How to test your webcam before a video call
- Start the test. Press “Start webcam test” and click Allow when your browser asks to use the camera.
- Look at the preview. If you can see yourself, your webcam works.
- Check the numbers. Resolution, megapixels and frame rate tell you how sharp and smooth you’ll look in calls.
- Find the maximum quality. Choose “Maximum” in Quality to see the highest resolution your camera supports.
What the results mean
| Result | What it means for video calls |
|---|---|
| 1280 × 720 (HD) | Good enough for Zoom, Teams and Meet calls. |
| 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) | Very sharp. Ideal for interviews, webinars and presentations. |
| 3840 × 2160 (4K) | More than meeting apps use. Most of them send 720p or 1080p. |
| 30 fps | Smooth video. |
| 15 fps or lower | Usually too little light. Turn on a lamp in front of you. |
The preview is mirrored like a real mirror so it feels natural. Other people see you the right way round.
How to check your camera in Zoom, Teams and Google Meet
- Zoom: Settings › Video shows a live preview. Choose your camera there and turn on “HD” if available.
- Microsoft Teams: Settings and more (…) › Settings › Devices › Camera shows a preview.
- Google Meet: the “Ready to join?” screen shows your camera. In a call: More options (⋮) › Settings › Video.
- Webex: Settings › Video.
If the camera works here but not in the app, choose the same camera in the app, or close any other app that’s using it. To check your microphone and speakers too, use the video call test.
Webcam not working? Fix it step by step
1. Allow camera access in your browser
Click the lock or settings icon in the address bar, set Camera to Allow and reload the page. In Safari, open Safari › Settings › Websites › Camera.
2. Check Windows 11 and Windows 10 settings
- Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- Many laptops have a camera key (often F8, F10 or a key with a crossed-out camera) or a physical privacy shutter above the screen. If the image is black, check both.
- In Device Manager › Cameras, right-click your camera and choose Update driver. If it’s disabled, choose Enable device.
3. Check macOS settings
Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera, turn on your browser and restart it. The green light next to the camera turns on when it’s in use.
4. Close other apps
On Windows, usually only one app can use the camera at a time. Close Zoom, Teams, Webex, OBS, the Camera app or anything else that might be using it, then press “Start webcam test” again.
5. Low frame rate or blurry image
- Add light in front of you. Cameras slow down in the dark to capture more light.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth.
- Plug USB webcams directly into the computer, not into a hub. Use a USB 3 port for 1080p or 4K cameras.
How to look professional on a video call
- Put the camera at eye level and sit about an arm’s length away.
- Face a window or a lamp. Don’t sit with a bright window behind you.
- Look at the camera, not the screen, when you speak.
- Use background blur if your room isn’t tidy.
The video never leaves your device. Photos you take are created in your browser and are only saved if you click them to download.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my camera work here but not in Teams or Zoom?
The app is set to a different camera, or another app is using it. In Teams, go to Settings › Devices › Camera. In Zoom, go to Settings › Video. Select the camera that worked here and close other apps.
Is this webcam test safe and private?
Yes. The camera image is shown only on your screen. Nothing is recorded, uploaded or stored, and the camera turns off when you press Stop or close the page.
Why is my webcam image black?
Check the privacy shutter, the camera key on your keyboard and your privacy settings. If another app is using the camera, close it.
How do I know my webcam’s real resolution?
Select “Maximum (up to 4K)” in Quality. The resolution shown is the highest one your camera and browser agree on. Many laptop cameras sold as “1080p” actually deliver 720p.
Why does my camera show 15 fps instead of 30?
Most webcams lower the frame rate in low light to make the image brighter. Add light in front of you and it should go back to 30 fps.
Can I test my phone’s camera?
Yes. Open this page on your phone and use the camera list to switch between the front and rear cameras.