Can't record? Start with your symptom
Black screen / no camera picture
- Another app may be using the camera—close Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, and other tabs or apps that use the camera.
- In the address bar, open site settings and set Camera to Allow for this site, then reload.
- On iPhone/iPad, prefer Safari; check Camera in Settings → Safari or the “AA” menu for this website.
- If several cameras are listed, pick the correct one in the prompt or OS sound/video settings.
- Firefox: black video often improves if you turn off hardware acceleration or update Firefox (see Browser settings).
- If you see an error name in the developer console, use the quick links under Common error messages.
No microphone / sound not detected
- Allow Microphone for this site—it is often separate from Camera: lock icon → Site settings → Microphone → Allow.
- Check OS input level, mute, and that the correct mic or headset input is selected.
- Close other apps that might keep the microphone exclusive.
- On Android, also check Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions → Microphone.
- If no microphone is found, see NotFoundError under Common error messages.
Permission denied or blocked
- Click or tap the page once, then allow when prompted—many browsers need a user gesture before showing the prompt.
- Reset Camera and Microphone for this site to Allow, then refresh.
- macOS/iOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera / Microphone—enable your browser.
- Work or school PCs may block camera/mic by policy—contact IT if controls are greyed out.
- This usually matches NotAllowedError—see Common error messages.
Before you start
- Use a stable HTTPS page (localhost is allowed for testing).
- On desktop, prefer the latest Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Close other apps that may use the camera or mic (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, etc.).
- Refresh the page and try again; restart the browser or device if it still fails.
Browser settings
Chrome / Edge: click the lock or tune icon in the address bar → Site settings → Camera / Microphone → Allow for this site. Reload the page.
Safari (macOS / iOS): permissions often appear after a click. iOS may limit third‑party browsers—try Safari. Settings → Safari → Camera / Microphone, or use the “AA” menu → Website Settings for the site.
Firefox: address bar permissions icon → remove blocking for camera/mic. If video is black, try disabling hardware acceleration in Settings or update Firefox.
On phones and tablets, install the latest Chrome or your system browser. Grant permissions when prompted; on Android also check system App permissions for Chrome.
Operating system
Windows: Windows 10/11: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera / Microphone → allow access and enable “Let desktop apps access…”. Corporate PCs may block this via Group Policy—contact IT.
macOS: macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera / Microphone → enable your browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari).
iOS / iPadOS: iPhone / iPad: Settings → Safari → Camera / Microphone. For a specific site, use Safari’s “AA” → Website Settings. Check Screen Time / Content & Privacy Restrictions if permissions never appear.
Android: Android: Chrome → ⋮ → Settings → Site settings → Camera / Microphone. Also check Android Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions.
Linux: Linux: ensure your user can access video/audio devices; PipeWire/PulseAudio should be running. On Wayland, screen/capture permissions may differ by distro—use an up-to-date browser.
Common error messages
NotAllowedError
NotAllowedError: permission denied or blocked by policy. Reset site permissions, unlock OS privacy settings, and try again after a user gesture (tap/click).
NotFoundError
NotFoundError: no camera/microphone found. Check that hardware is connected, drivers are installed, and the correct device is selected.
NotReadableError
NotReadableError: device is busy or unavailable. Close other apps using the device and unplug/replug USB devices if needed.
AbortError
AbortError: request timed out or was cancelled. Reload the page, reduce system load, and try a shorter permission flow.
OverconstrainedError
OverconstrainedError: the browser cannot satisfy the requested device constraints. Try another browser or device.
Still not working?
- Try a private/incognito window (extensions may block media).
- Temporarily disable VPN or switch networks.
- Update the browser and operating system.
- Use another device if possible.
If the problem continues, contact the person or company that sent your invitation—they can check organization settings or provide an alternative link.