Your Chromebook camera is built in and ready to use

Your Chromebook has a camera already installed — usually at the top center of the screen, above the display. You do not need to buy anything or install drivers. To use it, you open an app that needs camera access, and the camera turns on. The most common way is through Google Meet for video calls, but you can also use it for photos, video recording, or any other app that requests camera permission.

The camera stays off until an app asks for it. When an app wants to use the camera, your Chromebook will ask you to allow it. You can say yes or no each time, and you can change your mind later in settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromebook camera is built into the top of the screen and turns on only when an app requests permission.
  • Google Meet, Google Duo, and the built-in Camera app are the most straightforward ways to test your camera.
  • You can allow or block camera access for each app individually, and change these settings anytime in your Chromebook settings.
  • If your camera does not work, check that the app has permission, restart your Chromebook, and verify the camera is not physically blocked.

Open the built-in Camera app to test your camera

The fastest way to see if your camera works is to use the Camera app that comes with every Chromebook. Press the Search key (the magnifying glass key on your keyboard) and type "Camera". Click the Camera app when it appears in the results.

The Camera app will open and ask for permission to use your camera. Click "Allow" when the permission prompt appears. You should see your face or whatever is in front of the screen. You can take a photo by pressing the spacebar or clicking the camera button on screen. Photos save automatically to your Downloads folder.

If you see a black screen or an error message instead, your camera may be blocked or disabled. Move to the troubleshooting section below.

Use your camera in Google Meet for video calls

Google Meet is built into your Chromebook and is the most common way people use their camera. Go to meet.google.com in your browser, or open the Google Meet app if you have it installed. Click "Create a meeting" or join an existing meeting using a code someone sent you.

When you join or start a meeting, Google Meet will ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. Click "Allow" on both prompts. You will see your own video in a small box on screen, and you can see other people in the meeting as well. Your camera will stay on until you click the camera icon to turn it off, or until you leave the meeting.

If the camera permission prompt does not appear, or if you see a black video box, check the next section on fixing camera problems.

Grant or block camera permission for any app

Your Chromebook lets you control which apps can use your camera. Some apps will ask for permission the first time they need it. If you click "Block" by mistake, or if an app never asked, you can change the setting manually.

Open your Chromebook settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then clicking the gear icon. Click "Privacy and security" on the left side. Scroll down and click "Site settings". Click "Camera" in the list.

You will see two sections: "Allowed" and "Blocked". Any website or app in the "Allowed" section can use your camera without asking again. Any in the "Blocked" section cannot. To move a site from one list to the other, click the three dots next to its name and choose "Allow" or "Block". If you want to clear all permissions and start fresh, click "Clear all" at the top.

Fix a camera that is not working

If your camera is not showing video, or if apps say the camera is not available, try these steps in order.

First, restart your Chromebook. Press and hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears, then click "Power off". Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Many camera problems go away after a restart.

Second, check that the app has permission. Follow the steps in the section above to open Site Settings and Camera. Make sure the app or website you are trying to use is in the "Allowed" section, not "Blocked". If it is blocked, click the three dots next to it and choose "Allow".

Third, check that nothing is blocking the camera physically. Look at the top center of your Chromebook screen. If there is a sticker, tape, or dirt covering the camera lens, remove it gently. Even a small obstruction can make the camera appear broken.

Fourth, check if your Chromebook has a camera privacy switch. Some Chromebook models have a physical switch or shutter next to the camera. If yours does, make sure it is in the "open" position. Consult your Chromebook manual or search online for your specific model number if you are not sure.

If none of these steps work, your camera hardware may be faulty. Contact the manufacturer or your IT department if your Chromebook is provided by a school or workplace.

Record video with your Chromebook camera

The built-in Camera app can record video as well as take photos. Open the Camera app as described above. Look for the video camera icon on screen (it usually looks different from the photo camera icon). Click it to switch to video mode.

Press the spacebar or click the record button to start recording. A timer will appear showing how long you have been recording. Press the spacebar or click the stop button to end the recording. Your video saves to your Downloads folder with a timestamp in the filename.

You can also record video in Google Meet by clicking the three dots during a call and selecting "Record meeting". The recording saves to your Google Drive automatically when the meeting ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Chromebook camera with Zoom or other video apps?

Yes. Zoom, Skype, Discord, and most other video apps work on Chromebook and can use your camera. Go to the app's website or open it from the Google Play Store, sign in, and start a call or meeting. The app will ask for camera permission the first time you use it.

Why does my camera show a mirror image of me?

That is normal. The Camera app and most video call apps show you a mirror image so it feels natural — like looking in a mirror. When other people see your video, it is not flipped. Some apps have a setting to turn off the mirror effect if you prefer.

Is my camera always recording, even when I am not using it?

No. Your camera only turns on when an app requests it and you allow it. You can see when your camera is in use because a light indicator appears next to the camera lens on most Chromebook models. If you want extra peace of mind, you can block camera access for all sites in Settings, then allow it only for apps you trust.

What if I see a message saying "Camera not found" or "No camera detected"?

This usually means your Chromebook does not recognize the camera hardware. Restart your Chromebook first. If the message persists, check that nothing is physically blocking the camera, and make sure you are using the latest Chrome OS version by going to Settings, clicking "About Chrome OS", and letting it update if needed. If it still does not work, the camera hardware may need repair.

Can I use an external USB camera instead of the built-in one?

Yes. Plug a USB camera into your Chromebook, and most apps will detect it automatically. You may need to give the app permission to use the camera. If the app shows multiple camera options, you can choose which one to use in the app's settings.