Chromebook Camera Not Working? 7 Fixes to Try
Before calling up the repair shop
Are you having trouble using your Chromebook’s built-in camera in a specific or all applications? This tutorial covers possible troubleshooting solutions for camera-related malfunctions on Chromebooks.
1. Allow Camera Access for Problematic App(s)
Using your webcam in different applications will help determine if the issue is system-wide or app-specific. Set up a dummy video call in any video-conferencing application, or try taking a picture in acamera app.
Applications might display a black screen if they attempt to use your Chromebook camera without having camera permission. If your Chromebook’s camera doesn’t work in a specific application, follow the steps below to grant it camera permission.
Reopen the app and check if it can use your Chromebook’s camera. Update or reinstall the app if the issue persists.
Search for the app in the Google Play Store and selectUpdateto install the latest version on your Chromebook.
Delete and reinstall the app if it won’t access your Chromebook’s webcam after updating to the latest version.
Right-click the app icon in the app launcher or shelf and selectUninstall.
2. Enable Site Camera Access in Google Chrome
When a website attempts to access your webcam for the first time, Google Chrome displays a pop-up asking you to allow or deny camera permission for the website.
If you ignore or block the camera access request, your Chromebook’s camera won’t work on the site.
To remedy this, select theCamera iconin the address bar, and selectAlways allow [website URL] to access your camera. SelectDoneto save the camera permission and close the pop-up.
Alternatively, pastechrome://settings/content/camerain the address bar and pressEnter. Select the website, open theCameradrop-down menu, and selectAllow.
Reload the website and check if your Chromebook’s webcam works on the website. Close and reopen Google Chrome if the issue persists.
3. Disable Webcam Privacy Switch
Some Chromebooks have a physical webcam privacy switch that turns the camera on and off. Turning on the privacy switch blocks applications’ access to your Chromebook’s webcam.
When switched on, your Chromebook’s webcam light turns red when an app attempts to use your webcam. The indicator light turns white when you toggle the privacy switch off.
If your Chromebook camera isn’t working and the webcam light is red, find and toggle off the webcam privacy switch.
The webcam switch’s position will vary depending on your Chromebook’s model or brand, but it’s typically on any computer’s left or right side.
4. Reboot Your Chromebook
Turning your Chromebook off and back on might get its webcam working correctly again. A system reboot might also install pending updates designed to fix webcam malfunctions. Close all applications before restarting your Chromebook to avoid losing unsaved data or documents.
Press your Chromebook’sPower buttonandRefresh keysimultaneously to initiate a system reboot.
Alternatively, open your Chromebook’s status area (pressShift+Alt+S), select thePower iconand chooseRestart.
Wait 1-2 minutes and press thePower buttonagain to turn on your device. Update your Chromebook’s operating system if the camera doesn’t work after the reboot.
5. Update Your Chromebook
Installing the latest ChromeOS version on your Chromebook can resolve hardware and system problems.
Head toSettings>About ChromeOSand select theCheck for Updatesbutton.
Otherwise, selectRestartto force your Chromebook to install pending software updates.
6. Reset Your Chromebook Hardware
A “Hard Reset”fixes hardware failureby restarting or refreshing your Chromebook’s hardware—keyboard, touchpad, fingerprint sensor, webcam, etc. Performing a hard reset could resolve issues affecting your Chromebook camera.
Resetting your Chromebook might delete some files in the “Downloads” folder. Hence, we recommend backing files in this folder to other folders in the Files app, Google Drive, or external storage devices.
You can also press and hold theBack+Refresh+Powerbuttons to initiate a hardware reset.
Some Asus, Samsung, Acer, and Lenovo Chromebooks have a dedicated button for initiating a hardware reset. You’ll typically find this special reset button in a hole on the bottom of your Chromebook.
Removing and re-inserting your Chromebook’s battery will hard reset its hardware. Shut down your Chromebook, take out the battery, wait 10-30 seconds, and re-insert the battery. Turn on your device and check if the built-in camera works.
7. Factory Reset (Powerwash) Your Chromebook
Restore your Chromebook to factory settings if the camera doesn’t work after trying the troubleshooting steps above. Factory resetting your Chromebook deletes everything (files, apps, user accounts, extensions, etc.) saved on the device.
Backup your files to Google Drive or an external storage device before factory resetting your Chromebook.
Fix Chromebook Camera Problems
Contact your Chromebook manufacturer if the webcam still doesn’t work after a factory reset. Use an external webcam if you need to make an urgent video call or recording—check out somebudget webcams below $60.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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