Guide: Fix ‘Google Hangouts Not Detecting Camera on PC’ Issue
Google Hangouts is a popular and powerful tool for text, voice and video communication. Unfortunately, some users have experienced difficulty getting their computer’s webcam to be detected by the program. This guide provides six solutions to help you get your camera working with Google Hangouts again.
If your computer won’t let you make video calls on Google Hangouts, here’s how to get it working again: check that your webcam is detected by the host browser.
1. Check Camera Permission
Users of Google’s Hangouts service must grant access to their camera and microphone when they first use the platform on a computer or browser.
The app Deny Hangouts is preventing users from accessing their camera, a move that has been met with criticism.
To ensure Google Hangouts can access your PC’s camera, Chrome Browser users should check their settings and adjust them accordingly. Doing so will enable video calls to run smoothly.
Method 1: Tinker Chrome browser
Tap the three-dot menu icon in Chrome to access options.
Choose your settings.
Choose ‘Privacy and Security’ from the Settings menu.
Tap ‘Site settings’ on the new page.
Grant camera access: Under the Permissions section, select Camera to allow the app to use your device’s camera.
Your PC’s camera can be used by approved web apps and websites, as seen here.
To delete Google Hangouts from the Block section, tap the dropdown icon next to it.
To access the camera, tap the dropdown icon next to it.
Choose “Allow” to proceed.
Reload the page in the Google Hangout tab of your browser to check if your camera is detected.
Method 2: Check your PCs Camera
A canceled video icon on the URL bar of a Google Hangouts video call window indicates that the camera is blocked and inaccessible. To quickly resolve this issue, try an alternative method.
To unblock the camera limitation on Hangouts, tap the canceled video icon, check the box next to “Always access https://hangouts.google.com to your camera and microphone,” then tap Done.
Try reloading the Google Hangouts page to see if it recognizes your computer.
2. Check Camera Link
To ensure your external camera is properly connected to your computer, make sure it is plugged into the USB port and powered on. If you need to disconnect the camera, close the Hangouts call window from your computer and unplug it. Then restart the Hangouts call in your web browser to check if it works.
If your computer, web browser and other apps don’t recognize your external camera, try it on another computer to see if it’s faulty. If it works, check the ports on your PC and make sure you have the necessary software/driver installed.
3. Close interfering programs
Using Google Hangouts for video calls? Make sure no other apps are using your device’s camera at the same time, or you risk an outage.
4. Close Google Hangouts / Browser
Users of Google Hangouts are still unable to access their camera for video calls, but can resolve the issue by closing and restarting their browser. Once the browser is restarted, Hangouts should be opened in a new tab to check if the camera is now available.
5. Restart the PC
Restarting your computer may be the solution to any issues causing Google Hangouts to delete the camera; if other attempts don’t work, try turning off and then on again.
Update the browser
Updating your browser to the latest version can help ensure Google Hangouts works properly and detects your computer camera.
Communicate without hiccups
No matter how often you use Google Hangouts for video calls and chats, don’t let technical issues stop you. If your computer’s camera isn’t detected, try one of the tips above to get back up and running.
Want to keep your Google Hangouts messages safe? Learn how to back up and recover them on Android devices with this article.
Fix ‘Google Hangouts Not Detecting Camera on PC’ Issue: benefits
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Final note
If you’re having trouble getting your PC’s camera to work with Google Hangouts, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love by passing it along to your friends.
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