Chrome (Windows/macOS)
Fix Webcam Not Working in Chrome
Allow the site, choose the right camera in Chrome settings, and verify with the DevicePrep Webcam Test.
Updated 2025-12-09
See a live preview in the browser to confirm Chrome can reach your camera.
Chrome blocks the camera the moment you click Deny or when another app keeps the lens busy. Start with a live Webcam Test to see if Chrome can display any video, then clear site blocks, pick the right device, and close the hogging apps.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Click the camera or padlock icon and set Camera to Allow for this site.
- Pick the correct camera in chrome://settings/content/camera and reload the page.
- Quit Zoom, Teams, Meet, FaceTime, and OBS so Chrome can grab the lens.
- Unplug and reconnect USB webcams to refresh the device list.
- Update Chrome via Help -> About Google Chrome and restart.
- Disable virtual camera plugins temporarily to rule out blank feeds.
Step-by-step fix
- Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and click Allow when Chrome asks for camera access.
- If the icon shows a block, click the camera or padlock icon in the address bar and set Camera to Allow for this site.
- Go to chrome://settings/content/camera and pick the correct camera in the dropdown.
- Remove this site from the Blocked list under Recent activity, then reload the page.
- Quit apps that might hold the camera (Zoom, Teams, Meet, FaceTime) so Chrome can use it.
- Update Chrome via Menu -> Help -> About Google Chrome, apply updates, and restart the browser.
- If the preview stays black, try another USB port or disable virtual camera plugins, then rerun the DevicePrep test.
Deep fixes
Run a live webcam check
Launch the Webcam Test and look for any preview, even low resolution. Any image means the camera and Chrome pipeline work. If the prompt never appears, the site was likely blocked earlier; reset permissions in the address bar and reload. A gray box instead of video often means another app holds the device. Close meeting apps and virtual camera tools, then try again. Keep the test open while you adjust settings so you can see changes instantly.
Clear site-level blocks
Click the padlock or camera icon next to the URL, set Camera to Allow, and hit Reload. In chrome://settings/content/camera, remove the site from Blocked so Chrome can prompt again. If you browse in Incognito or a profile with strict policies, test in a normal profile to confirm it is not policy-driven. Extensions that guard privacy can also block prompts; toggle them off temporarily.
Pick the right device
Many laptops expose both an internal camera and any USB webcam you plug in. Pick the one you intend to use in Chrome settings. If you see multiple entries with similar names, unplug the USB webcam, refresh the list, then plug it back to identify it. Disable virtual cameras (Snap Camera, ManyCam, OBS Virtual Cam) while you troubleshoot so Chrome does not point to a blank feed. For capture cards, set resolution in the site tool to match the card output so you avoid black frames.
Release the camera from other apps
Zoom, Teams, Meet, FaceTime, and security apps can keep the camera busy even after you close their windows. Fully quit them from the system tray or menu bar, then reload the Chrome tab and watch the webcam test preview. If the LED stays on with no video, restart the browser and the computer to force the camera driver to reset. Avoid opening multiple meeting tabs while troubleshooting to keep ownership clear.
Update Chrome and USB paths
Go to Help -> About Google Chrome and apply any pending update; older builds can mishandle permissions. USB webcams prefer direct laptop ports over unpowered hubs. Move the plug and try again if the image drops when starting video. Swap cables if the webcam uses detachable cables; damage there often shows up as random black frames. After changes, rerun the DevicePrep Webcam Test to confirm the preview is steady for 30 seconds or more.
Quick checklist
- Camera permission set to Allow for the site
- Correct camera chosen in Chrome settings
- Site removed from the Blocked list
- Other video apps are closed
- DevicePrep webcam test shows live video
FAQs
Does Chrome require HTTPS for the camera?
Yes. getUserMedia works only on secure origins. Use https://deviceprep.com or another https site.
How do I reset site permissions?
Open the padlock in the address bar, choose "Site settings", click Reset permissions, then reload and allow again.
Why is the image mirrored or low quality?
Check the camera vendor utility or Chrome's resolution controls in the site if available. Most meeting apps mirror only for preview.
Why does Chrome say "no camera found"?
If Device Manager or macOS System Information cannot see the camera, move it to another port or restart the computer. Chrome can only list what the OS exposes.
Wrap up
When the preview looks stable in the DevicePrep Webcam Test, join a quick video meeting to verify. Then bookmark the test and the Pre-Call Test so you can recheck mic and speakers before important calls.