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Zoom can't access camera, shows black screen

Zoom doesn't have permission to use your camera, or the camera is being used by another app. First check that Zoom isn't blocked in your system privacy settings. If it's allowed there, the camera is probably in use by another app. Close that app and restart Zoom.

When Zoom can't access your camera, the problem is a permission issue. Your operating system requires you to give Zoom permission to use the camera, and that permission can be turned off. In some cases, another app is using the camera and Zoom has to wait for it to finish.

Risk: Medium ⏱ 10–15 minutes Beginner
⚡ Before you start
  • Make sure your camera works in other apps like Skype, Teams, or FaceTime
  • Make sure Zoom is blocking the camera in Settings or Preferences
  • Check your System Settings to check that Zoom has camera permission
  • Make sure another app is currently using the camera

Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.

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