How to Fix Microsoft Teams Camera Not Working
Applies to
Microsoft Teams for Windows, macOS, web, work, school, and personal accounts
Last updated
6 July 2026
Problem
Your camera does not work in Microsoft Teams. The meeting may show a black screen, a crossed out camera icon, a message saying no camera is found, or the wrong camera may be selected. In some cases, the camera works in other apps but not in Teams.
This is usually caused by camera permissions, the wrong camera being selected, another app using the camera, outdated drivers, browser permissions, or a privacy cover blocking the lens.
Solution
Check that the camera is not physically blocked, select the correct camera in Teams, allow camera access in your operating system or browser, then restart Teams. If the issue continues, test the camera outside Teams and update the app or camera drivers.
Step by step instructions
Check the basic camera issues first
Start with the simple checks before changing deeper settings:
- Make sure the camera is not covered by a privacy slider
- Confirm the camera is switched on if it has a physical button
- Disconnect and reconnect any external webcam
- Try a different USB port if using a USB camera
- Close and reopen Teams
- Restart your computer if the camera was working earlier
If the camera starts working after these checks, no further changes may be needed.
Select the correct camera in Teams
Teams may choose the wrong camera if your device has more than one video source.
Open Microsoft Teams.
Select Settings and more near your profile picture.
Go to Settings.
Select Devices.
Under Camera, choose the correct camera.
Possible camera options may include:
- Built in laptop camera
- USB webcam
- Docking station camera
- Monitor camera
- Virtual camera software
Use the preview window to confirm the correct camera is selected.
Test the camera before a meeting
Before joining a meeting, open Teams device settings and check the camera preview.
If the preview works, your camera is available to Teams.
If the preview is black or missing, continue checking permissions and device settings.
You can also test from the meeting join screen by turning the camera on before entering the meeting.
Check Windows camera permissions
On Windows, Teams must be allowed to access your camera.
Open Settings.
Go to Privacy and security.
Select Camera.
Check the following:
- Camera access is turned on
- Apps are allowed to access your camera
- Desktop apps are allowed to access your camera
- Microsoft Teams is not blocked
Close Teams fully and reopen it after changing permissions.
Check macOS camera permissions
On a Mac, Teams needs permission to use the camera.
Open System Settings.
Go to Privacy and Security.
Select Camera.
Make sure Microsoft Teams is allowed.
If you change this setting, quit Teams completely and reopen it before testing again.
Check browser camera permissions
If you use Teams in a browser, camera access must be allowed for the Teams website.
Open Teams on the web at:
Check the browser’s site permissions.
Allow camera access for Teams.
Then refresh the page and rejoin the meeting.
Also check that the browser itself is allowed to use the camera in your operating system privacy settings.
Close other apps using the camera
Only one app may be able to use the camera at a time.
Close apps that may already be using it, such as:
- Zoom
- Google Meet
- Skype
- Camera app
- Browser meeting tabs
- Webcam control software
- Screen recording tools
After closing these apps, quit Teams and reopen it.
Test the camera outside Teams
Testing outside Teams helps confirm whether the issue is with Teams or the camera itself.
On Windows, open the Camera app.
On macOS, open FaceTime or another camera app.
If the camera does not work anywhere, the issue is likely with the camera, driver, cable, permissions, or device hardware.
Update Teams and camera drivers
If the camera still does not work, update the software involved.
Update Microsoft Teams.
Install Windows or macOS updates.
Restart your computer.
If you use an external webcam, check the manufacturer’s website for driver or firmware updates.
After updating, reconnect the camera and test it again in Teams.
Optional methods or tools
- Use Teams on the web to test whether the desktop app is the issue
- Try a different browser if camera access fails in Teams web
- Use the Windows Camera app or macOS FaceTime to test the camera
- Try another USB port or cable for external webcams
- Ask your IT team to check camera restrictions on managed devices
Best practices or tips
- Test your camera before important meetings
- Keep Teams and your operating system updated
- Avoid running multiple video meeting apps at the same time
- Use a reliable external webcam for regular presentations
- Check privacy shutters and camera permissions after device updates
Microsoft Teams camera problems are usually caused by permissions, the wrong camera selection, or another app already using the camera. Checking the camera preview in Teams settings and confirming operating system permissions resolves most issues quickly.
If your camera works in other apps but not in Teams, the problem is likely with Teams device settings, browser permissions, or cached app behaviour. Testing both the desktop app and https://teams.microsoft.com can help identify whether the issue is local to the installed Teams app.
