Runs in your browser: the video and any photo you take stay on your device and are never uploaded.

This webcam test shows your camera’s live picture in the browser, with its name, resolution and frame rate, so you can check it before a Zoom or Teams call. You can also take a test photo and save it.

The video stays on your device: nothing is recorded or uploaded. If the camera won’t start, the tool tells you why, and the fixes below cover Windows 11, Mac, iPhone and Android.

How to use the webcam test

Select Start camera. When your browser asks to use the camera, choose Allow.
Check the live preview. It’s mirrored by default, like a bathroom mirror. Untick Mirror the preview to see what other people see.
Read the results: the camera’s name, its resolution and its frame rate. The measured frame rate settles after a couple of seconds.
Got more than one camera? After you allow access, the Camera list shows them by name. Pick another one to switch.
Select Take a photo to grab a still, then Download PNG if you want to keep it.
Select Stop camera when you’re done. Your camera’s light should turn off.

Testing before an important call? Run this check, then use the test option in your meeting app too. Zoom and Teams can pick a different camera from the one your browser uses.

What the results mean

Browsers don’t always get the camera’s best mode by default, so the tool asks for up to 1920 × 1080 and the camera picks the closest size it supports. A camera that can do more (4K, for example) is still shown at 1080p here.

Result	What it tells you
Camera	The name Windows, macOS or your phone gives the camera. Useful when a laptop also has an infrared (Windows Hello) camera or you have a USB webcam plugged in.
Resolution	The size the camera is sending, such as 1280 × 720 (720p HD) or 1920 × 1080 (1080p Full HD).
Video size	The size of the picture the browser actually receives. It usually matches the resolution.
Frame rate (camera)	The frame rate the camera says it’s using, often 30 fps.
Frame rate (measured)	How many frames really arrive each second. If it’s much lower than the camera’s figure, add light or close other apps.
Facing	On phones and tablets: front camera (facing you) or back camera.

A picture that’s dark, grainy or slow usually means not enough light. Many webcams lower their frame rate in dim rooms to let in more light. Face a window or a lamp, and wipe the lens: a fingerprint makes everything look soft.

Camera not working on Windows 11? Try these fixes in order

If the webcam test shows an error, it names the likely cause. These are the fixes from Microsoft’s own troubleshooting guide, in the order worth trying.

1. Check the camera switch, shutter or key

Many laptops can turn the camera off in hardware. Microsoft lists a key you press with Fn, a dedicated camera key, a sliding switch on the side of the laptop, and a small shutter slider built into the camera itself. A closed shutter often gives a black picture rather than an error.

2. Turn on camera access in Privacy & security

Go to Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Camera. Make sure Camera access is on and Let apps access your camera is on. For browsers, Zoom and other desktop programs, also turn on Let desktop apps access your camera. More settings worth checking are in our list of Windows 11 settings to change.

3. Close apps that are using the camera

Windows often lets only one app use the camera at a time. If Zoom, Teams, the Camera app or another browser tab has it, the tool reports that the camera is in use. Microsoft lists Camera app error 0xA00F4243 for the same problem. Close those apps, check Task Manager for any still running, then select Start camera again.

4. Check the camera in Device Manager

Select Start, type device manager, and open it.
Look under Cameras, Imaging devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
If the camera shows as disabled, right-click it and select Enable device.
If it’s missing, select Action → Scan for hardware changes.
If it broke after an update, right-click it, select Properties, then on the Driver tab select Roll Back Driver. Microsoft also describes uninstalling the device with Attempt to remove the driver for this device ticked, then scanning for hardware changes.

5. Run the troubleshooter and check security software

Microsoft’s guide points to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Camera. Some antivirus apps have their own camera blocking setting, too. For an external webcam, try another USB port, then restart the PC.

Camera works here but not in Zoom or Teams

Then the camera is fine and the meeting app is set to the wrong one. In the Zoom desktop app, Zoom’s help says to click your profile picture, select Settings, then Video & effects and choose the camera. In a meeting, click the arrow next to Video and pick Video settings. In Microsoft Teams, Microsoft says to open Settings → Devices, choose your camera, and use Make a test call. Close this page first: the camera may be busy while the webcam test is running.

More Windows fixes are on our Windows hub.

If it doesn’t work on Mac, iPhone or Android

Mac

Apple’s steps: make sure macOS is up to date, then go to Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and turn on your browser. If you use Screen Time, check that the camera isn’t restricted under Screen Time → Content & Privacy → App Restrictions. Then restart the Mac (Apple silicon) or reset the SMC (Intel). In Safari, the camera setting for websites is in Safari → Settings → Websites → Camera. Apple says a flashing green light next to the camera can mean it needs service. More Mac help is on our Mac hub.

iPhone and iPad

This page works in Safari on iPhone. To test the front camera, start the camera and check that Facing says front. If you denied access earlier, Apple’s guide says to go to Settings → Apps → Safari → Camera and choose Ask or Allow. If the Camera app itself shows a black screen or a blurry picture, Apple suggests removing any case or accessory that covers the lens, cleaning the lens, restarting, and updating iOS. See our iPhone hub for more.

Android and Samsung Galaxy

In Chrome on Android, Google says to tap More → Settings → Site settings → Camera; if this site is under Blocked, tap it and choose Allow. Chrome also needs the camera permission itself: Android Help says to open Settings → Apps, pick the app, tap Permissions and allow Camera. Recent Android versions also have a system-wide Camera access switch under Security & privacy → Privacy → Privacy controls. Menu names can differ slightly on Galaxy phones. Setting up a new phone? See how to set up a new Android phone.

Any browser

On a computer in Chrome, the camera setting is under More → Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Camera. Find this site under Not allowed to use your camera or microphone and change it to Allow. The camera also only works on secure pages that start with https://.

Privacy: what this tool does with your video

The webcam test runs entirely in your browser. The video goes from your camera to the page on your screen and nowhere else. A photo you take is made on your device and only saved if you choose Download PNG. When you select Stop camera or leave the page, the camera is released.

Worried an app is using your camera without asking? Review which apps have camera permission in the settings above and turn off any you don’t recognize. Our guide is my phone hacked? covers the other warning signs.

Related free tool: our mic test.

FAQ

How do I test my webcam?

Select Start camera on this page and allow access. If you see yourself and a resolution and frame rate appear, the camera works. Use Take a photo to check the picture in detail.

Why is my webcam black even though it’s on?

Usually a closed privacy shutter, a camera key on the keyboard, or another app holding the camera. Open the shutter, press the camera key, and close Zoom, Teams and the Camera app.

Why does my camera work in the browser but not in Zoom or Teams?

The camera is fine, but the meeting app is set to a different camera. Choose the right one in Zoom’s Video & effects settings or in Teams under Settings and Devices.

Is it safe to test a webcam online?

It depends on the site. This tool shows the video only on your screen and uploads nothing. Your browser always asks first, and you can block the camera again in its site settings.

Can I test the front camera on my phone?

Yes. Open this page in Safari or Chrome, start the camera and allow access. The Facing row tells you whether it’s the front or back camera, and you can pick another camera from the list.

Webcam Test (Check Your Camera Online)