How to use the webcam test
- Press Start webcam test and choose Allow when the browser asks to use your camera. The live picture appears within a second or two.
- Check the message above the picture. Your webcam is working means the browser receives moving video; a warning appears if the image is completely dark or frozen.
- Read What your camera delivers: the real resolution, the measured frames per second, aspect ratio and, where the browser reports them, the camera's maximum resolution and frame rate.
- Pick another device in Camera, or press Switch camera on a phone to swap front and back. Try a higher Requested resolution to see whether the camera can deliver it.
- Use Mirror, Grid and Full screen to check framing, and Take snapshot to save a PNG still. Press Stop test to switch the camera off.
What resolution and FPS mean for video calls
Resolution is the size of each frame in pixels. Frame rate (frames per second, fps) is how many frames arrive every second; 30 fps looks smooth, around 15 fps looks choppy, and anything below about 10 fps feels like a slide show. The page measures the frame rate from the frames actually shown, which is more honest than the number the driver reports.
| Resolution | Pixels | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 480p (SD) | 640 × 480 | Older or budget webcams; calls on a slow connection |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 | Most laptop cameras; enough for most video calls |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | Better external webcams; streaming and recording |
| 4K (UHD) | 3840 × 2160 | High-end webcams and phone cameras; recording and cropping |
A higher resolution does not always look better on a call. Zoom, Teams and Google Meet adapt the quality to your connection and often send 720p or less, and in a dim room many webcams lower their frame rate to collect more light. Good, soft light from in front of you usually improves the picture more than extra pixels. If calls look blocky even though this test shows a sharp picture, check your connection with the internet speed test.
Webcam not working? How to fix it
Camera blocked in the browser
- Chrome and Edge: click the icon to the left of the web address, open Site settings, set Camera to Allow, then reload.
- Firefox: click the camera or permissions icon in the address bar, clear the Blocked permission, reload and allow again.
- Safari: on Mac, Safari › Settings › Websites › Camera; on iPhone and iPad, Settings › Apps › Safari › Camera.
Windows 10 and 11
- Settings › Privacy & security › Camera: switch on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Cameras should list your webcam. If it is missing, check Device Manager for a disabled or failed camera driver, or reconnect the USB cable directly to the computer instead of a hub.
macOS
- System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera: enable your browser, then quit and reopen it.
- If no app can see the camera, restarting the Mac usually resets it.
Camera in use or a black picture
On Windows, a camera generally works in one app at a time, so close Zoom, Teams, Skype, OBS and other tabs that may hold it. A completely black image usually means a physical privacy shutter or lens cover is closed, or a camera kill switch is on: many laptops have a sliding cover above the screen, a switch on the side, or a function key with a crossed-out camera icon. If the picture is dark but not black, add light in front of you rather than behind you.
Preparing for a meeting? Run the mic test to check your microphone and the speaker and headphone test for sound output. Other quick hardware checks are on the device tests page.
Privacy: the video stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded or recorded, snapshots exist only in this tab's memory until you download them or leave the page, and the camera is switched off when you press Stop, close the tab or leave the page in the background. Only your mirror, grid and resolution choices are saved in this browser's local storage.
Frequently asked questions
How can I test my webcam online?
Press Start webcam test and allow camera access. If you see yourself and the page says your webcam is working, the camera, its driver and the browser permissions are all fine. The info panel then shows the resolution and frame rate it delivers.
Why is my webcam showing a black screen?
Usually a privacy shutter, lens cover or camera kill switch is closed, or another app is holding the camera. Open the shutter, press the camera function key if your laptop has one, close other video apps and start the test again.
Is this webcam test safe and private?
Yes. The video is processed only in your browser and nothing is sent to a server. Snapshots are not saved anywhere unless you download them, and the camera light turns off when you stop the test.
What resolution is my webcam?
The Resolution field shows the size of the frames your camera delivers right now, and Maximum resolution shows the highest size the driver reports where the browser supports it. Choose 1080p or 4K under Requested resolution to see whether your camera can actually deliver it.
Why does my webcam show a low frame rate?
Most often the room is too dark and the camera lengthens its exposure, which lowers the frame rate. More light usually fixes it. A busy USB hub, a high requested resolution on an older camera or a heavily loaded computer can also reduce it.
Can I test the camera and microphone together?
This page tests the camera only, so that only one device is switched on at a time. When the picture looks right, run the mic test to check your microphone with a live level meter and a playback recording, then the speaker test for your headphones or speakers.
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