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How to Fix Camera and Microphone Problems in Video Calls

When your camera or mic suddenly stops working in a call, working through these checks in order usually finds the problem.

  1. Check operating system permissions

    In your computer's system settings, confirm that your video call app is actually allowed to access the camera and microphone -- this is one of the most common, easily overlooked causes.

  2. Check the device selected inside the call app

    In the settings of Zoom, Teams, or whichever app you're using, make sure the correct camera and microphone are selected, especially if you have more than one connected.

  3. Check whether another app is already using the camera

    Only one application can usually access a camera at a time, so close any other program (another call app left open, a browser tab) that might already be using it.

  4. Check cables and drivers

    If you're using an external webcam or microphone, confirm the cable is properly connected, and update the device driver if needed.

  5. Restart the app, then the computer if needed

    If none of the above works, fully quit and reopen the call app, or restart the computer entirely, which resolves most remaining conflicts.

Why permissions are the most overlooked cause

Operating systems increasingly require explicit, per-app permission for camera and microphone access, and this permission can get silently revoked after a system update or a change to privacy settings -- which is why it's worth checking first, even if everything worked fine in your last call.

Why only one app can use a camera at a time

Most webcams and built-in cameras are designed to be accessed by a single application at once, so if a video call app, a screen recorder, or even a background browser tab is quietly holding onto the camera, your main call app won't be able to get a feed from it until that other app releases it.

Frequently Asked Questions

My camera works in one app but not another -- what does that mean?

This usually points to a permission or device-selection issue specific to the app that isn't working, since a hardware failure would typically affect every app equally.

Should I update my webcam or headset drivers regularly?

It's a good habit, especially after a major operating system update, since outdated drivers are a common cause of a device suddenly not being detected.