Google Meet is a popular video conferencing app. You can use it via the browser or the dedicated mobile app. However, some users have reported the Google Meet camera failed error when using the service.
In this article, we discuss how to troubleshoot Google Meet that won't work on Chrome, Edge, and other browsers.
Causes of Google Meet Camera Failed Error
If you are experiencing the Google Meet camera failed error on a Windows computer, here are a few common reasons that can trigger this error:
- Insufficient permission to access the camera or the audio device,
- Temporary browser glitch conflicting with the service.
- Missing or outdated webcam drivers and other glitches.
- Your webcam is in use by other apps.
- Incorrectly configured video settings, such as the default camera in Google Meet.
Fortunately, you can resolve this error by tweaking a few settings in a web browser, Google Meet app, and the system.
1. Check Google Meet Camera Permission
When you join a meeting, Google Meet will request permission to access your camera. If you block or reject the access request, Google Meet will display a black screen.
To fix it, give Google Meet permission to access your camera. Here’s how to do it on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
Give Camera Permission From the Meeting Page
When you block Google Meet access to your camera, you will see a camera icon with a red cross, indicating access to communication devices is denied.
To fix this, click on the Camera or Microphone icon and select Always allow Google Meet to access your camera. Click Done. Next, click the Video/Camera icon on the Google Meet screen to turn on the camera.
Give Camera Permission From Site Settings
If you still see the black screen, try giving the camera access from site settings. Here's how to do it in your favorite browser.
On Edge Chromium:
- Click the Settings and More icon (three dots) and open Settings.
- In the Settings page, open the Cookies and site permission tab from the left pane.
- On the right pane, scroll down to All Permissions.
- Click on Camera. Here you should see the camera access for Google Meet URL is blocked.
- Click on Delete (Trash icon).
- Open Google Meet again. When the prompt to access the camera appears, click Allow.
On Google Chrome:
- Click on the three dots and select Settings.
- Open the Privacy and Security tab from the left pane.
- Open Site Settings.
- Scroll down and click on Camera.
- Next, click on Google Meet URL, click on the drop-down button for Camera, and select Allow.
Now, Google Meet should have access to your camera on Chrome.
On Firefox:
Firefox shows permission status on the left side of the address bar. Click on the Camera icon and select Allow audio and video to give Google Meet permission to access your camera.
2. Check if Another App Is Using Your Camera
Google Meet cannot use your camera or show video feed if others apps in the background are accessing your webcam. Check if any other video conferencing app such as Skype or TeamViewer is using your camera.
On your laptop, check if your camera indicator light is on. If yes, look for and close any app using your camera in the background. Once done, join the meeting on Google Meet and click the camera icon to enable your webcam.
Still can't get your camera working? Try changing your camera settings in Windows 10.
3. Restart Browser and Check for Updates
This may be the most obvious solution, but also the most ignored one. At times, temporary glitches can conflict with browser functionalities. To fix this, close all the tabs manually and then relaunch the browser.
Additionally, check for pending browser updates. Updates usually come with bug fixes and performance improvements.
To update your browser:
- Chrome: Go to Help > About Google Chrome. Download and install pending updates.
- Microsoft Edge: Go to Help & Feedback > About Microsoft Edge. Check for and install pending updates.
- Firefox: Go to Application Menu > Help > About Firefox. If an update is available, download and install it.
4. Set Default Google Meet Camera
Google Meet by default uses your system’s integrated camera app. If you use a third-party camera app such as Snap Camera or use your phone as a webcam with DroidCam, or iVCam you will have to configure Google Meet accordingly.
To change the default camera:
- Open Google Meet on your browser.
- Click the Gear icon (top-right corner) to open the settings.
- Open the Video tab.
- Click on the default camera and choose your preferred camera option.
Now you have changed the default Google Meet camera. Join a meeting and check for any improvements.
5. Update Webcam Drivers
Outdated webcam drivers can cause your camera to malfunction or not work correctly. Installing the latest drivers for your webcam can help you resolve this problem.
To update webcam drivers:
- Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
- Type dvmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
- Expand the Cameras category. Check if there is a yellow exclamation mark on your webcam.
- Right-click on your webcam device driver and choose Update drivers.
- Select Search automatically for drivers option. Wait for Windows to scan and install available drivers.
After the drive is installed, restart your PC to apply changes. Open Google Meet and check if the camera failed error is resolved.
6. Disable MediaFoundation Video Capture in Chrome
Chrome flags are experimental features available for tinkers and developers. MediaFoundation Video Capture is a Chrome flag and a multimedia framework developed by Microsoft.
Reportedly, on browsers with the MediaFoundation flag enabled, the Google Meet camera is not working. Check your browser and disabled it to resolve the problem.
To disable MediaFoundation Video Capture:
- Copy/paste the following in the address bar of Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium) browser and hit enter.
edge://flags/#enable-media-foundation-video-capturechrome://flags/#enable-media-foundation-video-capture - In the drop-down for MediaFoundation Video Capture, select Disabled.
- Restart your browser and check for any improvements.
7. Check Your Antivirus for Blocking Access
Some antivirus with web protection features can automatically block access to the camera from unauthorized or third-party sources. Check your antivirus program for web protection.
For example - On Kaspersky antivirus, go to Settings > Protection > Web Protection. Click on Block Access to webcam for all applications and uncheck the option. A pop-up window with a list of blocked apps will appear. Remove your browser from the list.
Also, temporarily disabling your antivirus can help you determine if the issue is due to your security program.
Additionally, as a workaround, try accessing Google Meet from a different browser. Browser-related issues may require a fix from the developer, which may take some time.
Google Meet Camera Failed Error Fixed
Your camera or audio not working on Google Meet meetings can be annoying. Fortunately, in most cases, giving Google Meet access to your camera will fix the problem.
That said, if the problem persists, Google Meet has some excellent alternatives, Zoom being one of them. So, you're no longer confined to limited web conferencing options providing unreliable services.