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

While Chromebooks are known for offering a robust experience at an affordable price tag, issues like black screen and display flickering can leave you disappointed. Many Chromebook users have also complained about glitches with the integrated webcam on their devices. Is your Chromebook camera not working? We provide our top troubleshooting tips to fix your Chromebook camera below.

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 It can be due to an outdated system build, denied camera permission, an active webcam privacy switch, a buggy app, and more.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. Go into the Apps menu and launch the Camera app to check if the webcam is working.

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.

You should locate the privacy switch on one of the sides of your Chromebook and turn it off. You should also remove any accessory like a screen protector or a privacy shutter blocking the Chromebook webcam. ASUS adds a physical cover for webcams in some models.

If you see a blurry video feed, wipe the camera with a soft cloth. It’s likely just dirty.

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 in the Chrome OS settings. Let’s take Google Meet as an example.

1. Launch the Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Go into Manage your apps.
4. Click on Google Meet.
5. Enable the Camera toggle under the Permissions menu.
6. Try using your webcam with the app now.

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.
2. Click on the three-dot menu button.
3. Hit Settings.
4. Go into the Privacy and security tab.
5. Select Site settings.
6. Under Permissions, select Camera.
7. Select the right camera from the drop-down menu, if several cameras are connected to your Chromebook.
8. Under the Default behavior menu, select the Sites can ask to use your camera option.
9. Visit your preferred website in Google Chrome.
10. 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. Launch the Settings app.
2. Expand the Advanced section in the left column.
3. Click on Reset settings.
4. Select Reset beside Powerwash.
5. A confirmation box appears. Select Restart.

Sign in with your Google account and follow the same 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. You can also go to the Chromebook support website.

However, it’s a long process, and Google can only help you with software bugs. You should contact the Chromebook manufacturer and get it checked by professionals. You can also ask for a replacement if your Chromebook is still covered under warranty.