Chromebook Camera Not Working? Let’s fix it!

Chromebooks are known for their simplicity and efficiency, but occasionally, users encounter issues with their built-in cameras. If you’re facing the frustrating problem of your Chromebook camera not working, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Why is my Chromebook Camera Not Working ?

Before we delve into the solutions, let’s understand why your Chromebook camera might be misbehaving:

1. Hardware Issues: Sometimes, the camera hardware itself can malfunction or become disconnected.
2. Software Glitch: Bugs or conflicts in the Chrome OS or the camera app can cause camera problems.
3. Permissions: If the camera app doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it won’t work.
4. Extensions: Browser extensions might interfere with the camera’s operation.

How to Fix Chromebook Camera not Working ?

Now, let’s proceed with the troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart your Chromebook:

A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches. Click on the system tray in the bottom-right corner, then click on the power icon and choose “Restart.”

2. Check for updates:

Ensure your Chromebook is running the latest software updates. Here’s how:

1. Click on the system tray in the bottom-right corner.
2. Click on the gear-shaped settings icon.
3. Scroll down and select “About Chrome OS.”
4. Click on “Check for Updates.”

3. Check camera permissions:

1. Click on the system tray.
2. Click on the gear-shaped settings icon.
3. Scroll down and select “Privacy and Security.”
4. Under “Privacy,” click on “Site Settings.”
5. Scroll down and click on “Camera.”
6. Ensure that “Ask before accessing” is turned on.
7. Below, you’ll see a list of sites that have requested camera access. Make sure the site you’re trying to use the camera on is allowed.

4. Check for blocked extensions:

Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with the camera. Here’s how to check and disable them:

1. Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
2. Go to “More Tools” > “Extensions.”
3. Disable extensions one by one and test your camera after disabling each one to identify if any are causing the issue.

5. Check camera app permissions:

1. Click on the system tray.
2. Click on the camera icon.
3. In the camera app, click on the gear icon for settings.
4. Ensure that “access to the camera” is allowed.

6. Check Your Internet Connection:

Sometimes, a poor internet connection can affect video calls. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

7. Check for hardware issues:

If none of the software solutions work, there may be a hardware problem. In this case, you should contact the manufacturer or your retailer for further assistance.

8. Power wash your Chromebook:

As a last resort, you can perform a power wash, which resets your Chromebook to factory settings. Be aware that this will erase all local data, so back up your important files.

1. Click on the system tray.
2. Click on the gear-shaped settings icon.
3. Scroll down and select “Advanced.”
4. Under “Reset settings,” click on “Powerwash.”

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Conclusion:

Your Chromebook’s camera not working can be a frustrating issue, but it’s usually fixable with these troubleshooting steps. By checking permissions, updating software, and ruling out extensions, you can get your camera back in working order. If the problem persists, remember that you can always reach out to our dedicated phone support 1-800-319-5804 for additional assistance.