Webcam Test checks that your camera works before a call, an interview or an online exam. It shows a live preview with the current resolution, the highest resolution the camera supports, the measured frame rate and the aspect ratio. If the camera does not start, you get a clear explanation and the fix. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
How to test your webcam
- Click Test my webcam and allow the camera when the browser asks.
- Look at the preview. If you see yourself, the camera works.
- Check the details: resolution, highest supported resolution, frame rate and aspect ratio.
- If you have more than one camera, pick another under Camera. Try a different Resolution to see what the camera can do.
- Optional: click Take a photo to save a PNG snapshot, or Full screen for a closer look.
What the numbers mean
| Detail | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Resolution | The size of the picture the camera is sending now |
| Highest supported | The largest size the camera can deliver |
| Frame rate | Frames per second measured live; 30 is smooth |
| Aspect ratio | Width divided by height: 1.78 is 16:9, used by most modern webcams; 1.33 is 4:3 |
Under Resolution you can ask for VGA (640 × 480), HD (1280 × 720), Full HD (1920 × 1080) or Highest the camera supports. If the camera cannot deliver a size, it sends the nearest one it can, and the details show what you really get.
When the camera does not work
Camera access was blocked. Click the camera icon in the address bar, allow the camera for this site and try again. On a Mac, also open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and turn your browser on. On Windows, open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and allow desktop apps.
No camera was found. Check that the camera is plugged in and switched on. Many laptops have a privacy shutter, a switch or a function key that turns the camera off. For a USB webcam, try another port.
The camera is in use. Another app such as Zoom, Teams or FaceTime, or another browser tab, is using the camera. Close it and click Test my webcam again.
Black or frozen picture. Open the shutter, try another resolution, or restart the browser. If another camera is listed, a virtual camera from video software may be selected: pick the real camera under Camera.
Tips for a better picture
- Light from the front. Sit facing a window or a lamp, not with it behind you.
- Camera at eye level. Raise a laptop on a few books so the camera is not looking up at you.
- Clean the lens. Fingerprints make the picture soft and hazy.
- Watch the frame rate. If it drops below 20 fps in a dark room, add light; the picture will be sharper and smoother.
- Mirror off for checking text. Untick Mirror to read a sign or a book in the picture the right way round.
Before your call
Test your microphone too with the Mic Test. To record a demo of your screen with your voice, use the Screen Recorder.
Private by design
The camera picture is shown on your own device and never recorded or uploaded. See how it works.