Zoom Camera Not Working
When Zoom shows a black box or “cannot detect camera”, the cause is usually permission or another app. Try these fixes in order.
Test the camera first
Open the webcam test. If it works there, Zoom’s settings are the issue.
Select the camera in Zoom
Zoom → Settings → Video → Camera: choose the correct device. Virtual cameras (OBS, Snap) are often selected by mistake.
Allow camera access
Windows 11: Privacy & security → Camera → allow desktop apps (Windows 10: Privacy → Camera). On Android or iPhone, allow Camera for Zoom in app permissions. macOS: Privacy & Security → Camera → enable zoom.us.
Close other apps
Only one app can use a camera at a time on many systems. Quit Teams, Skype, browsers using the camera.
Update drivers and Zoom
Update the camera driver in Device Manager and install the latest Zoom.
Advanced video settings
Turn off “Optimize video quality with de-noise” or hardware acceleration if the image freezes.
Related tools
More fixes
Reinstall Zoom
Uninstall fully, restart and install the latest version.
Mobile privacy settings
iOS: Settings → Zoom → Camera; Android: App info → Permissions → Camera.
Working through the options
Use Zoom with a working webcam
Confirm the camera works in our webcam test before changing Zoom settings.
Camera works elsewhere but not in Zoom
Select it in Zoom’s video settings and turn off “Turn off my video when joining”.
General webcam troubleshooting
Reconnect the camera, close other apps, restart.
Zoom video mute and settings
Make sure Start Video is on and the right camera is selected.
Delete and reinstall Zoom
A clean reinstall fixes corrupted settings.
Tests run on your device
We never record or receive your video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Zoom shows a black image
Close other apps and check the physical shutter.
Q.Camera is mirrored
Untick “Mirror my video”; others see the correct view anyway.