My camera isn’t working in Teams

Microsoft Teams has some suggestions for getting the camera working again if you’re having problems.

Check for updates

Download and install the latest version of the Teams app and Windows update for your computer.

If you want to verify if there are any updates for Teams, select Check for updates from your profile picture in the upper-right corner. If updates are available, they are installed in the background.

Check if your camera is in use

For your camera to work in Teams, make sure you follow these steps:

• If another application is using your camera (such as Skype or FaceTime), close it.
• Try unplugging and replugging your external camera if you’re using one.
• The simple act of restarting your device can save you a lot of time and effort.

Make a test call

Choosing Settings and more at the top-right of Teams will take you to Settings > Devices, where you can start a test call. Under Audio devices, select Make a test call.

The purpose of a test call is to see how your microphone, speaker, and camera work. Record a short message according to the instructions provided by Test Call Bot. You will be able to hear the message. Your device settings will allow you to make changes after you receive a summary of the test call.

Notes: 

• For now, only English is available for test calls. We will add more languages in the near future.
• After the call, we will delete your test recording. Microsoft will not retain or use this information.
• As of right now, Teams on the web are unable to make test calls.

Troubleshooting for Windows

Here are some more solutions you can try if your camera is still having problems:

Check your app permissions

One of your device permissions might need to be changed. Check by following these steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Camera under Privacy
3. Turn on the Camera access setting for this device 
   • It is advisable to turn it off and then turn it back on if the setting has already been enabled.
4. Restart your device after closing all apps

Make sure your drivers are current

Windows 10’s camera (or your external webcam) might not work if your drivers are outdated. Windows driver check instructions can be found here.

Troubleshooting for Mac OS

The following is another option you may want to try if you still have problems with your camera:

Check your app permissions

One of your device permissions might need to be changed.

1. Select System Preferences
2. Click on Security & Privacy 
3. On the left side of Privacy, click Camera
4. Microsoft Teams should be selected
5. Restart your device after closing all apps

Troubleshooting for Teams on the web

The following steps will help you set up your camera and microphone if you’re using Teams on the web:

Check your browser settings

The permissions and settings of your browser should be checked. To use your camera or microphone in Teams, you may need to “allow” them.

You can find the camera and microphone in Settings (or Options) whether you’re using Chrome or another browser.

For example, in Chrome:

1. View permissions and data stored across sites under Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
2. Search for “teams.microsoft.com” here.
3. Open the group “Microsoft.com” and scroll down until you find the group “teams.microsoft.com”. Please select this group.
4. Here, you will have to set the Microphone and Camera to Allow access in order for them to be accessible.