Frequently asked questions

How do I test my webcam?

The fastest way is in your browser: open the webcam test on this site, press "Test My Webcam" and choose Allow when your browser asks for permission. You immediately see a live preview, your camera name, the resolution and the frame rate your camera actually delivers.

You can also test with the built-in apps: the Camera app on Windows, Photo Booth or FaceTime on Mac. Those show a picture but not resolution or frame rate.

Step-by-step with screenshots of every state: How to test your webcam.

Is my webcam working?

If you can see yourself in the live preview and the test shows "Camera working" with a green check, your webcam works in this browser. If the picture is dark, blurry or choppy, the test tells you exactly what to fix before your next call.

Run the webcam test to check.

Do I need to install software to test my webcam?

No. A browser-based test works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari without downloading anything. The software that comes with some webcams (for example Logi Tune or G HUB) is only needed to change settings like zoom, exposure or firmware.

Details: How to test your webcam.

How long does a webcam test take?

A few seconds. Once you allow camera access, the preview, resolution and measured frame rate appear almost immediately. Recording a short test clip takes a couple more seconds if you want to hear and see how you come across.

Which browsers can run a webcam test?

Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari all work, on desktop and mobile. The page needs HTTPS and your permission prompt answered. In private modes with camera access blocked, or on older browsers, you will see an error instead of the preview.

Can I test more than one camera?

Yes. If your browser sees several cameras (a laptop camera plus a USB webcam, for example), a selector appears under the preview. Switching devices restarts the diagnostics for the new camera.

How do I test my webcam on Windows 11?

Open the Start menu, type Camera and launch the Camera app — a live picture means the webcam works. For resolution and frame rate, use an online test. If the camera is missing, check Settings → Privacy & security → Camera.

Full guide: How to test your webcam on Windows 11.

How do I test my webcam on Windows 10?

Click Start, search for Camera and open it. If you see yourself, the camera works. A black screen or error 0xA00F4244 usually points to privacy settings or a driver problem.

Full guide: How to test your webcam on Windows 10.

How do I test my webcam on a Mac?

Open Photo Booth or FaceTime: if you see yourself and the green light next to the camera turns on, it works. For measured resolution and frame rate, use an online test in Safari or Chrome.

Full guide: How to test your webcam on a Mac.

How do I test a webcam on a desktop PC?

Desktop PCs usually have no built-in camera, so connect the USB webcam first — directly to the PC, not through an unpowered hub. Then open the Windows Camera app or an online test.

Full guide: How to test a webcam on a PC.

How do I test the webcam on my laptop?

Open an online test or your camera app. If the picture is black, check the sliding privacy shutter above the screen and the camera on/off key on the keyboard first — those cause most laptop problems.

Full guide: How to test the webcam on your laptop.

How do I test a Logitech webcam?

Plug it in and open an online webcam test: it shows the camera name (for example "HD Pro Webcam C920"), resolution and real frame rate. Logi Tune and G HUB let you adjust zoom, focus and exposure.

Full guide: How to test a Logitech webcam.

How do I test my webcam and microphone at the same time?

Press "Test My Webcam" and allow both camera and microphone. The preview shows your picture while the microphone status confirms sound is coming in. To watch the live level meter, use the microphone test.

Full guide: How to test your webcam and microphone together.

How do I test my microphone?

Open the microphone test, allow microphone access and speak normally. The level meter moves with your voice, and you can record a short message and play it back to hear how you sound to others.

Why is my microphone not picking up sound?

Common causes: the wrong input device is selected, a hardware mute switch is on, the input volume in your system sound settings is too low, or microphone access is blocked in the browser.

Work through the fixes: Microphone not working — 9 fixes.

How do I test my speakers?

Open the speaker test and play the left, both or right tone. You should hear the tone through the speaker you selected, and the correct side for left and right tones. Mono or one-sided audio usually points to a balance or connector problem.

Why is my webcam not showing a picture?

In order of likelihood: another app (Zoom, Teams, OBS) is using the camera, camera access is blocked in the browser or OS privacy settings, a privacy shutter is closed, or the USB connection is loose. Unplug and reconnect USB webcams, then press Try Again in the test.

More fixes: Guides & troubleshooting.

Why is my webcam blurry or grainy?

Lighting first: small webcam sensors need a lot of light, and grain (noise) increases sharply in dim rooms. Put a window or lamp in front of you, never behind. Then clean the lens and give autofocus a second to lock after moving the camera.

The test's quality rating tells you if blur or darkness is actually measurable.

Why is my webcam FPS low or the video choppy?

Most webcams drop the frame rate automatically in low light to gather more light per frame — adding light is the single biggest fix. Also close CPU-heavy apps and avoid USB hubs. The webcam test shows the frame rate your camera actually delivers versus what it is configured for.

Why does my webcam work in the test but not in Zoom or Teams?

Usually the meeting app has a different camera selected, or the app lacks OS camera permission. On Windows check Settings → Privacy & security → Camera (including "Let desktop apps access your camera"); on macOS check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Also set the same camera inside the meeting app's own settings.

Why do my colours look wrong on camera?

Cameras adjust white balance automatically and sometimes pick the wrong setting under LED or mixed lighting. Let the camera re-expose for a few seconds, avoid strong coloured light, and in Advanced mode the Color tab shows the measured colour balance of the current frame so you can see what is off.

Why is the preview mirrored?

The preview is mirrored like a mirror, which feels natural because that is what you are used to seeing. You can switch to the un-mirrored version — that is how other people actually see you in the call.

How do I find out which webcam model I have?

The test shows the name your camera reports to the browser once you allow access. Our live identification also matches that name against known models. Otherwise, the model is printed on the label under the camera or on the cable.

Look up specifications: Camera database.

What resolution and frame rate should my webcam have?

For video calls, aim for at least 1280 × 720 (720p) at a steady 30 frames per second. A 1080p webcam should show 1920 × 1080 in good light. Frame rates well below 30 usually mean poor lighting, a busy USB port or another app using the camera.

What does "current stream megapixels" mean?

It is the width × height of the video your browser is currently receiving, divided by one million. It can be lower than the camera's sensor resolution, because browsers and cameras negotiate the actual stream settings.

Can a browser test see my webcam driver or firmware version?

No. Browsers do not expose installed driver or firmware versions, so no test can verify what is installed. For recognised cameras, this site lists the latest known official updates and links to the manufacturer's support page.

Do virtual cameras like OBS work with the test?

Yes. OBS, Snap Camera and similar tools appear in the camera selector like any other device, and the test measures what that virtual camera actually delivers.