Webcam not working on Android
A webcam that won't turn on, shows a black screen, or "isn't detected" on Android usually comes down to camera permission, another app holding the camera, or a privacy shutter. Try these, then confirm with the live preview.
Step-by-step fix
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Check the camera permission in Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions → Camera and allow your browser/app.
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Close any other app that might be using the camera (Zoom, Teams, Discord) — only one app can hold it at a time.
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Make sure there's no physical privacy shutter or tape over the lens, and that the camera is enabled in Device Manager / system settings.
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Run the CheckMyMic webcam test — you should see a live preview, resolution and FPS.
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Still black? Update the camera driver and restart Android.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my webcam a black screen on Android?
A black preview almost always means another app already holds the camera, or a privacy shutter is closed. Close other video apps and check the lens, then re-run the webcam test. Still black? Recheck the camera permission under Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions → Camera before touching drivers.
How do I know my camera is detected on Android?
Open the CheckMyMic webcam test and press Start camera — if it lists a device and shows a preview, it's detected. "No camera detected" means Android isn't exposing one at all: a driver, connection or Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions problem rather than an app setting.
I've tried everything and the webcam still won't work on Android — what now?
Split the problem: run the CheckMyMic webcam test in a different browser, and — for an external camera — on another computer or USB port. Working elsewhere means Android settings: recheck Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions and the driver. Failing everywhere points at the camera itself. If it only fails in one app, our Zoom, Teams and OBS camera guides cover the app side.
The browser picked the wrong lens on my Android phone — can I switch?
Yes. Once camera permission is granted, the CheckMyMic webcam test shows a device dropdown listing the front and back cameras — pick the one you want. Sites can't enumerate or switch lenses until permission has been granted at least once, which is why the list can start empty.