Camera Not Working in Zoom or Teams? Quick Fixes for Windows and macOS

Whether you are working or attending an online class, nothing kills the flow like your camera not working when you need it to. Though Microsoft Teams and Zoom are crucial virtual communication tools, camera problems still plague both Android and macOS users.

Well, the good news is you do not have to contact tech support because these issues can be fixed by following some simple steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step solutions or fixes for Windows and macOS.

Try Initial Fixes

Restart the app and try to make it work. It might seem trivial, but it often works. Also, ensure that you check your camera hardware and double-check that your webcam is working properly, rather than being covered by stickers, privacy shutters, and other cases.

If you are using any other applications like Skype, FaceTime, Chrome, Teams, or Zoom, you might not be able to access your camera.

Fixes For Windows

Follow these below-mentioned step-by-step fixes for Windows.

Check Camera Privacy

Windows 10 and 11 use privacy controls that might block your applications from using the camera.

• Navigate to Settings and Privacy & Security, then go to the Camera section.
• Enable Camera Access.
• Ensure ‘Allow desktop apps to access your camera’ is turned on.
• Confirm Zoom is allowed.

In case Zoom’s camera access is blocked, toggle the switch to allow access.

Update or Reinstall Camera Drivers

Camera issues on Windows are often tied to corrupted or outdated drivers.

How to Update?

• Click on Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Cameras.
• Then, right-click your camera and go to Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for drivers.

In case updating does not help, right-click on the camera and then select Update driver. After doing that, restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

Reset Zoom Camera Settings

To update the camera settings, open Zoom, navigate to Settings, and go to Video. Now, check the camera dropdown and then click on the device. Moreover, ensure that you turn on ‘Enable HD is supported’.

Fixes For macOS

macOS has powerful privacy settings, which means that applications must be manually or explicitly allowed to use the video or camera.

Grant Camera Permission

• Navigate to Settings.
• Now, go to Privacy & Security.
• Select Camera.
• Turn on access for Zoom.

In case it is unchecked, macOS will block your camera access if all hardware is running perfectly.

Reset the Camera Permission

If permissions were denied previously, you have to reset them.

• Navigate to System Settings, and Privacy & Security.
• Then go to the Camera.
• Toggle off Zoom.
• Now, restart the application, and you will be prompted to grant permission.
• Select Allow.

Hence, camera problems are indeed frustrating, but they can be solved by making quick adjustments in settings or minor system tweaks.