Camera permission not working after a power outage

After a power interruption, your camera may stop working in a browser even if it worked before. You might see a blank preview, get no permission prompt, or find that a meeting app cannot use the camera.

A sudden shutdown usually does not erase camera permissions by itself. The interruption may have left the camera disconnected, changed which device is selected, or exposed a blocked browser or system setting. Use Test Everything to check camera access outside your meeting app, then follow the result that matches what you see.

Check camera access

1. Open Test Everything on the device with the camera problem. Follow the test steps until you reach the camera check.
2. When the browser asks to use the camera, choose Allow. If there is no prompt, continue with the preview check and use the fixes below to review the saved permission.
3. Look for a live camera preview. If your device has more than one camera, such as a built-in webcam and a USB webcam, select each available camera and check the preview.
4. If the preview works, open the meeting app again and check its camera selection. Choose the same camera that worked in the browser test.

The browser test checks whether a web page can access a camera. It does not change the meeting app's camera setting, so a working test and a failing call can point to a separate permission or device selection in that app.

What the result means

The preview works

The camera and browser can communicate. The power interruption probably did not damage the camera. Check that the meeting app has permission to use the camera and that it has selected the same device. If the app still shows no picture, close and reopen it after checking those settings.

The browser asks for permission

The site does not currently have saved permission to use the camera. Allow access for the test. If you accidentally blocked the prompt, the browser may remember that choice and stop asking. Change the site's camera permission in the browser settings, then reload the page.

The browser shows a blocked or unavailable camera

Access may be blocked at the browser or operating system level, or another app may be holding the camera. Check both permission layers and close video-call, recording, or camera apps before testing again.

No camera appears in the test

The browser cannot find a camera to use. For an external camera, check its cable and reconnect it directly to the computer if possible. For a built-in camera, restart the device and check whether the camera appears in the operating system's camera or privacy settings.

Restore camera access

1. Restart the device. A full restart can reconnect a camera that did not initialize properly after power returned. Save any open work first.
2. Check the camera connection and shutter. Reconnect a USB camera, try another USB port, and open any physical privacy shutter. If a laptop has a camera key or switch, make sure it is not turned off.
3. Allow camera access in the browser. On the test page, use the camera or site information icon beside the address bar and set Camera to Allow. Reload the page. If there is no permission control there, open the browser's site settings and check the saved camera permission for the site.
4. Allow camera access in the operating system. On Windows 11, open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera. On macOS, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera and allow your browser. Close and reopen the browser after changing access.
5. Check the meeting app's permission. On Windows 11, review Settings › Privacy & security › Camera, then check the app's own video settings. On macOS, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera and allow the meeting app. In the app, select the camera you tested in the browser.
6. Check permissions on a phone or tablet. On Android, open Settings › Apps › [browser or meeting app] › Permissions › Camera and allow access. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings › Apps › Safari › Camera for Safari, or Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera for apps, then allow the relevant app. Menu names can vary slightly by device and software version.
7. Try another browser, then update the camera driver if needed. If the camera works in a different browser, the original browser may have a site permission or profile problem. If no browser can see an external camera, install the latest camera driver through your computer manufacturer's support tools or contact the manufacturer.

When the camera may be damaged

A power interruption alone does not prove that the camera is broken. Test an external camera on another computer, or try another known-working camera on the affected computer. If the camera fails on multiple devices after you have checked its cable and permissions, it may need repair or replacement. For a built-in laptop camera that remains unavailable after a restart and system checks, contact the manufacturer or a repair shop, especially if the device is under warranty.

Why permissions and camera detection are separate

Camera access has more than one gate. The browser asks whether the website may use the camera. The operating system can separately block the browser or app. The meeting app can also select the wrong camera. A power outage may prompt you to revisit these settings, but it does not necessarily reset all of them. Testing in a browser first helps you see whether the problem is camera detection, browser access, or the meeting app.

The camera test asks for permission before using the camera, and the live preview stays on your device.