Webcam Test — Check Your Camera Online
Test your webcam live in your browser. See your camera feed instantly, no upload.
How to use this tool
- Open this page — it runs instantly in your browser, no signup or install.
- Allow any permission prompt if asked; everything stays on your device.
- Use the on-screen controls — results update live.
Test your webcam live in your browser. See your camera feed instantly, no upload.
How it works
The Webcam Test requests access to your camera and immediately streams the live feed into the page so you can see exactly what your camera sees. There is no recording, no upload, and no account required — the video stays in your browser tab.
The tool lets you check focus, lighting, and framing before a video call, confirm that a newly connected camera is recognised by the browser, and verify that the physical privacy shutter is open.
If the browser shows a black square or an error, common causes include another app holding exclusive camera access, a missing driver, or the camera being blocked in browser site permissions.
If your device has more than one camera, a device selector appears once access is granted, letting you switch between cameras to compare them.
Worked example
Check framing and lighting before a video interview
- Open the Webcam Test page.
- Click 'Start Camera' and allow camera access.
- Look at the live feed and adjust your chair, screen angle, or lamp position.
- Confirm your face is centred and well lit.
- Click Stop when satisfied.
A verified camera setup with good framing and lighting, ready for the interview.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Blocking camera access in the browser permission prompt and then wondering why the feed is empty — click the camera icon in the address bar to reset the permission.
- Leaving a video-call app open in the background; it may hold exclusive camera access and prevent the browser from opening the feed.
- Mistaking a dark but working feed for a broken camera — poor ambient lighting is the most common cause of a dim picture.
Key terms
- getUserMedia
- The browser API that requests access to a camera or microphone and streams the media into a web page.
- Privacy shutter
- A physical slider on some webcams that blocks the lens; leaving it closed causes a black feed even though the camera is otherwise working.
- Exclusive camera access
- Some operating systems allow only one app at a time to use the camera; if another app has opened it the browser will receive an error.
Frequently asked questions
- Is my video recorded or uploaded?
- No. The camera stream is displayed live in your browser using the MediaDevices API. Nothing leaves your device.
- Why is the camera not working?
- Check that you granted camera permission and that no other app is currently using the camera.