External webcams can help you video chat with friends and family, record videos, and more.

When a webcam stops working, it's frustrating trying to figure out what's wrong.

Before you decide to time for a new webcam, do a little troubleshooting to get it back up and running.

Webcams are wonderful tools, and it's frustrating when they stop working.

Read this article in its entirety. Here we have shared 5 solutions for you as well as some tips for webcam test which will help in solving the problem happening with your webcam.

Here are 5 troubleshooting tips for external webcams:

Unplug the webcam

Like many electronics, unplugging and replugging a device may be just what it needs to get it working again.

If you're having trouble watching your device on your machine, this may be a quick fix that requires you to go back to streaming and conferencing again.

If you still don't see your device when you reconnect, try using a different USB drive.

This forces your operating system to revisit the device and recognize the drivers.

Check Your Software

Most external webcams are activated through drivers or software on your computer. If your machine sees your webcam, but your webcam isn't activating, you may have a software problem.

The easiest way to solve the problem is to uninstall and reinstall the software or drivers to get the most updated version.

This process will also remove any bugs in the software.

If this doesn't solve the problem, you can download new software and drivers from the manufacturer's website.

Move Your Device

If the problem with your webcam persists, the next step is to move your device to another computer.

Plug it into a new machine and follow the proper installation instructions. This procedure will let you know if the problem is with the device or your machine.

If the problem still occurs on a new computer, then you know that there is a problem with the external webcam and may need to be replaced.

Reinstall the External Webcam

If your webcam has recently stopped working or you are experiencing additional problems on the computer, the problem may be related to your operating system.

If you are running a Windows machine, run the Windows Repair procedure to remove any corrupt files.

For Apple computers, repair your operating system by shutting down your computer and pressing the +R command while rebooting.

Change webcam

Unfortunately, electronics don't last forever, and if the above tips don't result in a working webcam, it's time to find a replacement.

Visit your local electronics store to find the best solution for your needs.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I access external webcam settings?

You will need to open the camera or Webcam app, go with your mouse to the lower right corner of the screen and click on Settings.

After you are in the Settings menu we need to click on Options. From the Options menu you have in front of the screen you can adjust the settings of the webcam according to your needs.

2. Why is my computer not detecting my camera?

Turn off the camera and turn it on again. Reconnect the USB cable to the camera, and then to the computer.

Connect the camera to a USB port on the computer that has already recognized a mouse or other device.

Try connecting the camera to all the USB ports on the computer, and check if the port recognizes the camera.

3. How do I connect a webcam to a laptop via USB?

Connect the webcam to your laptop.

Install the webcam's software (if necessary).

Wait for the setup page to open for your webcam.

Follow any instructions on the screen.

Press the Install button, then select your preferences and settings for the webcam.

4. How do I connect my camera to my computer for live streaming?

Steps to setup live streaming

Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the camcorder HDMI output and the other end of the cable to the HDMI input of the video capture device.

Connect the video capture device to the computer using the USB cable.

Turn on the camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position.

5. How can I connect my phone camera to my laptop for live streaming?

Android

Connect your computer and the phone to the same Wi-Fi network.

Install the IP Webcam app on your smartphone.

Close all other camera apps.

Launch the IP Webcam app.

The app will now fire up your phone's camera and display a URL.

Enter this URL in any browser on your computer and hit Enter.

6. How do I open my webcam settings?

To open up your webcam or camera, select the Start button, and then select Camera in the list of apps.

If you want to use the camera within other apps, select the Start button, select Settings > Privacy > Camera, and then turn on Let apps use my camera.

7. Why is my built-in camera not working?

The main cause is usually incompatible, outdated, or corrupt driver software. It could also be that the webcam is disabled in Device Manager, the Settings app, or BIOS, or UEFI.

In Windows 10, the “webcam not working” issue can be fixed using the system option that manages webcam usage for your apps.

8. Why is my camera black on my laptop?

An outdated or corrupted software driver will cause a webcam black screen on Windows 10. Updating your Windows and drivers will quickly solve the laptop camera showing a black screen.

You should also check if your USB port is working and plug your webcam into another one.

Guide to Troubleshooting Webcam External