Overview

If your camera is not working in Zoom or Teams, the issue is usually software, permissions, or driver related. This guide provides step-by-step fixes for both Windows and macOS, app-specific tips for Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and troubleshooting actions for built-in and external webcams.

Quick checklist to try first

Restart your computer – simple restarts often clear camera locks and driver glitches.
Close other apps that might be using the camera: Skype, OBS, Camera app, EOS Webcam Utility, and browsers.
Try the web client – open Zoom or Teams in a modern browser to see if the problem is the desktop app.
Test the Camera app on Windows or Photo Booth/Camera on macOS to confirm the camera works at a system level.

Windows step-by-step fixes

Follow these actions in order until the camera works again.

Check camera privacy settings: Go to Settings – Privacy – Camera and make sure “Allow apps to access your camera” is turned on. Also check the list and enable camera access for Zoom and Teams.
Select the right camera in the app: In Zoom go to Settings – Video and choose the correct camera. In Teams go to Settings – Devices – Camera.
Update or reinstall the camera driver: Open Device Manager – Cameras or Imaging devices – right click your camera and choose Update driver. If that fails, choose Uninstall device then restart Windows to force reinstallation.
Disable conflicting virtual camera drivers: Uninstall or disable third-party drivers like EOS Webcam Utility or virtual camera plugins that can cause green tint or freezing.
Power and USB checks for external webcams: Try a different USB port, avoid USB hubs, and disable USB selective suspend in Power Options.
Repair or reinstall the app: For Zoom or Teams, use Apps & features to repair or uninstall then reinstall the latest version.
Use the web client as a workaround: If the desktop app breaks after an update, the browser version often still works until a patch is available.

macOS step-by-step fixes

macOS has strict privacy controls that commonly block camera use after updates. Use these steps to restore camera access.

Check Camera permissions: Open System Settings – Privacy & Security – Camera and ensure Zoom and Teams are enabled.
Quit and relaunch the app: After you grant permission, quit the app completely and reopen it so the permission change takes effect.
Remove or update third-party utilities: Uninstall or update camera helper apps like EOS Webcam Utility or other kernel extensions that may conflict with the camera.
Run Disk Utility First Aid: Open Disk Utility and run First Aid on your system volume to fix file system issues that can affect hardware access.
Reset NVRAM and SMC on Intel Macs: If you have an Intel Mac, follow Apple steps to reset NVRAM and SMC. For Apple Silicon Macs, simply shut down and restart, since SMC reset is not applicable.
Reinstall or update macOS as last resort: If the camera fails at the system level and all other steps fail, reinstalling macOS without erasing data can fix corrupted system components.

App-specific tips for Zoom and Teams

Zoom: Open Settings – Video to choose the camera and test video. If you see green or freezing after an app update, uninstall Zoom, delete cached settings, and reinstall the official client from Zoom.com.
Microsoft Teams: In Teams go to Settings – Devices to verify the camera. If Teams works in browser but not desktop app, uninstall Teams and clear the Teams cache folder before reinstalling.
Web client test: If the camera works in browser but not the app, the issue is likely the app or driver. Use the web client until the app update resolves the issue.

When to replace hardware

If the camera fails in all apps and on other machines, the hardware may be failing. For external webcams, test on another computer. For built-in cameras, contact the device manufacturer or visit a service provider.

Preventive steps

Keep apps and OS updated to avoid compatibility problems introduced by older drivers.
Run monthly maintenance: On macOS run Disk Utility First Aid periodically. On Windows, keep drivers current and run Windows Update.
Limit virtual camera drivers: Only install trusted camera utilities and uninstall unused ones to reduce conflicts.

Summary

Most camera issues in Zoom or Teams are fixable by checking app permissions, selecting the correct camera, updating or reinstalling drivers, and removing conflicting utilities. Use the web client as a fast workaround, and only reinstall the operating system if all other fixes fail. Following the ordered steps in this guide will resolve the majority of camera problems on Windows and macOS.

Camera Not Working in Zoom or Teams? Quick Fixes for Windows and macOS