Camera & Microphone Troubleshooting

Fix a failed camera or microphone system check — quick universal fixes, symptom-by-symptom solutions, and advanced steps.

Quick fix checklist

Before diving into specifics, try these three universal fixes.

  • Refresh the page.
  • Close all other video apps (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
  • Use the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Camera — symptom-by-symptom

If you see…Likely causeRecommended action
Black screenPermission or app conflictClick the padlock icon in the URL bar and set Camera to Allow. Close background video apps.
"Camera Not Detected"System-level blockWindows: Settings › Privacy › Camera › Enable Access. Mac: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera.
"In Use by Another App"Process conflictClose other browser tabs and communication software, then restart your browser.
Wrong camera feedMultiple devicesBrowser Settings › Privacy › Site Settings › Camera, and select the correct hardware.
Button unresponsiveBrowser incompatibilityUpdate your browser or switch to Incognito/Private mode.
Flickering / instabilityConnection or hardwareReseat the USB cable or try a different port. Restart your device to reset the hardware bus.

Microphone — symptom-by-symptom

ProblemLikely causeSolution
No sound detectedPermissions or muteClick the padlock icon and Allow Microphone. Check for a physical mute button on your headset/laptop.
"Mic Not Detected"System-level blockWindows: Settings › Privacy › Microphone › Enable Access. Mac: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
"In Use by Another App"Process conflictClose Zoom/Teams/Meet/Discord, then refresh the browser and try again.
Low or distorted audioInput sensitivityMove closer and reduce background noise. Increase Input Volume in your system sound settings.
Wrong mic usedMultiple devicesBrowser Settings › Privacy › Site Settings › Microphone, and select the correct hardware.
Permission not askedPreviously deniedClick the padlock icon, toggle Microphone to ON, and reload the page.

Advanced troubleshooting

  • The lock icon — if the browser never asked for permission, click the lock next to the address and manually toggle the camera/mic On.
  • Security software — some antivirus tools have Webcam Protection that blocks browser access; allow your browser in its settings.
  • Clear cache — if it worked before but stopped, clear cache & cookies, then log back into the session.
  • External devices — unplug, wait 5 seconds, and plug back in. Windows: Device Manager › Cameras › Update Driver.

Tip: The 30-second reset: reconnect your device → clear browser data (Ctrl+Shift+Del) → hard-restart the browser and log back in.

Final readiness check

  • Camera — click Check Camera, confirm your feed is clear and unobstructed, then Proceed.
  • Microphone — speak at normal volume and watch the input bar move.
  • Environment — keep your surroundings quiet to avoid background interference.