There are two locks: the browser's permission for each website, and the system's permission for the browser itself. Both must be open. Browsers also only offer the camera and microphone to secure pages, the ones that start with https.
Chrome on a computer
- Quick way: click the icon left of the address (View site information) and turn on Camera or Microphone. Reload the page.
- Full list: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera (or Microphone). Pick the right device at the top, then remove the site from Not allowed to use your camera.
- To start over, open View site information and click Reset permissions. The site will ask again next time.
Microsoft Edge
- Click the lock icon left of the address, choose Permissions for this site and set Camera or Microphone to Allow.
- Full list: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Camera (or Microphone), then remove the site from Block.
- The same site information panel has Reset permissions.
Firefox
- A crossed-out camera or microphone icon in the address bar means the site is blocked. Click it and clear the blocked permission, then reload.
- Full list: Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Camera (or Microphone) > Settings…. Select the site and click Remove Website, or change it to Allow.
Safari on a Mac
- With the site open, choose Safari > Settings for This Website and set Camera and Microphone to Allow or Ask.
- Full list: Safari > Settings > Websites, then Camera or Microphone in the sidebar.
The system permission on Windows and Mac
- Windows 11: Settings > Privacy & security > Camera (and Microphone). Turn on access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera. Browsers count as desktop apps.
- Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera (and Microphone). Turn on your browser, then quit and reopen it.
Android
- In Chrome, tap the icon left of the address, then Permissions, and turn on Camera or Microphone. Or go to Chrome > Settings > Site settings > Camera (or Microphone).
- Check the app permission too: Settings > Apps > Chrome > Permissions, and allow Camera and Microphone.
- On Android 12 and later, Quick Settings has Camera access and Microphone access tiles that block every app. Swipe down and make sure both are on.
- A green dot in the corner of the screen means an app is using the camera or microphone right now.
iPhone and iPad
- Safari: Settings > Apps > Safari > Camera (or Microphone), set to Ask or Allow. On iOS 17 and earlier, Safari is listed directly in Settings.
- For one site, open its page settings from the address bar and look for Camera and Microphone under Website Settings.
- Chrome, Edge and Firefox on iPhone: Settings > Apps > the browser, and turn on Camera and Microphone. If they are missing, the browser has not asked yet.
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and Microphone show every app that asked for access.
Changed a setting but nothing happened? Reload the page. On a Mac, quit and reopen the browser after changing the system permission.
Still blocked?
- Another app may be using the camera. Close video call apps and other tabs with a call.
- Work or school computers can block the camera through company policy. Ask your IT team.
- Some antivirus software has its own webcam protection that blocks browsers.
- Private or incognito windows can forget your choice when you close them, so the site asks again.
Check that it worked
Open the Hardcheck mic test or webcam test and press Start. The browser asks for permission; choose Allow. If permission is still blocked, the test says so and points to the address bar icon. Once it works, your device list fills in and you see the level or the picture, which confirms both the browser and the system permission are open.
Questions
How do I unblock the camera for a website?
Click the icon left of the address, set Camera to Allow and reload. In Chrome and Edge, Reset permissions in the same panel makes the site ask again.
Why doesn't the browser ask for permission anymore?
You blocked it once and the browser remembers. Change it in the site's permissions or in the browser's camera and microphone settings.
I allowed the camera, but the site still can't see it. Why?
The system may block the browser. Check camera privacy in Windows or Mac settings, and close any other app using the camera.
Is it safe to allow a website to use my camera?
Allow it only for sites you trust. You can remove the permission at any time in the same settings, and browsers show an icon while the camera is on.