If Zoom is not detecting your camera, it could be due to these issues:
- You're running an older version of Zoom or Windows.
- Your camera is disabled in your device's settings.
- The webcam is not selected in Zoom (incorrect Zoom configuration).
- Zoom is not allowed to access your camera.
- Interference from other programs or devices.
If you are receiving the error message, "Zoom is unable to detect a camera. Make sure your camera is powered on and connected to your computer." when joining a meeting, learn how to troubleshoot this issue.
This article covers:
How to resolve Zoom error message "Zoom is unable to detect a camera. Make sure your camera is powered on and connected to your computer."
Run CleanZoom to remove Zoom completely and reinstall
You may need to completely remove Zoom from your device and reinstall it. To remove Zoom completely, including any configuration files, run CleanZoom on your device.
- Download and run CleanZoom (updated November 30, 2023).
Note: Use of the clean uninstaller will completely remove the Zoom desktop client, as well as the Zoom plugin for Outlook. The Outlook add-in, Chrome/Firefox extensions, and Google Workspace add-on are unaffected. - Restart your computer.
- Once completed, download Zoom from our Download Center and reinstall.
Update to the latest version of Zoom
Zoom regularly provides new versions of the Zoom desktop client and mobile app to release new features and fix bugs. We recommend updating to the latest version when it is available to receive the best video and audio experience.
You can check which version you're currently running for video conferencing, as well as follow our release notes to stay updated on the latest changes from Zoom.
Learn more about updating Zoom to the latest version.
Update your camera drivers
Visit your device's support and downloads page to update the camera driver:
Allow Zoom to access your camera on your device
Ensure that your computer's operating system allows Zoom access to your camera:
Allow Zoom to access your camera on your web browser
If you use a web browser instead of the Zoom app, access your privacy and security settings to change the settings on your web browser to allow the Zoom web client to access your camera.
Ensure that the Zoom web client has permission to use your camera by confirming that Zoom is not on the list of sites that are not allowed to use your camera.
Use other general troubleshooting methods
- Restart your computer.
- Make sure that all other programs that utilize the camera are not using the camera or are closed. This may include pre-installed camera applications, other video conferencing software, or websites utilizing your camera.
- Update your Windows system to the latest Windows version.
- Ensure that you're meeting on Zoom's supported devices.
- Verify that your camera is properly plugged into your device.
Contact Zoom Support
If the issue persists, learn which support options are available to you:
- If you're an unlicensed user or on a Basic (free) plan, try searching the Zoom Community to find solutions and ask questions about Zoom error message "Zoom is unable to detect a camera. Make sure your camera is powered on and connected to your computer."
- If you're a Licensed user on a Pro account or above, you can submit a request to Zoom Support for troubleshooting assistance. Please provide the following information:
- What operating system you are using
- What you were doing when you received this error
- Meeting ID, if in a meeting or trying to join/start a meeting