Chromebook camera not working? Here are 8 ways to fix it.

QUICK ANSWER

An older Chrome OS update introduced camera issues to Chromebooks. Checking for and installing any updates might fix your Chromebook camera issues. If not, consider restarting your device, checking the camera switch, and reviewing app permissions.

How to fix a Chromebook camera that’s not working

Several factors can affect your Chromebook camera. It can be due to an outdated system build, denied camera permission, an active webcam privacy switch, a buggy app, and more. Let’s go through some basics first and move to advanced tricks.

Restart the Chromebook

Most users close the lid and lock their Chromebook. However, we recommend rebooting the device once in a while to fix the usual system glitches.

1. Launch the Quick Settings panel from the bottom-right corner.
2. Click the Power button at the top.
3. Once you completely turn off the Chromebook, press and hold the power button to switch it on.

4. Launch the Apps menu and launch Camera.

Continue reading if you still see a black screen in the Camera app.

Check the webcam privacy switch on the Chromebook

Some Chromebook models, especially those offered by HP, have a dedicated privacy switch to turn off the webcam. As expected, your Chromebook camera won’t work if you accidentally enable the privacy switch.

Check the camera permission for the affected app

If one of the installed apps doesn’t have camera permission, it can’t access the Chromebook webcam and may show a blank screen. You should tweak the permission from Chrome OS Settings. Let’s take Google Meet as an example.

1. Click on the notification area in the bottom-right corner and open Settings.

2. Select Apps from the sidebar and open the affected app.

3. Enable the Camera toggle under the Permissions menu.

You can close the Chrome OS Settings and try using the webcam again.

Enable camera permission on the web

If your Chromebook camera isn’t working in one of the web applications like Zoom or Teams, check the default camera and site settings in Google Chrome.

1. Launch Google Chrome, type chrome://settings/content/camera into the address bar, and hit Enter.

2. Select a relevant one from the drop-down menu if several cameras are connected to your Chromebook.
3. Under the Default behavior menu, click the radio button beside Site can ask to use your camera.

4. Visit your preferred website in Google Chrome.
5. Click the lock icon in the address bar and enable the Camera toggle.

Reload the webpage, and you are all set to join the next video meeting.

Reset Google Chrome

If the Chromebook camera issue is present only in the Google Chrome browser, reset it to the default settings. It deletes temporary files and cache, disables Chrome extensions, and resets homepage customization, search engine, and pinned tabs.

1. Launch Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Open Settings.
2. Select Reset settings from the sidebar.
3. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.

4. Select Reset settings from the confirmation box.

Update Chrome OS

A buggy or outdated Chrome OS build may mess up your Chromebook’s camera. Google is quick to resolve such critical issues with software updates.

1. Click the notification center in the corner and open Settings.
2. Select About Chrome OS and hit Check for updates.
3. Download and install the latest Chrome OS update to check if the webcam works.

Powerwash your Chromebook

Do you still face issues with accessing the Chromebook camera? It’s time to reset the Chromebook and set it up from scratch. The steps below will delete all the apps and files from your device, so back up your important files first.

1. Click the time icon at the bottom and go to Settings.
2. Select Reset settings.
3. Select Reset beside Powerwash.
4. A confirmation box appears. Select Restart.

Sign in with your Google account and follow the steps to set up a new Chromebook.

Contact Google and the device manufacturer 

Chromebook’s camera issues can waste your productivity hours, especially when you join or compose several video meetings during work or study hours. If the camera problem persists, try contacting Google. Press the Alt + Shift + I keys, explain your problem, and send the info.