Webcam Not Detected in Chrome

Chrome requires explicit permission to access your webcam. This guide covers how to enable camera permissions, troubleshoot detection issues, and get your webcam working in Chrome browser.

You can use the online webcam test to confirm whether your device is working.

Quick Fix Summary

Click lock icon in Chrome address bar and allow camera access
Go to chrome://settings/content/camera and enable permissions
Close other browser tabs using the camera
Enable camera permissions in Windows or Mac system settings
Restart Chrome after changing permissions
Clear Chrome cache and cookies
Update Chrome to latest version

Why This Happens

Chrome requires explicit permission for each website to access your webcam. These permissions are separate from system-level camera access and must be granted individually.

Only one Chrome tab can access the webcam at a time. Other tabs or applications using the camera will block Chrome's access, even if you granted permission.

System privacy settings can override Chrome permissions. Windows and Mac have separate camera privacy controls that can block Chrome even when browser permissions are enabled.

Chrome blocks camera access on insecure HTTP connections. Websites must use HTTPS for Chrome to allow camera access, which prevents malicious sites from accessing your webcam.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Step 1: Enable Camera Permission in Chrome Address Bar

Chrome shows camera permission status in the address bar. Use this to quickly grant or deny access.

Look for a lock icon or camera icon in Chrome's address bar
Click the icon to open site permissions
Find "Camera" in the permissions list
Change it from "Block" or "Ask" to "Allow"
Refresh the page after changing permission

If you don't see a camera icon, Chrome may not have requested permission yet. Try accessing a website that needs the camera, or use the online webcam test to trigger the permission request.

After granting permission, refresh the page. Chrome applies permission changes immediately after refresh.

Step 2: Check Chrome Camera Settings

Chrome has global camera settings that can block access even if site-specific permissions are enabled.

Type chrome://settings/content/camera in the address bar
Press Enter to open camera settings
Check if camera access is blocked globally
If blocked, click "Clear" or remove the site from blocked list
Ensure "Ask before accessing" or "Sites can ask to access your camera" is enabled
Scroll down to see site-specific permissions

Find your website in the list and ensure it's set to "Allow". If it's blocked, click the trash icon to remove it, then refresh the website to request permission again.

Chrome remembers permission decisions. If you previously denied access, you need to remove the site from the blocked list before it can request permission again.

Step 3: Close Other Tabs Using Camera

Only one Chrome tab can access the webcam at a time. Other tabs will block access even if they're in the background.

Look for camera icons in other Chrome tabs
Close tabs that show camera activity
Check for minimized windows with camera access
Close other browser windows if you have multiple open
Restart Chrome completely if unsure which tab is using the camera

Chrome shows a camera icon in the address bar when a tab is actively using the webcam. Look for this icon across all your tabs.

After closing other tabs, refresh your current page and try accessing the camera again.

Step 4: Enable System Camera Permissions

Windows and Mac have system-level camera privacy settings that can block Chrome even when browser permissions are enabled.

Windows 10/11: Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Turn on "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera". Ensure Chrome is listed in allowed applications. Restart your computer after changing these settings.

Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Camera. Check the box next to Chrome to allow camera access. You may need to enter your password.

System privacy settings override browser permissions. Chrome cannot access your webcam if system settings block it.

Step 5: Select Correct Camera Device

Chrome may be trying to use the wrong camera if you have multiple webcams connected.

Go to chrome://settings/content/camera
Look for "Camera" device selection
Click the dropdown to see available cameras
Select your webcam from the list
If only one camera appears, Chrome should use it automatically

Some websites let you choose the camera in their own settings. Check the website's camera selection menu if available.

If your webcam doesn't appear in Chrome's device list, it may not be detected by the system. See Step 7 for hardware troubleshooting.

Step 6: Clear Chrome Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache or cookies can prevent Chrome from accessing the camera properly.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac)
Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data"
Choose "All time" from the time range
Click "Clear data"
Restart Chrome completely
Try accessing the camera again

Clearing cache removes stored permission data. You'll need to grant camera permission again after clearing cache.

Step 7: Check Webcam Hardware

If Chrome still can't detect your webcam, the problem may be hardware-related rather than permission-related.

Test the webcam in another application like Zoom or Teams
If it works elsewhere, the issue is Chrome-specific
If it doesn't work anywhere, check USB connections
Unplug and reconnect USB webcams
Try a different USB port
Check for physical covers or shutters on the webcam

Built-in laptop webcams should work automatically. If they don't, check system settings or update drivers.

Use the online webcam test in a different browser to see if the problem is Chrome-specific or affects all browsers.

Step 8: Update Chrome

Outdated Chrome versions may have camera access bugs or compatibility issues.

Click the three dots menu in Chrome
Hover over "Help"
Click "About Google Chrome"
Chrome will check for updates automatically
Install any available updates
Restart Chrome after updating

Chrome updates include security fixes and camera compatibility improvements. Keeping Chrome updated prevents many webcam access issues.

Browser and OS Specific Fixes

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows privacy settings are the most common cause of Chrome webcam issues.

Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → Enable all toggles
Ensure Chrome is listed in allowed applications
Restart computer after changing privacy settings

macOS

Mac camera permissions are simpler but must be enabled for Chrome.

System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Camera
Check box next to Chrome
Enter password if prompted

HTTPS Requirement

Chrome blocks camera access on insecure HTTP connections.

Ensure websites use HTTPS, not HTTP
Look for lock icon in address bar indicating secure connection
Local development sites may need special configuration

How to Prevent the Problem in Future

Grant camera permission when Chrome first asks. Denying permission and trying to enable it later can cause issues.

Close camera-using tabs when done. Background tabs can block camera access for new tabs.

Don't disable camera access in system privacy settings unless necessary. These settings affect all applications.

Keep Chrome updated. Updates include camera compatibility improvements and security fixes.

Use the online webcam test regularly to verify Chrome can access your camera. This helps catch permission issues early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my webcam not detected in Chrome?

Chrome webcam detection issues are usually caused by denied camera permissions, another application using the webcam, incorrect device selection, or system privacy settings blocking access. Check Chrome permissions first, then verify system settings.

How do I enable webcam in Chrome?

Click the lock or camera icon in Chrome's address bar. Set Camera permission to "Allow". If the icon isn't visible, go to chrome://settings/content/camera and ensure camera access isn't blocked globally. Refresh the page after changing permissions.

Chrome says "camera not detected" but it works in other apps. Why?

Chrome has separate camera permissions from other applications. Even if your webcam works in other apps, Chrome needs explicit permission. Check chrome://settings/content/camera and ensure the site is allowed. Also verify no other browser tab is using the camera.

How do I test if my webcam works in Chrome?

Use the online webcam test to check if Chrome can access your camera. The test shows a live preview if permissions are granted. You can also go to chrome://settings/content/camera and click "Test" next to your webcam device.

Chrome webcam permission keeps getting denied. How do I fix it?

Go to chrome://settings/content/camera and remove the site from blocked list. Clear Chrome cache and cookies for the site. Restart Chrome completely. Check Windows or Mac privacy settings to ensure Chrome has camera access at system level.

Can other browser tabs block webcam access in Chrome?

Yes. Only one Chrome tab can access the webcam at a time. Close other tabs that might be using the camera. Check for tabs with camera icons in the address bar. Close those tabs and try again.

My webcam works in Chrome but not in specific websites. Why?

Some websites have additional security requirements or use different camera APIs. Check the website's requirements. Ensure you're using HTTPS (not HTTP) as Chrome blocks camera access on insecure connections. Update Chrome to latest version.

Use the online webcam test to confirm everything is working.