Quick Answer
If your Chromebook camera won’t work or shows “Camera not found,” start by closing every other app or tab that might be using it — ChromeOS only lets one app access the camera at a time. If that doesn’t help, check site or app camera permissions, then restart the Chromebook to reset the camera driver.
Common Causes
- Another app or browser tab is already using the camera
- The site or app doesn’t have camera permission
- A stuck camera driver process after sleep or an update
- A physical privacy shutter closed over the lens
- Outdated app cache in the Camera app or a specific video app
- A hardware fault in the camera module
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Close Other Apps and Tabs Using the Camera
ChromeOS allows only one active connection to the camera. Close the built-in Camera app, other video call tabs, and any Android apps that might have the camera open in the background, then reopen the app you actually want to use.
2. Check for a Physical Privacy Shutter
Many newer Chromebooks have a small sliding shutter or switch next to the camera lens. Look closely at the bezel above the screen and make sure it’s not covering the lens.
3. Grant Camera Permission to the Site or App
Click the lock icon in the address bar, open Site settings, and set Camera to Allow. For Android apps, check Settings > Apps > [App name] > Permissions > Camera.
4. Test the Camera in the Built-In Camera App
Open the Camera app from the launcher. If it shows a live picture, the hardware works and the problem is specific to the other app or website you were using.
5. Restart the Chromebook
A full restart clears any camera process stuck from a previous session, which is the most common cause of “Camera not found” errors after waking from sleep.
6. Clear the App’s Cache or Reinstall It
For Android video apps, go to Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage and clear the cache. If that doesn’t help, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Still Not Fixed?
If the built-in Camera app also fails to show a picture after a restart, the camera module itself may have failed. This typically requires a hardware repair — see our Hardware Repair guides, or use an external USB webcam as a workaround.
FAQ
Why does my Chromebook say “Camera not found” during a video call?
This usually means another app already has an active connection to the camera, or the site doesn’t have permission. Close other camera apps and check site permissions first.
How do I know if my Chromebook camera is physically broken?
If the built-in Camera app still shows a blank or frozen image after a restart and with no other apps using the camera, the module has likely failed and needs hardware repair.
Can I use an external webcam if my Chromebook camera stops working?
Yes, most USB webcams work on ChromeOS without extra drivers. Plug it in and select it as the camera source within your video call app or website.
