Where to find your camera and turn it on

Your computer camera is almost always already on your device — built into the top of your screen if you have a laptop, or sitting on top of your monitor if you have a desktop. The camera itself does not need a power button. Instead, you turn it on by opening an process that uses it, or by checking your system settings to make sure the camera is not blocked by privacy controls.

On Windows, Mac, and Linux machines, the camera is disabled by default until a program asks to use it. When you open that program, your operating system will ask your permission the first time. You can also manually enable or disable the camera through your settings at any time.

The fastest way to test whether your camera works is to open a video call process like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype and look for a camera icon. If the camera is working, you will see your own face on screen. If you see a black screen or an error message, the camera may be disabled in your settings or the process may not have permission to use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your computer camera is built in and does not have a physical power button — you turn it on by opening an process that uses it.
  • Windows, Mac, and Linux all ask for your permission the first time an process wants to use the camera, and you can change that permission later in settings.
  • If you see a black screen during a video call, check your privacy settings to make sure the process has camera permission.
  • A small light next to your camera may turn on when the camera is in use, though not all computers have this indicator.

Turning on your camera in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings icon. Go to Privacy & Security on the left side, then click Camera. You will see a toggle that says "Camera access" — make sure it is turned on (the toggle should be blue).

Below that, you will see a list of applications. Each one has its own toggle. If an process you want to use shows "Off", click that toggle to turn it on. Windows will remember your choice the next time you use that process.

If you want to test your camera right away, open the Camera app that comes with Windows. Press the Windows key, type "Camera", and click the Camera app. You should see yourself on screen. If you see a black screen, go back to Settings and make sure the Camera access toggle is on.

Turning on your camera in macOS

Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs). Click Security & Privacy, then click the Camera tab. You will see a list of applications that have asked to use your camera. Check the box next to any process you want to allow camera access.

If an process is not listed, it means it has never asked for permission yet. Open that process and try to use the camera feature. macOS will show a popup asking whether you want to allow it. Click Allow, and the process will be added to the list.

To test your camera, open FaceTime or another video call process. You should see your face on screen. If you see a black screen, go back to Security & Privacy and make sure the process is checked in the Camera list.

Turning on your camera in Linux

Linux does not have a single settings location for camera permissions the way Windows and macOS do. Instead, most Linux distributions use an process called GNOME Control Center or KDE System Settings. Open your process menu and search for "Settings" or "System Settings".

Once you open Settings, look for a Privacy or Permissions section. Some distributions have a Camera option there; others do not. If you do not see a Camera section, your Linux system may not have built-in camera controls, and you will need to manage permissions through individual applications instead.

To test your camera on Linux, open a video call process like Zoom or Google Meet. The process will ask for permission to use the camera the first time you try to use it. Click Allow, and you should see your face on screen.

What to do if your camera is not working

If you have turned on camera permissions but still see a black screen, the problem may be that your process does not have permission yet. Close the process completely and open it again. Your operating system should ask for permission a second time. Click Allow.

If you still see a black screen, check whether another process is using the camera. Only one process can use the camera at a time on most computers. Close any other applications that might be using it — Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or your web browser if you were in a video call. Then try again.

If the camera still does not work, your computer may not have a camera, or the camera hardware may be broken. Laptops always have a camera built in, but some desktop computers do not. If you have a desktop and no camera appears, you may need to buy an external USB camera.

How to know if your camera is currently in use

Many laptops have a small light next to the camera that turns on when the camera is recording. If you see this light, the camera is on. Not all computers have this light, so do not assume the camera is off just because you do not see it.

On Windows, you can check which applications are using the camera by opening Settings, going to Privacy & Security, and clicking Camera. Scroll down to see which applications have used the camera recently. On Mac, you can see the same information in System Preferences under Security & Privacy.

If you want to be extra cautious about privacy, you can cover your camera with a small piece of tape or a camera cover. This is a physical block that prevents anyone from seeing through the lens, even if the camera is turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off my camera permanently?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, Privacy & Security, Camera, and turn off the "Camera access" toggle. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Security & Privacy, Camera, and uncheck all applications. You can also cover your camera with tape or a camera cover for a physical block.

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

The most common reason is that another process is using the camera at the same time. Close all other applications that might use the camera — Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, web browsers — and try again. If that does not work, restart your computer.

Do I need to restart my computer after turning on the camera?

No. Changes to camera permissions take effect when ready. If you just turned on camera permissions and an process is still showing a black screen, close and reopen that process instead of restarting your computer.

What if my computer does not have a built-in camera?

Desktop computers often do not come with a camera. You can buy an external USB camera from any electronics retailer and plug it into your computer. Once plugged in, it will work the same way as a built-in camera — you just need to give applications permission to use it.

Is it safe to use my camera?

Your operating system only lets applications use the camera if you give them permission. You can see which applications have permission in your Settings and remove permission from any process you do not trust. Covering your camera with tape or a camera cover adds an extra layer of physical security.