My camera is on but only shows a black screen with a camera drawing

Hi Robin, 

Thanks for reaching out. 

What that screen means

Zoom detects a camera, but cannot get video data from it.
So the camera is “on,” but the feed is blocked or unavailable.

Most common causes (and fixes)

1. Another app is using the camera (MOST common)

Zoom can’t share the camera with:

• Teams

• Webex

• Google Meet (browser tab)

• Camera app

• OBS / Snap Camera

Fix

1. Fully close all apps that might use the camera
   (don’t just minimize)

2. Restart Zoom

3. Rejoin the meeting

💡 On Windows, check the system tray.
💡 On Mac, also close browser tabs that use the camera.

2. Wrong camera selected in Zoom

Zoom might be pointed at a disabled or virtual camera.

Fix

1. Click ^ next to Start Video

2. Under Select a Camera, choose:

   • Built-in camera

   • Or your actual external webcam (Logitech, Dell, etc.)

3. Avoid anything labeled:

   • Virtual

   • OBS

   • Snap

   • ManyCam

3. Camera permissions are blocked (VERY common on Mac)

If permissions were revoked, Zoom shows exactly this behavior.

On Mac

1. System Settings → Privacy & Security

2. Click Camera

3. Make sure Zoom is enabled

4. Quit Zoom completely and reopen

On Windows

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera

2. Turn ON:

   • Camera access

   • Let desktop apps access the camera

3. Make sure Zoom is listed and allowed

4. Camera driver or OS glitch

   Quick test:

5. Open the Camera app (Windows) or Photo Booth (Mac)

6. If the camera:

7. ❌ Shows black → driver/hardware issue

8. ✅ Works → Zoom-specific issue

9. Fixes

10. Restart your computer

11. Update Zoom

12. Update camera drivers (Windows)

I hope this helps!

Sometimes the camera shows only a black screen if the app doesn’t have proper permissions. Checking app permissions in settings usually fixes this issue.

Still it is not working after checking everything