Troubleshoot camera issues in a meeting (2024)

Before you get started

If you have an issue with your camera in a meeting, here’s how you can fix it:

Make sure that your computer’s camera is connected, is turned on, and faces towards you.
Select the correct camera, not an external monitor or other attached devices. Learn how to connect your video and audio.

Check if your camera works in other apps, like FaceTime on macOS or the Camera app on Windows 10.
- Then, make sure no other apps currently access your camera. Close any other app that uses the camera, then reload Google Meet.
Learn how to improve your Wi-Fi or network performance.

Update your browser

Update your browser to get the latest software fixes.

Allow Google Meet to access your camera

Meet needs permission to use your camera and microphone. You must allow access the first time you join a video meeting. Before you join the meeting, enable your camera.

To allow Meet to use your camera and microphone:

While in a meeting, go to the address bar and click Camera .
Select Always allowDone.

Allow Google Chrome to access your camera again

Check your site permissions in Chrome

Make sure you allow camera access on the site you want to use. You can allow all sites to use your camera, or just the specific site you’re on.Learn more about site permissions.

Important: The “Camera failed” error is often because the browser can’t access the camera.

On computers with Chrome, you must allow the browser to access your camera. To grant permission again:

In the Chrome address bar, enter chrome://settings/content/camera.
Under “Default Behavior,” select Sites can ask to use your camera.
Disable the setting "Ask before accessing."
If present, under "Allowed to use your camera," next to“https://meet.google.com:443,” click Delete.
Refresh the Google Meet page.
When prompted, grant camera access.

Allow camera access on a different browser other than Chrome

Allow your system or device to access your camera

Important: Make sure that your camera is turned on and your computer and browser are able to access the camera so you are visible.

Enable camera access on Chromebook

On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, select Time Settings .
On the left, select Security and Privacy Privacy controls.
Turn on Camera access.

Learn why you have a black screen or crossed out camera icon

Check if there’s a camera hardware issue

On your device, open the built-in camera app, like Camera or Photo Booth.
If the camera’s self-preview shows your image but Google Meet doesn’t, make sure Google Meet can access your camera:
- Allow Google Chrome to access your camera
If the camera’s self-preview doesn’t show your image, to open the camera cover or privacy switch, try the steps below.

Open the camera cover or privacy switch

Important:

Not all devices have a camera cover or privacy switch.
The cover or switch may be at the top or side of your device.
Some models use an orange, red, or amber light when the privacy switch is on.

To find the camera cover, at the top of the camera lens, check for a slider.
- For most models, the camera cover is a physical slider above the lens. For example, the Lenovo camera lens is blocked by the slider.
If you don’t find a slider above the lens, check for a physical switch on either side of your device.
- Some models use a privacy switch instead of a camera cover. For example, the HP Chromebook has a camera privacy switch to turn on.
To unblock the camera lens, move the slider or switch to the off position.
Test the camera with the built-in Camera app or with Google Meet.

Tip: If the camera’s self-preview doesn’t show:

For non-Chromebook devices, try the steps to troubleshoot more.
For Chromebook devices, try the steps to reset your Chromebook hardware.

Change the privacy mode in your camera settings

Important: Some devices have a software privacy switch. This may be turned off in your camera or device settings.

On your device, go to Settings.
Find your camera settings.
Turn off the software-based privacy switch.

Tip: Instructions may be different on your device.

Example of Chrome and Firefox browsers that shows camera lens blocked by software privacy switch

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members

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