Why does my webcam work in one app but not another?

The most common cause is exclusive access — another app is holding the camera. Close all other apps that may be using the camera. If the camera works in Windows Camera app but not Zoom, Zoom does not have camera permission or is not set to use the correct camera in Settings. If it works in Zoom but not in Chrome, Chrome's camera permission for specific websites needs to be enabled: in Chrome's address bar, click the lock icon, Site settings, and allow camera access for the site.

How do I test if my webcam is working?

Windows: open Windows Camera (search for Camera in Start). Mac: open FaceTime or Photo Booth. Both show the live camera feed without requiring a video call. If the webcam shows live video in these apps, the camera hardware is working and any issue with Zoom or Teams is a software configuration problem. If Windows Camera shows a black screen or error, the issue is hardware, driver, or permission.

My webcam video is upside down — how do I fix it?

An upside-down webcam image is a driver or app rotation setting issue. In Zoom: Settings, Video, there is no rotation option, so the fix must be at the driver level. Open the webcam's companion software (Logitech Options, Razer Synapse) and look for a rotation or flip setting. On Windows without companion software: Device Manager, camera Properties, Advanced — some drivers have rotation options here. As a workaround in OBS or Zoom: use the virtual camera feature in OBS with a rotation transform applied.

Why is my 4K webcam only showing 1080p?

4K webcam resolution must be selected in the application settings, not just plugged in. In Zoom: Settings, Video, camera settings, and change resolution if the option is available (Zoom limits to 1080p in calls). In OBS: Video Capture Device source, Properties, Resolution — set to 3840x2160. Some 4K webcams require a USB 3.0 port for 4K output — on USB 2.0 ports, they automatically downgrade to 1080p. Verify the USB port being used is USB 3.0 (blue port on most PCs).

Webcam Not Working? 8 Fixes for Zoom, Teams, and Windows 11

A webcam that stops working is almost always a software or permission issue, not hardware failure. The most common causes are privacy settings blocking camera access, another app holding exclusive camera access, and driver corruption after Windows updates. Work through these eight fixes before assuming the webcam has failed.

Fix 1: Check Camera Permissions

Windows: Settings → Privacy → Camera. macOS: System Settings → Privacy → Camera. Enable for every app that needs it.

Fix 2: Close Other Apps Using the Camera

Windows allows only one exclusive camera user at a time. Close Skype, Windows Camera, Discord, and OBS before opening Zoom or Teams.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Driver

Device Manager → Cameras → Update Driver. Or uninstall device, disconnect, reconnect.

Fix 4: Fix Black Screen in Zoom/Teams

Settings → Video/Devices → Camera — select the correct camera by name, restart the app.

Fix 5: Fix Pixelated or Laggy Feed

Direct motherboard USB port (not hub). Reduce resolution if CPU is overloaded. Try a different cable.

Fix 6: Fix Wrong Camera Being Selected

Multiple cameras: manually select external webcam in each app's settings.

Fix 7: Fix Webcam Microphone Not Working

It's a separate audio device — select it in Windows Sound Settings Input and in each app's audio settings.

Fix 8: Fix Camera Disappeared After Windows Update

Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices. Enable if disabled, or install driver from manufacturer website.

For webcam recommendations, see best webcams.