Likely fix
Fix: Webcam shows black screen
A webcam black screen usually means the lens is covered, the wrong camera is selected, another app is using it, lighting is too low, camera permission is blocked, or the camera driver is stuck.
Quick answer
Open the privacy cover, select the correct camera, close other camera apps, increase lighting, and restart the app.
Important warning
A black screen can be as simple as a closed camera cover, especially on laptops and external webcams with privacy sliders.
Try this
- 1 Check whether a privacy cover, shutter, tape, or case is blocking the camera.
- 2 Increase room lighting.
- 3 Open the app's video settings and select the correct camera.
- 4 Close other apps or browser tabs that may be using the camera.
- 5 Check system camera permissions.
- 6 Restart the app.
- 7 Restart the computer.
- 8 If using a USB webcam, unplug and reconnect it.
- 9 Test the camera in another app.
Common causes
Camera cover or shutter is closed.
Wrong camera selected.
Another app is using the camera.
Room is too dark.
Camera permission is blocked.
Driver or app is stuck.
USB webcam connection problem.
What to check next
- Check physical lens cover.
- Check app camera selection.
- Check another app.
- Check lighting.
- Check whether camera permission is allowed.