Choose what you see
- A permission request is visible: read the camera and microphone choices before responding.
- I denied it earlier: inspect the site's permission state in the current browser.
- No request appears: a stored decision or operating-system privacy control may already apply.
- Access looks allowed but the picture is blank: move to Camera Not Working rather than repeatedly toggling permission.
Three layers can affect one camera
The site asks for access; the browser stores or applies a site-level decision; the operating system may separately allow or block camera use for the browser. An allowed state at one layer does not prove that every layer is open or that the hardware is working.
Change the smallest relevant setting
Confirm the exact device, operating system, browser, and version before following settings instructions. Only tested platform tabs should appear on the published page, each linked to official vendor documentation. Save other work before restarting a browser. Avoid clearing all browsing data as a first step because it can sign you out and remove unrelated settings.
Return and observe
After one relevant change, return to the product and observe whether the permission state changes. If the request clears but video remains blank, diagnose the camera. If the page itself does not progress, use video chat not loading. For the parallel audio path, see microphone permission.
Resolved-state CTA: Return to Video Chat
Still unresolved?
Prepare a privacy-safe support packet: device class, operating system/version, browser/version, exact text or symptom, approximate time, and a screenshot with personal information removed. Use Contact only after the real public support channel is active.
Permission success is not image-quality success
If the browser no longer reports a denial and the intended camera produces an image, permission has done its job. Darkness, blur, framing, and backlighting belong to Improve Video Quality. A device-in-use message or blank local image belongs to camera diagnosis. Keeping these outcomes separate prevents repeatedly revoking access to solve a lighting or hardware issue.
Related paths: Getting Started · Mobile Video Chat · Desktop Video Chat