Webcam Flicker Test
Detect lighting flicker/banding and get quick fixes for more stable video.
Webcam Flicker Test
Detect lighting flicker/banding in your camera feed.
Share your flicker results
Copy/download a report (useful for IT/support or camera settings troubleshooting).
How to get a reliable reading
- • Hold still for 3–5 seconds with a steady light source.
- • Avoid auto-exposure swings by keeping lighting consistent.
- • If you see banding in meetings, try both 50 Hz and 60 Hz anti‑flicker settings.
Related tools: Webcam FPS Test • Webcam Lighting Test.
Camera preview
Click Start Test and keep the scene steady.
Flicker detection
Start the test and hold still for 3–5 seconds.
Tip: if you’re in a 60 Hz region, set anti‑flicker to 60 Hz; in many other regions, use 50 Hz.
How this test works
We sample brightness from your live webcam frames over time, then look for repeating patterns that suggest lighting flicker. The analysis is local and doesn’t upload video.
- • Keep your scene steady (movement can mimic flicker).
- • Different browsers and cameras expose different diagnostics.
Troubleshooting
- • Keep the camera pointed at a steady scene (don’t wave your hand) for 5–10 seconds.
- • Try turning off overhead LEDs and retest with a different light source.
- • Change LED brightness (some levels flicker more than others).
- • Enable 50 Hz/60 Hz anti‑flicker in your webcam or driver settings when available.
- • If flicker persists, try another camera or update webcam drivers/firmware.
Quick steps
- • Click Start Test and allow camera access.
- • Aim at a steady scene with the same lighting you’ll use for calls.
- • Hold still for a few seconds while the tool analyzes patterns.
- • If flicker is detected, change lighting or enable anti‑flicker and retest.
Fix flicker in common setups
- • Ring lights: try different brightness levels; avoid the lowest dim settings.
- • Overhead LEDs: add a front-facing lamp to raise overall brightness.
- • Monitors: reduce PWM dimming by raising monitor brightness or using DC-dimming modes if available.
- • Laptop webcams: improve lighting so the camera doesn’t choose slow shutter settings.
When to use this test
- • When your video flickers or shows moving bands in meetings.
- • When testing a new ring light, LED bulb, or streaming setup.
- • After updating camera drivers or changing capture software.
Safety and privacy
- • Video stays local in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
- • Stop the test to release the camera when finished.
Related tools
FAQ
Why does my webcam video flicker or show bands?
Most flicker comes from LED lighting interacting with the camera shutter. Mains power (50/60 Hz) and LED drivers can cause periodic brightness changes that appear as flicker or rolling bands.
How do I fix webcam flicker?
Try enabling anti‑flicker (50 Hz or 60 Hz), changing LED brightness, switching lights, increasing ambient light, or using a different camera app/driver that exposes shutter control.
What anti‑flicker setting should I choose?
If you’re in a 60 Hz region, use 60 Hz. In many other regions, use 50 Hz. If you’re unsure, try both and keep the one that removes flicker.
Does this upload my camera feed?
No. The preview and analysis run entirely in your browser.
Why does flicker change when I dim the lights?
Many LEDs use pulse-width modulation (PWM). Changing brightness can change the flicker frequency or strength, which affects how it appears on camera.