Troubleshoot camera issues in a meeting

1. On your Chromebook, at the bottom right, click Time Settings.
2. On the left, select Security and Privacy Privacy controls.
3. Turn on Camera access.

On a macOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later, allow the browser to use your camera. Otherwise, Google Meet can't use the camera.

1. Go to System Preferences Security & Privacy.
2. Select Privacy Camera.
3. Check the box for the app that uses Google Meet.
   • For example: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

1. On your computer, select Start Settings.
2. Select Privacy & security Camera.
3. Turn on Camera access Allow apps access your camera.

Tip: This setting lets anyone who uses the computer choose if they want apps to use the camera.

1. On your device, open the built-in camera app, like Camera or Photo Booth.
2. If the camera’s self preview shows your image but Google Meet doesn’t, make sure Google Meet can access your camera:
   • Enable camera access on macOS Mojave and later
   • Allow Google Chrome to use your camera
3. If the camera doesn’t show you, open the camera cover or privacy switch with the steps below.

Important:

• Not all devices have a camera cover or privacy switch.
• The cover or switch might be at the top or side of your device.
• Some models use an orange, red, or amber light when the privacy switch is on.

1. To find the camera cover, at the top of the camera lens, check for a slider.
   • For most devices, the camera cover is a physical slider above the lens. For example, the Lenovo camera lens is blocked by the slider.

     

2. If you don’t find a slider above the lens, check for a physical switch on either side of your device.
   • Some devices use a privacy switch instead of a camera cover. For example, the HP Chromebook has a camera privacy switch.

     

3. To unblock the camera lens, move the slider or switch to the off position.
4. Test the camera with the built-in Camera app or with Google Meet.

Tip: If the camera’s self preview doesn’t show:

• For devices that aren't Chromebook, try more troubleshooting steps.
• For Chromebook, try the steps to reset your Chromebook hardware.

Important: Some devices have a software privacy switch. This might be turned off in your camera or device settings.

1. On your device, go to Settings.
2. Find your camera settings.
3. Turn off the software-based privacy switch.

Tip: The instructions might be different on your device.

Example of Chrome and Firefox browsers that shows camera lens blocked by software privacy switch.

If the camera doesn't work and there’s no camera cover or privacy switch:

1. Reset your Chromebook hardware.
2. Test the camera with the built-in Camera app or with Google Meet.