Webcam Tester

How to use the webcam tester

1. Press Start camera and allow access when prompted.
2. Check the picture, resolution and frame rate.
3. Switch cameras if you have more than one, then stop when done.

About this tool

The camera preview is produced by your browser and stays on your device. There is no server in the path, nothing is recorded, and stopping the camera releases it — which is what turns the indicator light off.

Alongside the picture you get the resolution and frame rate the camera actually negotiated, which is often lower than the camera's specification because the browser or another application asked for less.

When it fails, the reason is reported specifically rather than as a generic error, because the fixes are completely different: permission denied, no camera found, or — the most common by far — the camera is already in use by another application. A video call left running in another window is usually the culprit. If the picture is black with no error at all, look for a physical privacy shutter.

Common uses

• Checking a camera works before a job interview or a call.
• Testing a newly connected external webcam.
• Finding out what resolution your camera actually provides.

Frequently asked questions

Is my video uploaded or recorded?

No. The preview is rendered by your browser on your device. There is no server involved and nothing is stored unless you capture a still and download it yourself.

Why does it say the camera could not be started?

Another application is almost certainly using it. Close any video call software and try again — most systems only let one application use a camera at a time.

Why is the picture black with no error?

A privacy shutter or a physical switch. The browser has the camera successfully, so it reports no problem — it is simply receiving a black image.