Zoom (desktop/web)
Fix Camera Not Working in Zoom
Confirm the camera is detected and shows a preview, then fix Zoom video settings, permissions, and “camera busy” conflicts.
Use the DevicePrep Webcam Test to confirm your camera works before troubleshooting Zoom.
When Zoom shows a black screen, “camera is starting”, or no camera at all, the cause is usually one of three things: the wrong camera is selected, permissions are blocked, or another app is using the lens. The fastest path is to prove the camera works outside Zoom, then change one thing at a time and re-test.
What this guide covers
- Zoom shows a black screen, stuck camera preview, or "Unable to start video"
- Your camera works on other sites but not in Zoom
- Zoom doesn't list your USB webcam or virtual camera
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run Device Check to confirm the camera is detected, then run Webcam Test to confirm a preview.
- In Zoom, click the arrow next to Start Video and pick your camera by name (avoid “Same as System” while debugging).
- Fully quit FaceTime/Teams/Meet/OBS and close browser tabs that could be using the camera.
- macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> allow Zoom, then quit/reopen Zoom.
- Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera -> allow Zoom + allow desktop apps, then restart Zoom.
- Disable virtual cameras temporarily (OBS Virtual Camera, Snap Camera) to rule out blank feeds.
Step-by-step fix
- Run Device Check: if no cameras appear, fix the OS/USB connection first (port/cable/hub), then retest.
- Run the DevicePrep Webcam Test; if you see live video, the camera hardware and browser path are healthy.
- Zoom desktop: Settings -> Video -> choose the correct camera and confirm the preview shows.
- If Zoom shows a black screen, fully quit other video apps (don’t just close windows), then reopen Zoom.
- macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> enable Zoom, then quit and reopen Zoom.
- Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera -> enable access + allow desktop apps, then restart Zoom.
- Zoom web: click the lock icon and set Camera to Allow for the Zoom site, then reload and allow the prompt.
- If Zoom still can’t see the camera, temporarily disable virtual cameras and update Zoom (and the browser for Zoom web), then reboot and retest.
Deep fixes
Decision tree: detected vs blocked vs busy
If Device Check doesn’t list a camera, troubleshoot hardware/USB first. If Device Check lists the camera but Webcam Test is black, permissions or a “camera busy” conflict is the likely cause. If Webcam Test works but Zoom is black, it’s almost always Zoom’s camera selection, a virtual camera feed, or Zoom not having OS permission.
Confirm your camera works outside Zoom
Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and look for any preview. If you see live video here, your camera hardware and drivers are functioning, and you can focus on Zoom settings and permissions. If the test page is also black, unplug/replug the webcam, try another USB port, and restart the computer to reset the camera driver. Keep the test open while you troubleshoot so you can immediately see when the camera comes back.
Select the correct camera in Zoom settings
In Zoom, click the arrow next to Start Video and choose your camera by name. Then open Settings -> Video and confirm the preview shows the same device. Laptops often have an internal webcam plus a USB webcam, and Zoom can pick the wrong one after a reboot or docking. If you use a capture card, choose it explicitly and set a common resolution (720p or 1080p) to avoid black frames.
Fix camera permissions on macOS and Windows
On macOS, go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera and enable Zoom. Then quit Zoom completely (Menu -> Quit) and reopen it, because permission changes often require a restart. On Windows, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera and enable Camera access, then enable “Let apps access your camera” and “Let desktop apps access your camera.” These OS privacy blocks override Zoom’s own settings, even if Zoom is configured correctly.
Release the camera from other apps (common cause)
The most common reason Zoom can’t start video is that another app already has the camera open. Fully quit Teams, Meet, FaceTime, OBS, Discord, and any browser tabs using video. On Windows, check the system tray; on macOS, check the menu bar and Dock for apps still running. If your webcam LED stays on after you close everything, rebooting is the fastest way to force a clean camera reset.
Handle Zoom web, virtual cameras, and updates
If you’re using Zoom in the browser, you must allow the camera at the site level: click the padlock icon and set Camera to Allow, then reload the page so the prompt appears again. Virtual cameras can also confuse Zoom: temporarily disable OBS Virtual Camera or similar tools so Zoom can use the real webcam directly. Finally, update Zoom and your browser; older builds can mishandle permissions and device lists. After updates, rerun the Webcam Test and then start Zoom video again to confirm the fix sticks.
Quick checklist
- Device Check lists the camera you expect
- Webcam Test shows a live preview
- Zoom video preview works before joining the meeting
- Correct camera selected in Zoom settings
- OS camera permission granted to Zoom (or browser for Zoom web)
- No other app is holding the camera
- Video stays stable for 30+ seconds
FAQs
Why does my webcam work on the test page but not in Zoom?
Zoom is probably set to a different camera, or Zoom doesn’t have OS permission. Pick the camera by name in Zoom Video settings and confirm Zoom is allowed in Windows/macOS privacy settings.
What does “Camera is in use by another application” mean?
Another app or browser tab already owns the camera. Fully quit the other app, then reopen Zoom so it can claim the device.
Why is my Zoom camera black but the LED is on?
That’s often a stuck camera session or a virtual camera feed that isn’t running. Quit Zoom, close other camera apps, unplug/replug the webcam, and try again.
Is it safe to allow camera access in the browser?
Yes if you trust the site. You must click Allow, and you can revoke access anytime. A webcam test only shows preview video that your browser already receives from your device.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
Get a stable preview in Webcam Test first, then line up Zoom’s camera selection and OS permissions. Once video looks good, run the Pre-Call Checklist to confirm mic and speakers before you join your next meeting.