How To Fix Google Hangouts Not Detecting Camera

Google Hangouts is a communications software developed by Google which allows anyone with an account to place video calls, voice calls, or send and receive text messages. It is best accessed using the Chrome browser on Windows 10 or by using the dedicated app on mobile devices. Although this is a solid performing platform there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Google Hangouts not detecting camera issue.

Google Hangouts camera not working

One issue that you might experience when using Hangouts is when it fails to detect your computer camera. Here’s what you need to do to fix this problem.

Pre-requisites:

  • Restart your computer
  • Make sure that you are using the latest version of Google Chrome.

Method 1: Check the browser camera permissions

The first thing you will want to do in this case is to make sure that Hangouts is given permission to use the camera. This is what you need to do if you are using the Chrome browser.

Time needed: 3 minutes.

Chrome camera permission

  1. Open the Google Chrome browser.

    You can do this by clicking on its icon from the Start menu list of applications.Google Hangouts Not Detecting Camera

  2. Click on More.

    This is the three vertical dots on the upper right side of the browser.click on More

  3. Click on Settings.

    This will open the Settings window.Google Chrome settings

  4. Click on Privacy and security.

    This can be found at the left pane.Google Chrome Privacy and security

  5. Click on Site Settings.

    This can be found at the right pane.Google Hangouts camera not working

  6. Click on Camera.

    This can be found on the right pane.Chrome camera permission

  7. Click on the forward arrow located after Google Hangouts.

    This will open the permission settings.Chrome Hangouts camera setting

  8. Make sure that Allow is chosen on the Camera drop down box.

    This gives Hangouts permission to use the camera.Chrome allow camera

Method 2: Make sure Windows 10 can detect the camera

The next thing you will need to do is to make sure that your computer can detect the camera. If you can’t, then you won’t be able to use it with Hangouts.

  • Click on the Start button. 
  • Click on Camera.
  • Click on the Take Video button and record a few seconds of video. You can tell if it is working if you are able to playback the video.

In case you can’t record a video or if the camera is not detected then try disconnecting the webcam from its USB port then connect it to a different USB port. You should also try to restart the computer then repeat the steps listed above. If the problem persists then try using a different webcam.

After performing the steps listed above you will successfully fix Google Hangouts not detecting camera problem.

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