than it is sending now: another app or the driver may be limiting it, or the browser chose a lower mode to keep the frame rate up. |
| Works, but the frame rate is low. Improve the lighting or close other apps. | Fewer than 15 frames per second. Many webcams slow down in dim light to collect more of it. |
Video calls usually send less than your camera can do. A good result here means the hardware is fine; the quality on a call also depends on the app and your connection.
Camera blocked or not found
- Another app is using the camera: close Zoom, Teams, Meet tabs, Discord or the Camera app, then press Start again. On most computers only one app can use the camera at a time.
- On laptops, check for a sliding privacy shutter or a key with a crossed-out camera icon.
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera, then allow this site and reload.
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Camera, or click the lock icon left of the address bar.
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Camera > Settings…, then remove or allow the site.
- Safari on Mac: Safari > Settings > Websites > Camera, then set this site to Allow.
Windows 11
- Settings > Privacy & security > Camera: turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- If the camera does not appear at all, open Device Manager > Cameras (or Imaging devices). Update the driver, or uninstall it and restart so Windows reinstalls it.
Mac
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and turn on your browser, then quit and reopen it. If the green light is on but the picture is black, another app is holding the camera: quit it and try again.
iPhone and Android
- iPhone and iPad: Settings > Apps > Safari > Camera, set to Ask or Allow (iOS 18 and later; earlier versions show Safari directly in Settings). For Chrome, check Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.
- Android: Chrome > Settings > Site settings > Camera. If you turned off Camera access in Quick Settings, turn it back on.
- If the picture freezes, close the Camera app and any video call app running in the background.
Works here but not in Meet, Teams or Zoom
- Google Meet: Settings (gear) > Video > Camera.
- Microsoft Teams: Settings and more (…) > Settings > Devices, then choose the camera.
- Zoom: Settings > Video, then pick the camera in the list.
- Close this test first: while it is running, the call app may not be able to open the camera.
Questions
How do I check if my webcam is working?
Press Start and allow the camera. If you see yourself and the result says Your webcam works, the camera, driver and permissions are fine.
What resolution is my webcam?
The test shows the resolution the camera is sending now and, where the browser reports it, the camera maximum. Some browsers do not report the maximum; then only the current resolution is shown.
Why does my webcam look laggy or dark?
Webcams lower their frame rate in dim light. Add light in front of you, close other apps using the camera, and check the Frame rate again.
Is my picture recorded or uploaded?
No. The preview stays on your device, and a photo is only saved if you press Download photo.