Your webcam does not work on Zoom? Here's what to do

Webcams are great, but they can cause issues with some apps. If your webcam isn't working in Zoom, relax. There can be many reasons for this problem, and in this article we provide the simplest solutions.

Stick with us till the end as you can use some of the tips whenever your webcam is not working. Here you will find tips for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux.

Do this first

When an app misbehaves, you should try restarting it immediately. If restarting Zoom doesn't help, try restarting your device. Next, make sure that all the latest system updates are installed on your device.

If the device is up to date, your Zoom app may be outdated. Visit the official Zoom download page and select the appropriate Zoom app or extension for your device or browser. Next, you want to update your webcam driver if it's not up to date.

You can use third-party software to download the update for you, or you can update it manually through the manufacturer's site or Device Manager (in Windows). Another solution for the webcam itself is to remove (uninstall) the webcam from your device and reinstall it cleanly.

On Windows computers, you can do this through Device Manager. Additionally, you can use the Troubleshoot feature to determine if there is a problem with your webcam. If none of the above helps, read on for Zoom solutions.

Zoom tips

Some of the tips in the previous section are courtesy of Zoom's support page. However, there is a clever trick that can fix most of your webcam issues, with Zoom and other apps that use your camera. The advice is to close any other applications that may be interfering with your webcam. Apps like Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, etc. could hijack your webcam without your knowledge.

Most likely, they run in the background and may be part of your device's startup programs. Also, they are often to blame when the webcam does not work with a particular application. If these apps are persistent, forcefully close them.

For example, in Windows, you can use Task Manager to end their processes. On your phone, you can long-press the Zoom app, tap App info, and select Force stop. Give it a few minutes and start over.

Mac 10.7 specific fix

There is a recurring issue with Zoom on macOS 10.7 system. If your Mac is running this update, here's what you need to do:

1. Open the Researcher and choose Go to folder.
2. Then copy-paste this into the field: /Library/QuickTime/.
3. Click on Go.
4. Remove the Video Glide, Sonix SN9C, 3ivx Video Codec, or Desktop Video Out components.

This solution should resolve Zoom webcam issues on your device. Another easy solution for Mac is to enter this in the command line:

sudo killall Assistant VDC

Remember we mentioned disabling processes that use your webcam? Well, it's the daemon on Mac computers that handles everything webcam related. Stopping it might solve your webcam problem with Zoom.

Specific Lenovo fixes

Lenovo computers sometimes have webcam issues when using the Zoom app. Here are the fixes for all modern Windows systems, starting with Windows 10:

1. press the victory key On your keyboard.
2. Enter "Lenovo" in the The Start menu.
3. Click on Lenovo Vantage or download it from the link.
4. Open this application and select Hardware Parameters, followed by Audio and Visual.
5. Disable the Camera privacy mode. If this mode remains on, press the camera button on your laptop and turn it off.

This patch on Windows 8 is similar:

1. Enter "Lenovo" in the The Start menu.
2. Go to Lenovo Settings or download the app from the link above.
3. Click on Camera.
4. deactivate Privacy Mode.

The solution is even simpler on Windows 7:

1. Type "Lenovo Web Conferencing" in the Windows search bar and launch the application.
2. Activate your laptop's webcam.
3. Close the Lenovo Web Conferencing program.

Windows 10 issues with using a webcam with zoom

If you're having trouble using a webcam with Zoom on Windows 10, follow this to help resolve your issues.

1. Open the Start menu And click Parameters.
2. Then click Intimité.
3. Now click on Camera.
4. Make sure the toggle switch is set to Au.

By turning your Camera access to Au should resolve any issues with the operating system.

Kaspersky Internet Security problems

As mentioned by Joe in the comments, here is a quick overview of using a webcam with Kaspersky.

1. Open the app and go to Personal security.
2. Then click on the Webcam Protection toggle switch to set it to Off.

This should solve your problems using a webcam with Kaspersky.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips. Check if something is blocking your webcams, such as the shutter or the cap. Then test your webcam in another application that allows video communication.

If your webcam works in another app, the problem is with the Zoom app. Another basic solution is to check if you have given all necessary permissions to the Zoom app. The critical point, in this case, is access to your camera.

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Hopefully some of these webcam fixes will get you using Zoom again. Zoom is one of the best video conferencing apps and has excellent support. Do not hesitate to contact them if you need further assistance.

Tell us about your problem and how you solved it. Was it a one-time thing or does it keep happening? Let us know in the comments below.