TestMySetupAll tests

Home / Guides / Zoom camera

Video-call troubleshooting

Webcam works in the browser but not in Zoom?

That is useful evidence: the camera hardware works. Focus next on Zoom’s selected camera, operating-system permission, and other apps using the device.

What the browser test proves

A live preview confirms the webcam can deliver video to your browser. It does not confirm that Zoom has permission or is using the same camera.

Confirm the camera still works

Use the private preview, then return here if it succeeds.

Run camera test

1. Select the webcam inside Zoom

  1. Open the Zoom desktop app.
  2. Open Settings and choose Video & effects or Video.
  3. Use the Camera menu to select the same webcam that worked in the browser.
  4. If you are already in a meeting, use the arrow beside the video button to switch cameras.

2. Give the Zoom app camera permission

Computer permissions are separate for browsers and desktop apps. In Windows, open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and allow camera access for apps and desktop apps. On macOS, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and enable Zoom, then restart the app.

3. Close anything else using the webcam

Quit browser tabs with active camera access, Teams, Meet, recording software, and camera utilities. Then fully quit and reopen Zoom. Some camera drivers allow only one application to use the webcam at a time.

4. Reconnect and restart

  • Reconnect a USB webcam directly to the computer if possible.
  • Try a different USB port.
  • Restart Zoom, then restart the computer if needed.
  • Update Zoom and the webcam driver if the device still does not appear.

If the camera test also fails now, return to the Chrome camera permission guide. The problem is no longer isolated to Zoom.

Zoom menus can vary by app version. See Zoom’s official video troubleshooting resources for current product-specific instructions.