If your camera or microphone stops working in Zoom, the cause may be an incorrect device selection, blocked permissions, another app using the hardware, or a problem with the camera or microphone itself. Work through these checks in order, starting with the simplest fixes.
1. Check the Selected Camera and Microphone
Zoom may be using a different camera or microphone than the one you expect, especially if you have a laptop microphone, headset, USB webcam, or Bluetooth device.
- Open Zoom and join a meeting or start a test meeting.
- Click the arrow next to Start Video and select the correct camera.
- Click the arrow next to Mute and select the microphone you want to use.
- Speak and check whether Zoom's microphone level indicator responds. If available, use Zoom's audio test to check the speaker and microphone.
If the device does not appear in the list, disconnect and reconnect it, then check whether the operating system detects it. For Bluetooth headsets, confirm that the headset is connected and selected for both input and output where appropriate.
2. Make Sure Another App Is Not Using the Device
Video-call apps, recording software, browser tabs, and camera utilities can sometimes interfere with access to a camera or microphone.
- Leave the Zoom meeting or close Zoom.
- Close other apps that may be using the camera or microphone, such as Teams, Skype, browser-based meeting tools, or recording software.
- Reopen Zoom and test the devices again.
If the camera or microphone works in another app but not in Zoom, focus on Zoom's device selection, permissions, and app settings. If it fails everywhere, investigate the operating system or hardware instead.
3. Check Camera and Microphone Permissions on Windows
Windows privacy settings can prevent desktop apps from accessing your camera or microphone.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security and open Camera.
- Make sure camera access is enabled and that apps are allowed to access the camera. Check the desktop-app access setting if shown.
- Return to Privacy & security, open Microphone, and review the equivalent access settings.
- Close and reopen Zoom, then test again.
The exact labels may differ by Windows version. If a setting is controlled by your school or workplace, you may need to contact the device administrator.
4. Check Camera and Microphone Permissions on Mac
On macOS, Zoom needs permission to use the camera and microphone.
- Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
- Open Privacy & Security.
- Select Camera and enable access for Zoom.
- Return to the privacy settings, select Microphone, and enable access for Zoom.
- Quit and reopen Zoom so the permission changes can take effect.
If Zoom does not appear in a permission list, open the app and try using the camera or microphone again. If access is managed by an organization, check with its administrator.
5. Check Permissions on iPhone, iPad, and Android
If Zoom cannot use your phone or tablet's camera or microphone, check the app permissions in the device settings.
- iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, find Zoom, and enable Camera and Microphone if those options are available. You can also review app permissions under Privacy & Security.
- Android: Open Settings, select Apps and then Zoom, open Permissions, and allow camera and microphone access. Menu names vary by device and Android version.
Also check whether your device has a system-wide camera access control or privacy toggle that is turned off. Reopen Zoom after changing permissions.
6. Test the Camera and Microphone Outside Zoom
Testing the devices in another app helps determine whether the problem is specific to Zoom.
- Camera: On Windows, try the built-in Camera app. On Mac, test the camera in another trusted app that supports video.
- Microphone: Use the operating system's sound input settings or a built-in voice-recording app to see whether the input level responds.
If neither device works outside Zoom, check the system settings and hardware. If both work elsewhere, update Zoom and review its selected devices and permissions.
7. Check the Webcam, Headset, or Microphone Connection
For an external camera or microphone, a loose connection or faulty port can prevent detection.
- Unplug the USB device and reconnect it securely.
- Try another USB port. If possible, connect the device directly to the computer instead of through a USB hub.
- Check physical privacy shutters, mute switches, headset controls, and cable damage.
- If possible, test the device on another compatible computer.
If a USB webcam or microphone still does not appear in Windows, open Device Manager and look under the relevant camera, audio, or sound-device categories. Check for a disabled device or a warning symbol. If a driver issue is indicated, use Windows Update or the device manufacturer's official website for the appropriate driver. Avoid downloading drivers from unfamiliar sites.
8. Update or Reinstall Zoom
If the camera and microphone work in other apps but fail in Zoom, an app update may resolve the problem.
- Check Zoom for updates and install the latest available version.
- Restart the computer or mobile device and test again.
- If the problem persists, reinstall Zoom using the official download source or your device's official app store.
Reinstalling is best treated as a later step, after checking device selection, permissions, and whether the hardware works elsewhere. On a work or school device, confirm any organization-specific requirements before reinstalling.
9. Check Security Software and Managed Device Restrictions
If Zoom still cannot access the camera or microphone, check whether security software or organization policies are blocking access. Review the relevant alerts and app permissions instead of turning off antivirus or firewall protection indiscriminately.
If your device is managed by a school or employer, camera and microphone access may be restricted by policy. Contact the administrator if the settings are unavailable or keep reverting.
What to Do Next
Start by selecting the correct devices and closing other apps that may be using them. Then check permissions for your operating system, test the camera and microphone outside Zoom, and inspect external connections if a device is not detected. Update or reinstall Zoom only after the basic checks fail.
If the camera fails in every app, follow our guide to troubleshooting a webcam that isn't working. If the microphone or sound also fails outside Zoom, see our guide to fixing audio problems on Windows and Mac.