Webcam Isn't Working

Confirm the Webcam is Enabled in Zoom/Teams

In Zoom

If the Start Video button has a red line over it, video is not enabled. Click this button to enable it.

Open

If video is enabled but you’re still not getting feed from the webcam, click the carat on the Start Video button and make sure your webcam is the selected device. If you have more than one and you’re not sure which one to use, cycle through them until one works.

Open

In Teams

1. Click your Profile (initials or picture) in the upper right corner of Teams

2. Click Settings

3. On the left, click Devices

4. Under the Camera section (you might need to scroll down), make sure your camera is selected. If you have more than one and aren’t sure which one to use, cycle through them until one works.

Check Your Windows Camera Settings

1. In Windows (the Windows/Start button), open Settings (the gear icon)

2. Under Privacy, select Camera on the left

3. Make sure the setting for Camera access for this device is turned On 

   • If the setting is already turned on, turn the setting off then back on again

4. Close all apps and restart your computer

Restart the Computer

Restarting the computer is always a great first step for many troubleshooting issues. The reason this works is it re-engages devices plugged into the computer motherboard and also restarts the drivers that make them work.

Unplug/Plug in the Webcam

Unplug the webcam for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If you have another device plugged into the computer you can trade USB ports with, do so. This is not always possible due to cable management. This forces the motherboard and Windows to re-detect the device.

If power is built up in the webcam causing it to miscommunicate its hardware information to the computer (i.e. the computer can’t tell that device is a webcam), leaving it unplugged for 30 seconds will discharge it.