What the webcam test is for
Before a video call, an online exam or a recording, it is worth knowing that the camera works and that the picture looks the way you expect. This test opens your camera directly in the browser and shows the live image together with the resolution and frame rate the camera actually delivers.
It is useful in several situations: a new webcam that you want to check before the first call, a laptop camera that stays black in one app, an external camera that might be using a lower resolution than advertised, or a browser that seems to have lost its camera permission. If the picture appears here, the camera, the driver and the browser permission are all working, and the problem is probably in the settings of the other app.
The video never leaves your device. It is shown in a video element on this page and is not recorded, stored or uploaded. When you press “Stop camera” or close the tab, the camera is released and its light should switch off.
Step by step
- Close other apps that might be using the camera, such as Zoom, Teams, Skype or the system camera app.
- Press “Start camera”. Your browser asks whether this page may use the camera. Choose Allow.
- Check the live image. Look at the sharpness, the exposure and whether your face is well lit.
- Read the resolution and frame rate under the picture. A typical HD webcam shows 1280×720 or 1920×1080.
- If you have more than one camera, pick another one from the list. The device names appear after you have granted permission.
- Switch mirroring on or off. The mirrored view is what you are used to from a mirror; other people in a call usually see you unmirrored.
- Press “Stop camera” when you are done.
Common problems and fixes
The browser didn’t ask for permission
You may have blocked the camera for this site earlier. In Chrome, click the icon to the left of the address bar, open Site settings and set Camera to Allow. In Firefox, click the camera or permissions icon in the address bar and remove the blocked permission. In Safari on the Mac, open Safari > Settings > Websites > Camera. Reload the page afterwards.
The camera is used by another app
On Windows in particular, a camera can usually only be used by one program at a time. If the test reports that no device can be read, quit video apps completely, including any that run in the system tray, and try again. On a Mac, the green light next to the camera shows whether something is still using it.
The operating system blocks the camera
Windows and macOS have their own privacy switches. On Windows, open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and allow access for apps and desktop apps. On macOS, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and allow your browser. You may need to restart the browser after changing this.
The picture is black or frozen
Check for a physical privacy shutter or a camera key on the keyboard. On laptops, a function key often disables the camera. Unplug and reconnect an external camera, preferably directly to the computer rather than through a hub.
The resolution is lower than expected
Browsers ask for a reasonable default, and some cameras deliver less over a slow USB port or with poor light. Try a different port and better lighting. The values shown are what the browser receives, which may differ from what a video app negotiates.
Tips
- Place the main light in front of you, not behind you. A window behind you turns your face into a silhouette.
- Put the camera at eye level. A stack of books under the laptop already helps.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth. A fingerprint makes everything look hazy.
- Run the test in the same browser you will use for the call, since permissions are stored per browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is my video recorded or uploaded?
No. The image is only shown on this page in your browser. Nothing is recorded, stored or sent to a server.
Why does my image look mirrored?
Most people find a mirrored preview more natural because it behaves like a mirror. Turn off “Mirror” to see the image the way others see it.
Why are the camera names missing in the list?
Browsers only reveal device names after you have allowed camera access. Start the camera once and the list fills in.
Does the test work on my phone?
Yes, in current mobile browsers. On a phone you can usually choose between the front and rear camera in the list.
Why does the test need a secure connection?
Browsers only allow camera access on pages served over https. Timerbench is served over https, so this is handled for you.
The camera light stays on after the test. What now?
Press “Stop camera” or close the tab. If the light stays on, another app or tab is probably still using the camera.