StreamLive Pro

My camera does not work in the browser

Camera not working in Chrome, Edge or Safari? Usually the site or the computer blocks it, or another app holds it. Where to allow it, from each vendor's help.

Updated · 3 min read

When the browser studio shows no camera, the most likely cause is a permission: the browser was told to block the camera for this site, or the computer's privacy settings block the camera for the whole browser. The second most likely cause is another app holding the camera, such as Zoom, Teams or another tab. StreamLive Pro tells you which of these it is when you press Go live, with the steps for your browser: The 10-second camera check before you go live explains that check. This page has the same fixes in one place, with links to each vendor's own help.

Symptom, cause, fix

SymptomLikely causeFix
The browser never asks, the picture is blackThe camera is blocked for streamlivepro.ioAllow it in the browser's site settings (below), then reload
You allowed it in the browser, still blackThe computer blocks the camera for the browserWindows or macOS privacy settings (below)
"Another app is using the camera"Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, the Camera app or another tab holds itClose that app or tab, then press Try again
"We could not find a camera"Not connected, cover closed, or not detectedCheck the cable or the laptop camera cover, then Try again
You opened the link inside Facebook, Instagram or TikTokTheir in-app browser often has no working cameraOpen the site in Safari or Chrome; the studio offers Copy the link
A work or school computer, the setting is greyed outAn administrator controls the camera settingsAsk the administrator, or use another computer

Steps

  1. Read the message. Press Go live in the browser studio. If there is no picture, the broadcast does not start, and the message says whether the camera is blocked, busy or not found, with steps for your browser and Check again.
  2. Allow the camera in Chrome. In Chrome: More, then Settings, then Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Camera. Under "Not allowed to use your camera", select streamlivepro.io and change it to Allow (Chrome Help: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome). Reload the page.
  3. Allow the camera in Edge. In Edge: Settings and more, then Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then All sites. Select streamlivepro.io and set Camera to Allow (Microsoft Support: Windows camera, microphone, and privacy). Reload the page.
  4. Allow the camera in Safari on a Mac. In Safari: Safari menu, then Settings, then Websites, then Camera. Next to streamlivepro.io choose Allow (Apple Support: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac). Do the same under Microphone, then reload.
  5. Check Windows privacy. Start, then Settings, then Privacy and security, then Camera. Turn on "Camera access" and "Let desktop apps access your camera": browsers are desktop apps (Microsoft Support: Windows camera, microphone, and privacy).
  6. Check macOS privacy. Apple menu, then System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Camera. Turn on your browser in the list (Apple Support: Control access to the camera on Mac). If the browser asks to quit and reopen, do it.
  7. Free the camera. Close Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, the Camera app and any other tab that uses the camera. If it is still busy, unplug the camera and plug it back in, or restart the browser.
  8. Press Check again. Once the picture appears, the broadcast can start.

On a phone

On iPhone in Safari, tap "aA" in the address bar, then Website Settings, and allow Camera and Microphone. On Android in Chrome, tap the icon left of the address, then Permissions, and allow both. The studio shows the exact steps for the phone you use. Going live from a phone: Go live from your phone.

No camera at all

You can use a phone as the camera: in the studio choose "Add smartphone camera" and open the link or QR on the phone. See Use your phone as an extra camera.

When to contact support

If the camera works in other sites in the same browser, is allowed in the site settings and in the system settings, and the studio still shows no picture, write to [email protected]. Send your browser and its version, the computer and system, the camera model, and the exact message the studio showed (a screenshot is best).

Frequently asked questions

I clicked Block by mistake. How do I undo it?

Open the browser's site settings for streamlivepro.io and change Camera from Block to Allow, then reload the page. The steps for Chrome, Edge and Safari are above.

The camera works in Zoom but not in the browser. Why?

On a computer the system can allow the camera for one app and not for the browser. Check the camera privacy settings of Windows or macOS and turn the browser on.

Can the studio use the camera while Zoom is open?

Usually not. Many cameras can be used by one app at a time. Close Zoom or the other app, then press Try again.

Why does the camera not work when I open the link from Instagram?

Links opened inside Facebook, Instagram or TikTok run in their own small browser, where the camera often does not work. Open the site in Safari or Chrome.

Does this affect OBS or vMix?

No. With an encoder the picture comes from your own software, and the browser camera is not used.

Keep reading

Which browsers and devices work with StreamLive Pro

Which browser to use for StreamLive Pro: Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox on a computer, Safari or Chrome on a phone or iPad, and why in-app browsers fail.

My phone camera dropped in the middle of a live

Phone camera froze or says Reconnecting during a live? The studio keeps its place for 5 minutes by default while the phone tries again. What viewers see and what to do.

My phone does not connect as a camera

Phone camera not showing in the studio? Usually the link opened inside another app, the camera was refused, or the phone is waiting in Preview. Checks in order.

Where is my live stream recording?

Where is my live stream recording? Check Past streams and Storage, keep the video within about two hours, and learn why some broadcasts have none.

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