Your camera won't turn on for video chat: fixes for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows
Updated
When a video chat camera won't turn on, it's almost always one of three things: a permission setting, another app holding the camera, or a browser that needs a refresh. Most fixes take under a minute.
Run the 60-second triage first, then jump to your device. These steps work for momos and for most browser-based video chat sites.
Works in Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.
The 60-second triage
- Refresh, and tap Allow on the camera and mic prompt that pops up.
- Quit anything else that might be using the camera: FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, Discord, or another browser tab.
- Look for https:// at the front of the web address; cameras get blocked on insecure pages.
- Look for a physical privacy shutter or sticker on your laptop or webcam.
- Update your browser to the latest version.
- Still nothing? Restart the device to clear a stuck camera process.
On an iPhone or iPad
- In Safari, tap the page menu button on the left of the address bar (it may show "aA" or a page icon), then tap Website Settings.
- Pick Allow (or Ask) for both Camera and Microphone, then refresh.
- If that doesn't stick, open the Settings app, go to Apps, then Safari (on older iOS, just Safari), and scroll to Camera and Microphone. Set both to Ask or Allow.
- Check Settings, then Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. If restrictions are on, make sure Camera is allowed.
- Using Chrome or another browser on iPhone? Go to Settings, find that browser's app, and turn on Camera and Microphone.
On an Android phone
- In Chrome, tap the icon to the left of the web address (it looks like sliders or a lock), then tap Permissions.
- Turn on Camera and Microphone, then reload the page.
- If they're grayed out, open your phone's Settings, go to Apps, then Chrome, then Permissions, and switch Camera and Microphone on there.
- On Android 12 and later, swipe down from the top and make sure the Camera access and Microphone access toggles in Quick Settings aren't off.
- Still stuck? In Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings, then Site settings, and check Camera and Microphone for blocked sites.
On a Mac
- Open the Apple menu, then System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Camera. Turn on access for your browser. Repeat under Microphone.
- You may need to quit and reopen the browser after changing this.
- In Safari, pick Settings from the Safari menu and go to the Websites tab. For both Camera and Microphone, choose Allow or Ask next to the site.
- In Chrome or Edge, click the icon just left of the web address and pick Allow for both Camera and Microphone.
- In Firefox, a crossed-out camera next to the web address means a block; click it to clear it, then refresh.
On a Windows PC
- Open Settings, then Privacy & security, then Camera. Turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera, and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- Do the same under Privacy & security, then Microphone.
- Back in the browser, click the icon beside the web address, choose Allow for Camera and Microphone, and refresh.
- If the browser sees more than one camera or mic, pick the right one in the browser's site settings.
- Check Device Manager under Cameras. If your webcam shows a warning icon, update or reinstall its driver.
Camera on, call still broken? Match the symptom
| Symptom | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Black screen, camera light on | Quit whatever else has the webcam open, then refresh |
| They can see you but can't hear you | Check mic permission and that the right mic is selected |
| You hear an echo | Use earbuds or lower your speaker volume |
| Video freezes or lags | Move closer to Wi-Fi, close other tabs, or switch networks |
| Call ends right away | Make sure your face is visible and well lit; automated checks may end calls with no face on camera |
Frequently asked questions
Will a work or school laptop block my camera?
It can. Managed laptops and some workplace or campus networks restrict camera access or video sites. If the permission toggles are locked, try a personal device.
Does an external USB webcam work?
Usually, yes. Plug it in before opening the page, then choose it as the camera in your browser's site settings if the built-in one shows up instead.
Why is my picture dark or grainy even though the camera works?
Low light is the usual cause. Face a window or lamp so light hits your face from the front, and wipe the lens. Grainy video also happens on slow connections.
Can I video chat with just a microphone?
Camera is part of momos's video chat, and automated checks may end or blur calls when no face is on camera.
Who can I contact if nothing works?
Email hello@momos.live with your device, browser, and what you've tried.
Adults only. Never recorded.
momos is for people 18 and older. We don't record or store calls, and report and block are always one tap away. See the safety center.