FAQ - Using

What do I do if my camera is not working?

If using Windows

  • Check for a camera switch or button your device

    Some laptops and portable devices have a physical switch or button that turns the camera on/off. When turned off, your device won't recognize that there's a camera installed. If your computer has a switch or button, make sure it's in the on position before using your camera.

  • Check for updates
    1. Select Start, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    2. If you see the option to View optional updates, select it to see if there are updates available for your camera.
    3. Allow available updates to install, then restart your device when it's ready.
  • Restart your PC

    If you haven't restarted your device since the camera stopped working, you should do so.

    Select Start, then select Power > Restart.

    (Waking up your device from sleep isn't the same thing as a restart.)

  • Test your camera with the Camera app.
    1. Select Start, then choose Camera from the list of apps.
    2. If you're asked to allow access to the Camera, select Yes.
  • Check your antivirus software

    In your antivirus software settings, look for settings that block access to your camera or permission to use your camera. For help, visit your antivirus software company’s website.

  • Try a different USB port

    If you're using an external camera, try using it with a different USB port on your device first

If none of that works, please have a look at the Microsoft help site for more tips.

If using a Mac

  • Check the camera indicator light

    If the camera indicator light next to the camera flashes green on your Mac notebook, contact Apple.

  • Check for apps using the camera simultaneously

    The camera is turned on automatically by apps that use it. Only one app can utilize the camera at a time. Make sure you’re not being denied access to the camera because some other app is using it.

  • Update your software

    Make sure that your software is up to date. Perform an update.

  • Test your camera with a different browser or app.

    Try to use the camera in another app or in another browser. For example, try the camera in FaceTime or Google Chrome.

If none of that works, please have a look at the Apple help site for more tips.

Back to FAQs