How to troubleshoot when camera isn't working in Teams

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

How to troubleshoot when camera isn't working in Teams

2. Check for updates

Make sure you have the latest Windows update or Mac OS update and Teams app version installed.

To check for updates in Teams, go to your profile picture in the upper-right of the Teams app and select Check for updates. Updates install in the background if they are available

3. Check if the camera is in use

To make sure you can use your camera in Teams:

• Close all other apps that might be using your camera (like Skype or FaceTime).
• If you’re using an external camera, try unplugging it and plugging it back in.
• You can often save time and effort by restarting your device

4. Make a test call

To make a test call, select Settings and more 

at the top-right of Teams, then choose Settings > Devices. Then select Make a test call under Audio devices. 

In a test call, you'll see how your mic, speaker, and camera are working. Follow the instructions from Test Call Bot and record a short message. The message will playback for you. After that, you'll get a summary of the test call, and you can go to your device settings to make changes

• The test call feature is only available in English for now. Additional languages are coming soon.
• We'll delete your test recording immediately after the call. It won't be retained or used by Microsoft.
• The test call feature is currently unavailable for Teams on the web

5. Troubleshooting

If you are still having trouble with your camera, choose the favorable option

6. Windows

You might need to change one of your device permissions. Here's how to check:

1. Open Settings
2. Under Privacy, select Camera
3. Make sure the setting for Camera access for this device is turned On 
4. If the setting is already turned on, turn the setting off then back on again
5. Close all apps and restart your device

When your camera isn't working in Windows 10 (or if you're using an external webcam), it might be a problem with your drivers

7. MacOS

You might need to change one of your device permissions.

1. Open System Preferences
2. Select Security & Privacy 
3. Under Privacy, choose Camera on the left
4. Make sure Microsoft Teams is selected
5. Close all apps and restart your device

These settings only apply to Mac OS 10.14 and higher. 

8. Web

It is important to check your browser permissions and settings. You may need to “allow” your camera and/or microphone to work in Teams

Microsoft Teams on the web is currently supported in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Internet Explorer 11 

Whether you're using Chrome or other browsers (like Microsoft Edge or Firefox), you can start with Settings (or Options) and then find the camera and microphone. 

For example, in Chrome:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > View permissions and data stored across sites.
2. From here, enter “teams.microsoft.com” in the Search field.
3. Open the "Microsoft.com" group and scroll down to find "teams.microsoft.com" and select it.
4. Here, set the Camera and Microphone to Allow access to these devices