How to test your camera
- Click Start camera. Your browser asks for permission to use the camera; choose Allow.
- Check the preview. You should see yourself (or whatever the camera points at) moving smoothly.
- If you have several cameras, such as a built-in webcam and a USB webcam, choose one from the Camera list. On phones, use Switch camera.
- Read the details under the preview: the real resolution, the measured frame rate and the brightness of the picture.
- Click Take snapshot to save a full-resolution still and check sharpness and color.
What the results mean
- Resolution is the size of the video your browser receives, for example 1280 × 720 (720p) or 1920 × 1080 (1080p). Video call apps often use a lower resolution than this to save bandwidth.
- Max supported is the largest picture size and frame rate the camera says it can deliver. If it is much higher than Resolution, an app or a USB 2.0 port may be limiting it.
- Frame rate is measured from the frames actually arriving. Around 30 fps looks smooth; below about 15 fps motion looks choppy. Dim lighting is the most common reason for a low frame rate.
- Brightness is the average brightness of the picture. Black / covered means essentially no light is reaching the sensor, so check for a lens cover or privacy shutter.
- Aspect ratio is the shape of the picture. Most webcams use 16:9; some older ones use 4:3. Phones in portrait mode report 9:16 or 3:4.
Camera not working? Fix it step by step
1. Allow camera access in your browser
- Chrome and Edge: click the icon at the left end of the address bar, switch Camera to on (or Allow), then reload the page.
- Firefox: click the permissions icon in the address bar, clear the blocked camera permission, then reload and choose Allow.
- Safari on Mac: open Safari › Settings › Websites › Camera and set this website to Allow.
2. Allow camera access in your operating system
- Windows 11: Settings › Privacy & security › Camera. Turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- Windows 10: Settings › Privacy › Camera, with the same switches turned on.
- macOS: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera, and turn on your browser. Quit and reopen the browser afterwards.
- iPhone and iPad: Settings › Apps › Safari (or your browser) › Camera, and set it to Ask or Allow. On older iOS versions, the browser is listed directly under Settings.
- Android: Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions › Camera, then in Chrome check Settings › Site settings › Camera.
3. Check the hardware
- Look for a privacy shutter: many laptops and webcams have a small slider above or over the lens.
- Check for a camera key on the keyboard. Several laptop makers put a camera on/off key on one of the function keys; some show a crossed-out camera icon when it is off.
- For USB webcams, plug directly into the computer rather than a hub, try a different port, and prefer a USB 3 port for 1080p and 4K cameras.
- On Windows, open Device Manager, expand Cameras (or Imaging devices), and check that the camera is listed and not disabled. If it shows a warning, uninstall it and restart so Windows reinstalls the driver.
4. Close apps that use the camera
On Windows, usually only one app can use a camera at a time. Close Zoom, Teams, Skype, Discord, OBS and camera apps completely (including from the system tray), then click Start camera again. Some antivirus programs also have a webcam protection feature that blocks browsers until you allow them.
5. Try another browser
If the camera works in a different browser, reset site permissions in the first browser or turn off extensions that might block the camera.
Tips for a better webcam picture
- Light your face from the front. A window or lamp in front of you beats any camera upgrade. Avoid a bright window behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.
- Raise the camera to eye level. Put the laptop on a few books, or mount a webcam on top of the monitor.
- Clean the lens with a soft microfiber cloth. Fingerprints make the picture hazy.
- Check the app’s video settings. Many apps default to 720p or turn on “HD” only on request.
- Use a USB 3 port for high-resolution webcams, so they aren’t limited by bandwidth.
Is this camera test private?
Yes. The preview, measurements and snapshots all happen inside your browser using its built-in camera features. No video or images are uploaded or stored on a server. When you leave or reload the page, the camera turns off and everything is cleared.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my camera showing a black screen?
A black picture with the camera light on usually means something is covering the lens: a privacy shutter or slider, a sticker, or the lid of a laptop that is nearly closed. Many laptops also have a camera on/off key (often marked with a camera icon on F6, F8 or F10) that cuts the picture. If the light is off and the picture is black, another app may be holding the camera, or a privacy setting may be blocking it.
What resolution is my webcam?
After you start the test, Resolution shows the size of the picture your browser is actually receiving, and Max supported shows the largest mode the camera reports (in Chrome and Edge). Most built-in laptop cameras are 720p (1280 × 720) or 1080p (1920 × 1080); many newer ones are 1440p or higher.
Why is the frame rate lower than my camera’s rating?
Webcams lower their frame rate automatically in dim light so that each frame gets more exposure. A camera rated at 30 fps may drop to 15 fps in a dark room. Add light and the measured frame rate usually rises. USB bandwidth, a busy computer and power-saving modes can also reduce it.
Why is my picture mirrored?
Previews are mirrored by default because that feels natural, like looking in a mirror. Other people on a call see you un-mirrored. Turn off Mirror preview to see the picture the way others will, for example to check that text on a shirt or whiteboard reads correctly.
Does the camera test work on iPhone and Android phones?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone or iPad, or in Chrome on Android, and allow camera access. If your phone has more than one camera, use Switch camera to change between the front and back cameras.
Is my video recorded or uploaded?
No. The video is shown only on your screen, inside your browser. Snapshots are created on your device and are only saved if you choose to download them. Nothing is sent to a server.
Why is my webcam image grainy?
Grain (noise) almost always means there isn’t enough light. Webcams have small sensors, so in dim rooms they boost the signal, which adds noise and blur. Face a window or a lamp, avoid strong light behind you, and clean the lens with a soft cloth.