Microsoft Teams (macOS/Windows/Web)
Fix Camera Not Working in Microsoft Teams
Use the DevicePrep Webcam Test, then fix permissions, device selection, and camera conflicts so Teams can see you.
Confirm the camera works in the browser before troubleshooting Teams settings.
If Teams shows a black preview or says it cannot find a camera, the cause is usually permissions or another app using the webcam. Start with the DevicePrep Webcam Test to confirm the camera works in your browser, then align Windows or macOS camera access and Teams device settings so video appears in meetings.
What this guide covers
- Microsoft Teams camera is black or won't turn on
- The camera works elsewhere but Teams can't access it
- Teams doesn't list the correct camera or keeps switching devices
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run the DevicePrep Webcam Test and click Allow to confirm the camera works outside Teams.
- Close Zoom, FaceTime, Discord, OBS, and any browser tabs that can hold the webcam.
- Teams -> Settings -> Devices -> Camera -> pick the camera by name instead of Default.
- Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera -> allow desktop apps (Teams). macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> allow Teams.
- Check for a physical privacy shutter or keyboard camera key and open it.
- Quit Teams fully and reopen after changing permissions; Teams must reload access.
Step-by-step fix
- Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test; if you see video, the hardware is fine and Teams is the problem.
- Allow camera access in your OS: Windows Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera; macOS System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera.
- Open Teams Settings -> Devices and select the correct camera, then preview it.
- In a meeting, toggle camera off and on once, then open More -> Settings to confirm the device choice.
- If you use Teams in a browser, allow the camera in the address bar prompt and reload the tab.
- Close other video apps and restart Teams to free the camera.
- If Teams still shows black video, reboot and rerun the Webcam Test, then try Teams again.
Deep fixes
Decision tree: detected vs blocked vs busy
If Device Check doesn’t list your camera, troubleshoot hardware/USB first. If Device Check lists the camera but Webcam Test is black, permissions or a “camera busy” conflict is likely. If Webcam Test works but Teams is black, it’s usually Teams device selection or Teams not having OS permission (or the browser site permission for Teams web).
Confirm the camera works outside Teams
Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and allow camera access. If you see a clear preview, your webcam works and the problem sits in Teams settings, permissions, or another app holding the camera. If the test is also black, focus on the camera hardware, privacy shutter, and OS detection before you troubleshoot Teams.
Allow Teams camera access in Windows and macOS
On Windows 11, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Camera and enable camera access, including desktop apps. On macOS, go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera and allow Microsoft Teams. After you change any permission, quit Teams fully and reopen it; Teams does not always pick up new grants while running.
Pick the correct camera in Teams
Teams can default to the wrong device, especially on laptops with both an internal camera and an external webcam. Open Teams -> Settings -> Devices and choose your camera by name, then look for a preview. In meetings, toggle the camera off and on once after switching devices to refresh the video path.
Teams in a browser needs site permissions
If you use Teams on the web, your browser controls camera access. Click the camera icon or padlock in the address bar, set Camera to Allow, and reload the page. Then rerun the Webcam Test in the same browser profile; a blocked site permission can make Teams show no camera even when the hardware works.
Close apps that lock the webcam
Zoom, FaceTime, Discord, OBS, and camera utilities can keep the webcam busy even after you close their windows. Quit them from the system tray or menu bar, then watch the Webcam Test preview to see when the camera frees up. Once the test shows video reliably, open Teams again and select the same camera so it stays stable during your call.
Quick checklist
- DevicePrep Webcam Test shows live video
- OS camera permission enabled for Teams or the browser
- Correct camera selected in Teams
- No other camera apps open
- Privacy shutter open and camera LED behaves normally
- Video works in a Teams test call or meeting
FAQs
Why does the camera work in the Webcam Test but not in Teams?
Teams is likely blocked by OS permissions or it is set to a different camera. Allow Teams in Camera privacy settings and pick the camera by name in Teams Devices settings.
Teams does not list my camera. What now?
Unplug and reconnect the camera, then restart Teams. If it still does not appear, reboot and check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to confirm the camera is detected.
Is Teams in the browser different from the desktop app?
Yes. The browser needs its own site permission prompt, and it only sees cameras the browser can access. Test in the same browser you use for Teams.
Why is my preview black with the camera light on?
Another app may be holding the camera, or the driver is stuck. Quit other video apps, restart Teams, and reboot if the camera stays locked.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
Keep the DevicePrep Webcam Test open while you troubleshoot so you can tell when the camera is free. When Teams video works, run the Pre-Call Checklist to confirm mic, speakers, and network before your next meeting.