Use your camera and microphone in Chrome

You can use your camera and microphone for sites and features, like video chatting, in Chrome.

Important: If you're using Chrome at work or school, your network administrator can set camera and microphone settings. You may not be able to modify the camera and microphone settings. Learn about managed Chrome browser.

Allow camera and microphone access

On your computer, open Chrome.
Go to a site that wants to use your microphone and camera.
When prompted, choose Allow while visiting the site, Allow this time, or Never allow.
- Allowed sites: Sites can start to record when you're on the site. If you're using a different Chrome tab or a different app, a site can't start recording.
- Not allowed sites: Some sites won't work if you don't allow them. For example, you won't be able to join a video call.

Change a site's camera and microphone access

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, select More Settings.
Select Privacy and security Site settings.
Under "Permissions," select Camera or Microphone.
Select the option you want as your default setting. You can also:
- Review sites that are allowed or not allowed.
- Remove an existing exception or permission: On the right of the site, select Delete .
- Allow a site that is currently not allowed: Under "Not allowed to use your camera or microphone," select the site's name and change the camera or microphone permission to "Allow."

Turn on permissions in computer settings

Chrome may ask permission to use your camera or microphone. To use your camera or microphone in Chrome:

In the dialog box, select Open settings.
- The setting name may vary by device.
To allow camera or microphone permissions, turn on Camera or Microphone.
To save your changes, your computer may ask if you want to quit.
- Follow the prompt to quit.
- Or restart Chrome.

Select a default microphone

You can select a default microphone to use on different sites.

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, select More Settings.
Select Privacy and security Site settings.
Under "Permissions," select Microphone.
To select a default microphone, select the Down arrow .

Tip: If you use Chrome for work or school, only your network administrator can set or change the camera and microphone settings for you. Learn about managed Chrome browser.

Switch between cameras

You can select a default camera or switch between cameras.

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, select More Settings.
Select Privacy and security Site settings.
Under "Permissions," select Camera.
To select a default camera or to switch to a different camera, select Down arrow .

Tip: If you use Chrome for work or school, only your network administrator can set or change the camera and microphone settings for you. Learn about managed Chrome browser.

Troubleshoot issues with your camera and microphone

Fix problems with your microphone

If your microphone isn’t working, try these steps:

Step 1: Make sure you aren't muted

If you’re using a headset, make sure the mute switch on the cord is off. Also, make sure you aren't muted on the website (like Google Meet or Skype).

Step 2: Check your site permissions in Chrome

Make sure you allow microphone access on the site you want to use. To use your microphone, you can allow all sites or just the specific site you’re on. Learn more about site permissions.

Step 3: Check your system settings

Make sure your microphone is the default recording device, and that recording levels are correct:

Windows
Mac

Step 4: Restart your call and computer

Exit the video call.
Rejoin the video call.
Restart Chrome.
Restart your computer.

Step 5: Contact your manufacturer

If you’re still having problems, contact your microphone’s manufacturer for further troubleshooting or compatibility issues.

Tip: Learn how to troubleshoot video & audio quality in a meeting.

Fix problems with your camera

Step 1: Check your site permissions in Chrome

Make sure you allow camera access on the site you want to use. To use your camera, you can allow all sites or just the specific site you’re on. Learn more about site permissions.

Step 2: Check your system settings

Make sure to select the camera you want to use and that levels are correct:

Windows
Mac

Step 3: Restart your call and computer

Exit the video call.
Rejoin the video call.
Restart Chrome.
Restart your computer.

Step 4: Contact your manufacturer

If you’re still having problems, contact your camera’s manufacturer for further troubleshooting or compatibility issues.

Tip: Learn how to troubleshoot camera issues in a meeting.

Related resources

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