Why is my camera working on this page but not in Zoom?

It means your webcam and drivers are fine — the problem is inside Zoom. In 9 out of 10 cases it's one of three things: another app has locked the camera, Zoom doesn't have OS-level camera permission, or the wrong camera is selected in Zoom Settings → Video. Follow steps 1–3 above in order.

How do I give Zoom permission to use my camera on macOS?

Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Find Zoom in the list and turn the toggle on. If Zoom is not in the list, launch Zoom and start a test meeting — macOS will prompt you. You must fully quit and relaunch Zoom after enabling the permission.

How do I give Zoom permission to use my camera on Windows 11?

Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Camera. Turn on 'Camera access' and 'Let apps access your camera', then scroll down and enable 'Let desktop apps access your camera'. Restart Zoom afterward.

Why does Zoom show a black screen instead of my camera?

A black screen usually means Zoom is connected to the wrong camera, or the camera hardware cover is closed, or a privacy app (like Oversight on Mac or vendor software on Windows laptops) is blocking video output. Check the camera dropdown in Zoom Settings → Video and any laptop camera shutter.

How to fix Zoom camera not working on a laptop?

On most Windows laptops there is a function key (F6, F8 or one with a camera icon) that toggles the internal webcam. Press it and test again. On ThinkPads check ThinkShutter. On Dell check Dell Optimizer. On HP check the camera privacy key. If that doesn't help, run our camera test above to confirm the hardware works at all.

Does Zoom work in the browser without the app?

Yes. When you click a meeting link, look for 'Join from Your Browser' at the bottom of the page (it sometimes appears only after the desktop app fails to launch). The browser version uses the same camera permission you can verify with our tester above — no installation required.

My external webcam is not detected by Zoom. What do I do?

Unplug the camera, reboot the computer, and plug the camera directly into a USB port on the computer (not a hub). Open our camera test on this page first — if the browser sees the camera in the dropdown but Zoom doesn't, restart Zoom or reinstall it. A fresh Zoom install fixes most 'camera not detected' cases.

Zoom Camera Not Working? Test It Right Now

See your camera immediately in the browser below. If it works here but not in Zoom, the fix takes 30 seconds — follow the step-by-step guide below to get your video back on.

Quick Camera Test

How to Fix Zoom Camera Not Working — 6 Steps

Close other apps using your cameraOnly one app can use the camera at a time. Quit Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, OBS, Snap Camera and any browser tabs showing your webcam. Then reopen Zoom.
Give Zoom permission to use your cameraOn macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → enable Zoom. On Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera → turn on camera access and allow Zoom. Restart Zoom after changing.
Select the correct camera inside ZoomIn Zoom click Settings (gear icon) → Video. Use the Camera dropdown and pick your actual webcam. External USB cameras may disappear if the cable is loose — reconnect and refresh the list.
Turn your camera on in the meetingThe video button in the Zoom toolbar may be off with a red slash. Click Start Video. If it shows a black screen, click the ^ next to the video button and pick your camera again.
Update Zoom and your camera driversIn Zoom: profile icon → Check for Updates. On Windows: Device Manager → Cameras → right-click → Update driver. On macOS: System Settings → General → Software Update. A full restart after update is recommended.
Try the Zoom web client as a fallbackIf the desktop app refuses to connect to the camera, open the meeting link in Chrome or Edge and click 'Join from Your Browser'. The web client uses browser permissions you can verify with our test above.

Test other devices:Microphone test·Speakers test

Zoom Camera Not Working? Test It Right Now

Quick Camera Test

How to Fix Zoom Camera Not Working — 6 Steps

Zoom Camera FAQ

Why is my camera working on this page but not in Zoom?▼

How do I give Zoom permission to use my camera on macOS?▼

How do I give Zoom permission to use my camera on Windows 11?▼

Why does Zoom show a black screen instead of my camera?▼

How to fix Zoom camera not working on a laptop?▼

Does Zoom work in the browser without the app?▼

My external webcam is not detected by Zoom. What do I do?▼