Fix webcam not working in Discord

Start with the likely cause

In most cases, Discord shows a black or frozen video preview because another application is already using the camera, Discord is allowed to use the camera but the wrong device is selected, or the operating system has blocked camera access for Discord. The fastest fix is to close other camera apps, select the correct camera in Discord, and then retest the preview.

Check whether another app is using the webcam

A webcam normally sends its feed to one application at a time. If a video call, browser meeting, camera app, or screen recorder is open, Discord may be unable to start the camera. Close those apps completely rather than minimizing them, then return to Discord and open the video preview again.

If the camera works after closing another program, the conflict is the likely cause. If the preview is still blank, check the selected camera and permissions next.

Select the correct camera in Discord

Discord can show a blank preview when the wrong video device is selected, such as a virtual camera, capture card, or an older webcam that is not connected. In Discord, open User Settings, go to Voice and Video, and look under Video Settings. Use the Camera menu to choose the webcam you want, then use the Test Video button to confirm the feed.

If the correct camera is not listed, the operating system has not made it available to Discord. In that case, confirm the camera works outside Discord and review system-level access.

Confirm the camera works outside Discord

Open the built-in camera application on your computer. On Windows, use the Camera app. On macOS, use Photo Booth or FaceTime. If the webcam does not work there, the problem is not specific to Discord and is likely related to the camera connection, driver, or operating system permission.

For an external webcam, disconnect it, reconnect it to a different USB port if possible, and avoid USB hubs during the test. For a built-in camera, check whether a physical privacy shutter or keyboard shortcut disables it.

Allow camera access in system settings

If the camera works in the system camera app but not in Discord, check the operating system privacy settings. On Windows, open Settings, go to Privacy and security, then Camera, and make sure camera access is enabled and that desktop apps are allowed to use the camera. On macOS, open System Settings, go to Privacy and Security, then Camera, and confirm Discord is enabled.

After changing a permission, fully quit Discord and reopen it. Discord may need to restart before the new permission takes effect.

Check browser permissions for the web version

If you are using Discord in a browser, the browser itself must have camera permission for the site. Check the address bar for a camera icon or permission prompt. Allow camera access if it was blocked, then reload the page.

A browser may also be using the wrong camera. Use the browser site permissions or media settings to choose the webcam you want, then retest the Discord video preview.

Close conflicting virtual cameras and capture software

Virtual camera output from tools such as OBS, Snap Camera, or conference software can appear as a camera in Discord and may show a black frame or no signal. If such software is running or set as the selected camera, close it or choose the physical webcam in Discord.

This check is especially useful when Discord lists the camera but the preview remains black even though the same camera works in the system camera app.

Retest and know when to stop

After each change, reopen Discord and use Test Video under Voice and Video. If the preview appears, the issue is resolved. If the camera still does not work, avoid repeated low-level changes such as uninstalling drivers or resetting the system unless the camera also fails in the built-in camera app. At that point, contact the camera or computer manufacturer or Discord support with details about whether the camera works outside Discord and which apps were open during the test.