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Zoom Webcam Test

See your camera and check your mic before you join — so the first thing people see isn’t a black box.

No signup required Nothing is ever uploaded Works on Windows, Mac & Chromebook

📷 Webcam Test

Check your camera feed before a call.

Camera preview will appear here
Not started

Your video never leaves your device — there is no upload, recording, or storage.

🎤 Microphone Test

Speak normally and watch the meter move.

Not started

Your audio is processed locally and is never recorded or sent anywhere.

Camera works here but not in Zoom?

If you can see yourself in the preview above, your camera is working — Zoom just isn’t using it. These fixes solve almost every case.

1. Choose the right camera in Zoom

  1. Open the Zoom app and go to Settings → Video (sometimes labeled Video & Effects).
  2. Pick your webcam from the Camera dropdown. Laptops with an external webcam, or apps like OBS installed, often have several choices listed.
  3. Already in a meeting? Click the small arrow next to Start Video and choose the camera there.

2. Close other apps using the camera

Most webcams can only be used by one app at a time. Quit Teams, Google Meet tabs, OBS, FaceTime, or the Camera app, then restart Zoom. Close this tab too once you’re done testing.

3. Give Zoom camera permission

  • Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera.
  • macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Switch on zoom.us, then quit and reopen Zoom.
  • Zoom in a browser: click the lock icon in the address bar and allow the camera for the Zoom site.

4. Rule out the physical stuff

  • Check for a sliding privacy shutter over the lens — many laptops and webcams have one.
  • Some laptops have a camera on/off key, usually one of the F keys with a camera icon.
  • For a USB webcam, try a different USB port, ideally directly on the computer rather than a hub.
Looks flipped or dark? Zoom mirrors your preview by default so it feels natural — others see you the right way round. For a dim picture, face a window or lamp and try Zoom’s “Adjust for low light” option in Video settings.

Don’t forget audio: use the microphone test above, then in Zoom’s Settings → Audio make sure the same microphone is selected.

Zoom camera FAQ

Why is my camera black in Zoom?

A black video in Zoom usually means another app is using the camera, Zoom doesn't have camera permission in your system settings, or a privacy shutter is closed. If the webcam test on this page shows your picture, the camera works and the fix is Zoom's camera selection or permissions.

How do I test my camera before a Zoom meeting?

Use the webcam test on this page to confirm your camera works, then open Zoom's Settings and the Video tab to see a preview and choose the right camera. Zoom also shows a video preview before you join a meeting, if that option is turned on.

Why does Zoom show the wrong camera?

Zoom may default to a built-in camera or a virtual camera from apps like OBS. Open Settings, then Video, and pick your webcam from the Camera dropdown, or use the arrow next to Start Video during a meeting.

Does this webcam test record or upload my video?

No. The camera preview is shown only in your browser and is never recorded, saved, or sent anywhere. Closing the tab or clicking Stop turns the camera off.

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