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Fix a Chromebook that has webcam that will not work

We'll rule out permissions, app, and hardware—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB webcam (optional, to test)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Grant permission and ensure no other app is using the camera.

  • Check that the site or app has camera permission.
  • Good: Permission granted. Proceed to Close other apps.
  • Bad: Grant permission in site settings or app permissions.

Check permissions

Goal: Ensure the app can use the camera.

  • Click the lock icon in the address bar. Allow Camera. Or Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Camera. For Android apps: Settings, Apps, Permissions.
  • Good: Permission granted. Close other apps using the camera.
  • Bad: Reload the page or restart the app after granting.

Close other apps

Goal: Free the camera for your app.

  • Close other tabs or apps that use the camera (Meet, Zoom, etc.). Restart the Chromebook. Try the camera again.
  • Good: Camera shows video.
  • Bad: Try an external USB camera. If it works, the built-in may have failed.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • An external USB camera works but the built-in does not.
  • The built-in camera may need replacement.

Verification

  • Camera permission is granted.
  • No other app is using the camera.
  • Camera shows video in the app or test site.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Permissions Grant camera to site or app.
  2. Close apps and restart Close other camera apps; restart Chromebook.
  3. External camera test Try USB webcam to isolate hardware.
  4. Call a pro Built-in camera does not work.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Chromebook model
  • Whether external USB camera works
  • Site or app and permission status
  • Steps already tried

Does the site or app have camera permission?

Permission denied is a common cause.

Check lock icon in address bar or Settings, Site settings, Camera. Grant permission. Good: permission granted—close other apps. Bad: grant permission first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Grant permission

Allow camera for the site or app. Reload the page or restart the app. Test again.

Done

Are other apps using the camera?

Close other tabs or apps (Meet, Zoom, etc.). Restart Chromebook. Good: camera works. Bad: try external USB camera—if it works, built-in may have failed.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Try external USB camera

Plug in USB webcam. Select it in the app. If it works, built-in camera may have failed—call a technician.

Done

Webcam works

Camera shows video in calls and apps.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook webcam not work?
Permission denied, another app using the camera, or hardware failure. Grant permission, close other apps, restart.
Can I fix Chromebook webcam myself?
Yes. Grant camera permission, close other apps using the camera, restart. If an external USB camera works but the built-in does not, the built-in may have failed—call a technician.
When should I call a technician for Chromebook webcam?
If an external USB camera works but the built-in does not after permission and restart. The built-in camera may need replacement.

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