Definitive solutions for when the webcam does not work on Windows and Mac

Having problems with the computer's webcam It's more common than it seems and can be frustrating, especially when we have an important video call, online classes, or a work meeting. If you're here, it's because your webcam isn't working, isn't detected, or simply pops up an annoying error message every time you try to use it.

We'll tell you everything you need to know to resolve the issue, whether it's an internal or external camera, and ensure you're back on screen as soon as possible.

Common symptoms and first steps to check

Identifying the type of error is crucial to choosing the right solution. These are the most common symptoms that usually appear when your webcam stops working:

• The camera light turns on but the image does not appear.
• The computer does not detect the camera in either Device Manager or applications.
• Messages like “Camera not found,” “No input device,” or “No input device detected”
• The image looks blurry, pixelated, or dull

If you experience any of these symptoms, take these quick first steps:

1. Restart the computerIt may seem silly, but more often than you think, it solves the problem.
2. Check physical connectionsIf you have an external camera, check that it's connected properly, try different USB ports, and if possible, try it on a different computer.
3. Check that the privacy cover (if present) is openMany modern laptops come with a physical lens cap.

Solutions for webcam not working on Windows

1. Checking camera permissions in privacy settings

One of the most common reasons apps can't access the camera is because privacy permissions are misconfigured. To check them in Windows 10 and 11:

1. Go to Home > Configuration > Privacy > Camera.
2. Active the option Allow apps to access the camera.
3. In the same window, Check the list of applications and activate the permission for which you are going to use (teams, Zoom, Skype, etc).
4. If you have installed the application from outside the Microsoft Store, make sure that the option is also activated Allow desktop applications to access the camera.

2. Check the camera in Device Manager

The next step is to make sure the camera is enabled and recognized by Windows:

1. press Home and writes Device administrator.
2. Go to section Cameras o Imaging devices, locate your webcam and double-click.
3. If you see the option Enable device, select it. If only appears Disable device, the camera was already activated.
4. If you see a warning message or exclamation mark, you probably have a problem with your drivers.

3. Update or reinstall the camera driver

A common issue is that the driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible after a Windows update. Update it as follows:

1. From Device administrator, right click on your camera and select Update Driver.
2. Press on Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for and install the latest version available.
3. In case you don't find any, you can opt for Uninstall device and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the default driver upon restart.
4. If your camera still isn't working, visit your laptop or webcam manufacturer's official website and download the latest driver from there.

4. Check the camera in the Windows Camera app

This way you can check if the problem is general or only affects certain applications:

1. Open the menu Home and search Camera to launch the integrated app.
2. If the camera works here, the problem is in the settings of another specific application.
3. If that doesn't work either, the fault is global and you'll need to investigate further.

5. Check if the camera is disabled in BIOS

On some laptops, especially professional ones, the camera may be disabled at the BIOS/UEFI level for security reasons:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the key F2 (or the one indicated by the manufacturer) during boot to access the BIOS.
3. Search in Integrated Devices o Integrated devices the option Enable Camera and activate the camera if it is disabled.
4. Save the changes and restart the computer.

6. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Windows includes a tool to automatically detect and correct camera errors:

1. Go to Home > Configuration > System > Solve problems.
2. Press on Additional troubleshooters and select Camera. Click on Run.

7. Update Windows and system drivers

Sometimes, a pending update or an outdated driver can cause your camera to malfunction. To keep everything up to date:

1. Go to Home > Configuration > Windows Update.
2. Press on Search for updates and install all pending items, restart your computer if necessary.
3. If your computer is Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc., use their own utilities such as SupportAssist or similar to search for specific firmware and drivers.

8. Other solutions for external cameras

If your webcam is external and connected via USB, take note of these additional tips:

• Change the USB port: The port may be faulty. Try another one, and if you have the opportunity, test the camera on a different computer.
• See if you need special drivers: Some external webcam models require installing specific drivers downloaded from the manufacturer.
• Clean the lens with a soft cloth: Sometimes the problem is as simple as a dirty lens.

9. Check for security software that may be blocking the camera

Some antivirus and security suites restrict camera access to certain apps by default for privacy reasons. Check your antivirus settings and make sure it's not blocking access to your usual video calling app.

Solutions for webcam not working on Mac (MacBook, iMac, etc.)

Common Errors on Mac

The built-in cameras on Apple devices are generally reliable, but they can also cause problems. The most common problems are related to:

• Blurry or frozen image
• The app displays "No camera available" or does not recognize the device
• Not responding on FaceTime, Photo Booth, Skype, Zoom, etc.

1. Close all applications that may be using the camera

On Macs, only one app can access the camera at a time. If you have multiple apps open (FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, Skype, Photo Booth, etc.), the camera may get "stuck" in one of them and not work in the others.

1. Close all applications that may be using the camera.
2. You can force close from Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
3. If it persists, restart your Mac to release any stuck camera-related processes.

2. Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC controls low-level functions like power management, fans, and... the camera! A reset can fix many problems. The method varies depending on your Mac model:

• For MacBook with T2 chip (recent models):
  1. Turn off the MacBook.
  2. Hold down the keys for 7 seconds Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Shift (⇧).
  3. While holding those keys, press and hold the power button for another 7 seconds.
  4. Release all keys and wait a few seconds.
  5. Turn your MacBook back on.
• For iMac and Mac desktop:
  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Unplug the power cord for 15 seconds.
  3. Plug it back in, wait an extra 5 seconds, and turn it back on.
• For older Macs:
  1. Turn off the computer.
  2. Hold down Shift (⇧) + Control + Option and the power button for 10 seconds.
  3. Release and start the Mac.

3. Check for updates to macOS and apps

Updates can fix many incompatibilities or bugs, but they can also cause conflicts. Always update to the latest version of macOS and any video calling or photography apps you use.

4. Test the camera in different applications

Use FaceTime, Photo Booth, or a video calling app to see if the camera responds in any of them. If it works in one but not the other, the problem is with that app.

5. Check the hardware and connection of external cameras

• If you have an external webcam, check the cable, try different USB ports, and make sure it's compatible with Mac (some manufacturers offer drivers for macOS on their websites).
• If the device has a privacy cover, make sure it is open.
• Clean the lens with a soft cloth, as dirt can cause blurred images.

6. Permission settings on macOS

Just like on Windows, on macOS you can restrict apps' access to the camera. Make sure the app you want to use has access:

1. Opens System preferences.
2. Go to Security and privacy > Privacy > Camera.
3. Check the box for the app that needs to use the camera.

Extra tips to ensure your webcam never fails again

• Keep your operating system and applications always up to date to avoid incompatibilities.
• Always use USB ports and cables in good condition, especially if you use an external webcam.
• Avoid installing suspicious programs who can change privacy settings or block access to devices.
• If you have children or share equipment, check that no one has disabled the camera for security or privacy reasons.

As you've seen, webcam problems can be resolved in the vast majority of cases by following a series of logical steps, ranging from the simplest to the most technical. Sometimes, adjusting permissions or closing applications will suffice; other times, updating drivers or checking the BIOS will be enough. By keeping your system up-to-date and maintaining your connection and privacy settings, you'll easily avoid webcam headaches and be ready for your next video call, class, or online event without interruptions.