HELP - Camera won't work on Lenovo Laptop

[NeilWNYC]

Have tried everything - camera will not connect - gray screen with camera and line through it - can anybody help . . . ?

[Frank_TB]

Hello,

Try this. Find the button on your keyboard that shows a camera with a strike through it, usually the F8 key. Tap this button and you should be able to use your camera again. Scroll down until you see Camera Privacy Mode and make sure it is Off. 

Regards

If my reply helped, don't forget to click the accept as solution button!

[NatalieDL]

THANK YOU Frank_TB! I have battled this same issue for the last 3 days, only to find your solution here. I feel so foolish now, knowing it was something so simple. Yet I never used that F-key... Thanks again! 

[Frank_TB]

Happy to help!

Regards

If my reply helped, don't forget to click the accept as solution button!

[willjoe2442]

My Lenovo camera isn't working
Open the Lenovo Vantage application on your computer (you might have to install it)
Select Hardware settings.
Select Audio/Visual.
Scroll down until you see Camera Privacy Mode and make sure it is Off.
You should be able to use the camera now

Regards,

Diana

[sunnyjack]

If you're facing issues with your Lenovo laptop's camera. Camera problems can be caused by various factors, but we can go through some troubleshooting steps to try and resolve the issue. Here are some common solutions you can try:

1. Check camera privacy settings: Many laptops have built-in privacy settings that allow you to disable the camera. Ensure that the camera is enabled in your privacy settings. To do this:

   • For Windows: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Camera" and make sure the "Allow apps to access your camera" option is turned on.
   • For macOS: Go to "System Preferences" > "Security & Privacy" > "Privacy" > "Camera" and make sure the camera access is allowed.

2. Update drivers: Outdated camera drivers can cause issues. Visit Lenovo's official website, enter your laptop's model number, and download the latest camera drivers for your operating system. Install the drivers and restart your laptop.

3. Check camera app permissions: If you're using a specific camera app (e.g., Skype, Zoom, or other video conferencing software), make sure the app has permission to access the camera. You can usually manage app permissions in the settings of your operating system.

4. Check antivirus/firewall settings: Sometimes, security software can interfere with the camera's functionality. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if it resolves the problem.

5. Check for conflicting applications: Some applications may use the camera in the background, preventing other apps from accessing it. Close all unnecessary applications and try running the camera again.

6. Restart the laptop: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches that may be causing the camera issue.

7. Run Windows/Mac built-in troubleshooter: Both Windows and macOS have built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and resolve common hardware and software issues. Use these tools to check if they can detect and fix the problem.

8. Check physical hardware: If the camera still doesn't work, there might be a hardware issue. Check if the camera lens is blocked or covered. Additionally, try connecting an external USB camera to see if it works; this will help determine if the problem is with the built-in camera or something else.

9. Update your operating system: Make sure your laptop is running the latest operating system updates, as they often include bug fixes and improvements that could address the camera issue.

If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that there's a more significant hardware issue with your laptop's camera. In that case, I recommend reaching out to Lenovo's customer support or taking your laptop to an authorized service center for further diagnosis and repair.

[ssamsmit]

I am having the same issue and have tried everything and it still won't work. When I go to my settings to try and fix my privacy camera settings,  all it says is that Zoom has been requesting access to the camera but can't ever get through. Other applications work just fine like Google Meets. Does anybody know what else it could be been struggling with this for a week now. 

[MGSR]

Welcome to the Zoom Community, @ssamsmit! You would need to turn off the Camera Privacy Mode settings for it to work.

[lmchase]

How do I turn off the Camera Privacy mode?  I have tried all of the directions out there and cannot find this specific setting and Zoom is in my allowed apps to access my camera.  My camera works on every other app but Zoom.

[MGSR]

You can check out this article on how to change the Camera Privacy Mode on different Windows OS. If you are using Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, then make sure the toggle next to "Camera access" is set to off.

[lmchase]

I have the same issue.  Everything suggested above is not applicable or doesn't work.  What else could be the isssue?   

[wk11]

All;

Problem Solved:  I tried all of the suggestions: Zoom Uninstall/Reinstall (using Zoom Clean), changing Zoom Advanced Video settings as described, Restarting Windows, upgrading windows and zoom to latest versions, ensuring no other application was accessing camera, etc etc. None of these worked effectively (although sometimes I got zoom to work 1 time and next time the camera failed).

Solution: I rolled back my Internal Camera driver back 1 version.  The problem driver was from 7-2024 (I think) and the rolled back driver was from 2023.  Zoom now works consistently with the internal camera!

[AJLew]

How did you roll  back the driver to the 2023 driver? 

[masiip]

I had camera problem with Lenovo L13 with Windows 11. Change the setting of Video->Advanced->Video capturing method to "Media Foundation" solved the problem. Not sure why "Direct Show" not working.