Troubleshoot Slack Video Not Working

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Slack is a modern business collaboration system with audio, video, and screen share remotely, but it can be frustrating if you can't see the conference or your webcam starts having problems.

This guide will help you make sure the presentation is going on, and not hidden. As well, it will help you ensure you have your webcam selected and not covered for Slack, and offer more in-depth troubleshooting steps to take if needed.

Before You Begin:

• Make sure your webcam is plugged in if you wish to send your video.

2. Unable to See Presentation

Nothing Being PresentedThe presenter, the person in charge of your meeting, may not be sharing anything at the moment.

It's common to ask during a presentation if there's a certain website you're supposed to be on, or to confirm there's nothing being presented while your presenter is talking about something. Mistakes happen, and they could have simply forgotten to share their screen!

Presentation Hidden

You are able to minimize or hide programs running on your computer, so they run in the background while you work on other things. If you've accidentally minimized or hidden GoToMeeting, you can click on its icon to get it back.

Windows

Click the application icon on your Taskbar, usually on the bottom of your screen.

macOS

Select Slack from your Dock, usually on the bottom of your screen.

Web Browser

If you're using a web browser instead of the application, make sure the tab with the presentation is selected.

Poor Video Quality

Poor Video Quality
There are a number of things to check if you are seeing poor video quality from the bandwidth to your connection to camera issues. We have a specialized guide available to help resolve these problems.

• How to Fix Poor Audio or Video Quality for VOIP

3. Others Can't See My Webcam

Covered Webcam

Many laptops and some desktop webcams have simple covers built-in for privacy, or one may have been added at some point. Make sure nothing is covering the lens of your webcam.

Webcam Enabled

Slack allows you to disable your webcam during a conference, in case you need a moment of privacy. It can be clicked on accident, so it's a good, quick check to make.

Camera Enabled

The camera icon will appear on a white background with a green circle inside it.

Camera Disabled

The camera icon will appear on a gray background with a red slash through it.

Proper Device Selected

Some computers have multiple sources for video in. Make sure your webcam is selected.

1. While on a call, select the Settings gear in the top-left corner.
   

1. Make sure your webcam is selected for Video Settings, and you can see an image of yourself to the right.
   

Update the Camera Driver on the Computer

Camera issues can sometimes be caused by outdated or corrupted drivers. Drivers are specific software that tell the operating system how to operate the computer's internal components.

Update the Camera Driver on a Windows PC

1. Search Device Manager.
   

1. Select Device Manager.
   

1. Select the small arrow next to Imaging devices to expand that section. If Imaging devices doesn't show in the list, look for Cameras instead.
   

1. Double click the camera to show its properties. Select the Driver tab.
   

1. Select Update Driver.
   

1. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
   

1. Windows will automatically locate any update available drivers.
   

1. If any updated drivers are available, you'll be offered the chance to install them. Once installed, or if none are available, close the driver updater.
   

Update the Camera Driver on a Mac

There are two areas to check for updates for your Mac, the System Software and the Apps installed from the App Store. When you update your Mac System, it will also update your video drivers.

Update System Software

1. Open the Apple menu, and select System Preferences.
   

1. Select Software Update.
   

1. Any updates to your System Software will be offered here.
   

Update App Store Apps

1. Open the Apple menu, and select App Store.
   

1. Select Updates on the left. Any updates available will be offered here.
   

4. Testing Audio and Video

Slack does not offer a way to run a "test meeting" or make a "test call". Instead, they offer a test page that will check the underlying technologies for you, and let you know if anything is wrong.

1. Open your preferred browser on the device you want to test, and go to the Slack Connection Test Page.
   

1. If prompted, log into Slack.
2. Enter your Slack Workspace URL, then select Continue.
   

1. 
   
2. If you're not sure and use the Slack Desktop Client.
3. Click your Company name and name on the top-left, the Workspace URL will be listed about half-way down.
   

1. 
   
2. Enter your Email address and Password, then select Sign in.
   

1. Wait while Slack automatically tests your connection.
2. If you are prompted during the test to allow access to your Microphone or Camera, select Allow.
   

1. Once complete, Slack will test your Microphone, Camera, Network, Connectivity, and Throughput, to ensure you'll have a smooth conference experience. Any problems will be shown here, as well; for example, if you do not have a webcam, you won't be able to show your video.
   

1. If you are unsure how to proceed, there is a link right on the test page to contact Slack support. There is a URL you can copy and send to support which will help them provide tailored solutions.

Further Testing

If you'd like to test your setup further, you will need to ask one of your co-workers on Slack if you can make a quick test-call with them.

After messaging your co-worker, select their portrait, then select Call.