How to test your webcam
- Press Start and allow camera access when your browser asks.
- Check the live preview, and choose another camera from the list if you have several.
- Read the resolution and frame rate shown under the preview.
- Turn mirroring on or off, and take a snapshot to save as a PNG.
What the numbers mean
Resolution is the size of the picture in pixels. 1280 x 720 is 720p (HD) and 1920 x 1080 is 1080p (Full HD). Many laptop webcams are 720p; a separate USB webcam is often 1080p. Frame rate is how many pictures a second the camera sends; 30 frames per second looks smooth, while 15 or lower looks jerky.
The figures shown are what the camera is delivering to your browser right now. In a dim room, many webcams lower their frame rate to let in more light, so if you see a low number, try turning on a lamp facing you. Video apps such as Zoom or Teams may also send a lower quality picture than this over a slow connection.
Mirroring flips the preview like a mirror, which most people find more natural when looking at themselves. It only changes the preview and snapshot here; other people on a call usually see you the right way round.
Camera not working? Try these
- Browser permission: click the padlock or settings icon by the web address, set Camera to Allow and reload
- Privacy shutter: many laptops have a small slider over the lens, or a switch on the side
- Function key: some laptops turn the camera off with a key such as F8 or F10, often with a camera symbol
- Another app: Zoom, Teams, Skype or the Camera app can hold the webcam, so close them first
- Windows: Settings, then Privacy and security, then Camera, and make sure access is on for apps and browsers
- Mac: System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Camera, and allow your browser
- Drivers: in Windows Device Manager, check the camera has no warning symbol, and update or reinstall the driver if it does
Looking better on video calls
Before an interview or an important call, put the camera at eye level, perhaps on a stack of books, and face a window or lamp rather than sitting with one behind you. Take a snapshot to check what others will see. Your video and snapshots stay on your device, and the snapshot is only saved if you choose to download it.
Questions people ask
Is my video recorded or uploaded?
No. The preview runs on your device and nothing is sent to us. Snapshots are only saved if you download them.
Why is my webcam picture black?
Check for a privacy shutter over the lens, a camera key on the keyboard, and other apps that may be using the camera.
Why does my frame rate drop?
Many webcams slow down in low light to let in more light. Add a lamp facing you and the frame rate usually goes up.
Do other people see me mirrored?
Usually not. Mirroring here only affects the preview and snapshots on this page.
Can I test a phone camera?
Yes, in most mobile browsers. Choose the front or back camera from the list.