How to test your webcam
- Press Start webcam test and allow camera access.
- If you see yourself, the camera works. Pick another camera in the list if you have more than one, such as a laptop camera and a USB webcam.
- Try 720p, 1080p and 4K to see the highest resolution your camera really delivers.
How to read the numbers
Resolution is the size of the picture the camera actually sends, measured from the video itself. Cameras sold as 1080p sometimes deliver 720p over a slow USB port or when the light is low. Frame rate is counted from the frames that arrive each second. Around 30 fps looks smooth for calls. Many webcams drop to 15 fps in a dark room, because they keep the shutter open longer to collect light. Light gives a rough reading of how bright the picture is.
The picture is mirrored by default, the way you see yourself in a mirror. Other people on a call usually see the unmirrored version, so text on your shirt reads correctly for them.
Webcam not working? Try these fixes
Black picture or "camera not found"
- Check for a physical privacy shutter over the lens. Many laptops have a small slider above the screen.
- Some laptops have a camera off key, often F8 or F10, or a key with a camera symbol. Press it once and try again.
- Close every other app that may use the camera. Only one app can use most webcams at a time.
- For a USB webcam, plug it directly into the computer and try another port.
Windows 10 and 11
- Open Settings, Privacy and security (Privacy on Windows 10), Camera. Turn on camera access and allow desktop apps.
- Open the Camera app. If it fails too, the problem is not the browser.
- Open Device Manager, expand Cameras (or Imaging devices), right-click the webcam, choose Uninstall device, and restart.
Mac
- Open System Settings, Privacy and Security, Camera, and switch on your browser.
- Quit and reopen the browser after changing the permission.
- Open Photo Booth to check whether the camera works outside the browser.
Browser permission
Click the camera or lock icon in the address bar and choose Allow. If you blocked the camera earlier, the browser remembers it, so you have to change it there.
Check your camera before Zoom, Teams or Meet
Web versions of Zoom, Teams and Google Meet use the same camera access as this page. If the picture looks good here, it will look good there. Face a window or a lamp rather than sitting with a bright window behind you, and place the camera at eye height.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I test my webcam online?
Press Start webcam test and allow access. If you see your live picture, the webcam works. The page also shows the real resolution and frame rate.
Why is my webcam picture black?
The most common causes are a privacy shutter, a camera off key on the laptop, or another app that is already using the camera. Privacy settings in Windows or macOS can also block it.
Why does my 1080p webcam show 720p?
The camera may be connected to a slow USB port or hub, or the browser picked a lower setting. Press 1080p to request full HD, and plug the camera straight into the computer.
Is my video recorded or uploaded?
No. The picture only appears in your browser. Snapshots are created on your device and only saved if you choose to save them.
Can I test my phone camera here?
Yes. Open the page on your phone and allow camera access. Use the camera list to switch between the front and back camera.