Before a video call, interview or stream, it’s worth making sure your camera actually works. Here’s the fastest way to test it and fix the most common problems.
The quickest way to test your webcam
Use a tool that shows your camera feed directly in the browser. Our Webcam Test does this with one click:
- Open the webcam test and click Test my camera.
- Allow camera access when your browser asks.
- If you can see yourself, your webcam works. The page also shows the resolution and frame rate your camera is sending.
Because it runs entirely in your browser, your video is never uploaded or recorded — it’s only shown to you.
Fixing common webcam problems
You see a black screen. Another app is probably using the camera (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, OBS). Close those apps and try again. On laptops, check the physical privacy shutter isn’t closed.
The browser didn’t ask for permission, or you denied it. Click the camera icon in your browser’s address bar and set the camera to “Allow”, then reload. On macOS, also check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and enable your browser.
The wrong camera is showing. If you have multiple cameras (built-in + external), pick the right one in your browser’s site settings or in the app you’re using.
It works in the test but not in a meeting app. That confirms the camera and browser are fine — the problem is in the other app’s settings. Select the correct camera there, and make sure no other program is holding the camera.
Test your microphone too
A camera is only half the setup. Run our Mic Test and speak — if the volume bar moves, your microphone is working. Together these two checks take under a minute and save you the awkward “can you hear me?” at the start of a call.
Want to record, not just test?
- To capture your screen (with your voice, or a webcam overlay for tutorials), use the free Screen Recorder.
- To record a video message from your camera, use the Webcam Recorder.
All of these run on your own device — nothing is uploaded.
Summary
Testing a webcam takes seconds: open a webcam test, allow access, and check you can see yourself. If you can’t, it’s almost always a permission issue or another app using the camera. Fix that, test your mic too, and you’re ready for any call.