How to turn on your webcam and check it works

The fastest way to access your own webcam depends on what device you are using and what you want to do with it. On Windows, you can open the Camera app by pressing the Windows key, typing "camera", and selecting the Camera app from the results. On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Photo Booth. Both apps will show you a live feed from your webcam when ready.

If you want to use your webcam in a video call or recording software instead, you do not need to open a separate camera app. Most video calling programs like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and Discord let you select your webcam as the video source directly in their settings. Open the program, go to Settings or Preferences, find the Video or Camera section, and choose your webcam from the dropdown menu. You should see a preview of what your webcam sees.

If you see a black screen or no preview appears, your webcam may not be working. Move to the troubleshooting section below to diagnose the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can open the Camera app by pressing Windows key + typing "camera"; Mac users can open Photo Booth from Applications > Utilities.
  • Most video calling apps let you select your webcam in Settings or Preferences under a Video or Camera section.
  • A black screen or missing preview usually means the webcam is disabled, blocked by privacy settings, or not recognized by your device.
  • Restarting your device and checking Device Manager (Windows) or System Report (Mac) can reveal whether your webcam is detected at all.

Check if your webcam is disabled or blocked

Many devices disable the webcam by default for privacy reasons, or an app may have blocked access to it. On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Make sure the toggle at the top that says "Camera" is turned on. Below that, you will see a list of apps; turn on the toggle next to any app you want to use your webcam with.

On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. You will see a list of apps that have requested camera access. Check that the apps you want to use have a checkmark next to them. If an app is not listed, it has never asked for permission; the next time you open that app and try to use the camera, macOS will ask you to allow it.

If you have a physical camera cover or shutter over your webcam, make sure it is open. Some laptops come with a sliding cover that can accidentally be left closed.

Restart your device and update drivers

A straightforward restart often fixes webcam problems. Shut down your computer completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears temporary software glitches that may be blocking the camera.

On Windows, you can also check whether your webcam driver is up to date. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager. Look for "Cameras" in the list and click the arrow next to it to expand. Right-click your webcam and select "Update driver". Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software". Windows will check for a newer version and install it if one is found.

On Mac, drivers are usually updated automatically through System Updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

Check your webcam in Device Manager or System Report

If your webcam still does not appear in any app, it may not be recognized by your device at all. On Windows, open Device Manager again (Windows key + X, then Device Manager). Look under "Cameras" or "Imaging devices". If you see a yellow exclamation mark next to your webcam, there is a driver problem. Right-click it and select "Uninstall device", then restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", then click "System Report". Go to Hardware > USB (or Thunderbolt if your webcam uses that connection). Look for your webcam in the list. If it does not appear, the device may not be connected properly or may be broken.

Test your webcam in a video call app

Once your webcam appears in Device Manager or System Report and you have turned it on in Privacy settings, test it in the app you plan to use. Open Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Discord and go to Settings. Find the Video or Camera section and select your webcam from the dropdown. You should see a live preview of what the camera sees.

If the preview still shows a black screen, try unplugging the webcam (if it is external) and plugging it back in. Wait 10 seconds for the device to be recognized again. If it is a built-in webcam, restart your computer.

What to do if your webcam is broken or not detected

If your webcam does not appear in Device Manager or System Report after a restart, and you have checked all cables and connections, the hardware may be broken. External USB webcams can be replaced for between $30 and $150 depending on quality. Built-in webcams in laptops usually require professional repair or replacement, which can cost $100 to $300.

Before replacing the hardware, try connecting the webcam to a different USB port (on Windows or Mac) or a different computer if you have access to one. This will tell you whether the problem is with the webcam itself or with your device's USB ports or software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my webcam show a black screen even though it is turned on?

A black screen usually means the camera is blocked by privacy settings, the lens is covered, or the app does not have permission to use the camera. Check Privacy & Security settings on your device, make sure any physical camera cover is open, and confirm the app has camera permission. If all three are correct, try restarting your device.

Can I use my phone as a webcam for my computer?

Yes, but you need software to bridge them. Apps like EpocCam, Iriun, and DroidCam let you connect your phone to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi and use the phone's camera as a webcam in video calls and recording software. Install the app on both your phone and computer, connect them, and select the phone camera in your video app's settings.

How do I know if my webcam is being used by another app?

On Windows, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and look for apps with the toggle turned on. On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and check which apps are listed. If you see an app you do not recognize, turn off its access. Some apps also show a light or indicator when the camera is active.

What is the difference between a built-in and external webcam?

Built-in webcams are part of your laptop or monitor and cannot be removed without opening the device. External webcams plug in via USB and can be moved, replaced, or disconnected. External webcams are usually higher quality and easier to troubleshoot because you can unplug and reconnect them.