Webcam test: check your camera
Does your webcam work, and which resolution does it really deliver? Click, watch the live picture, read the values – the image stays only in your browser, nothing is sent or stored.
How it is calculated
Before a video job interview, after buying a new webcam or when Teams only shows a black picture: this webcam test shows at once whether the camera works – and which resolution and frame rate it really delivers in the browser. It uses the same interface as video calls in the browser.
How it works
- Click “Test camera” and choose Allow in the browser prompt.
- The live picture appears. Below it you see the delivered resolution, the frame rate and – if the browser reveals it – the camera’s highest resolution.
- Under “Requested resolution”, ask for 720p, 1080p or 4K. The test shows what the camera actually delivers in response.
- Several cameras (e.g. built-in and USB, or front and rear camera on a phone)? Choose the one you want at the top.
- “Take photo” saves a still image as PNG or JPG.
- “Turn camera off” ends access and the indicator light goes out. Leaving the page does this automatically.
What the values mean
- Delivered resolution: width × height in pixels that actually reach the browser, with its short name (720p, 1080p, 4K) and aspect ratio. This can be less than the box promises – for instance because the browser picks a smaller default size when nothing is requested, or because the camera offers its top resolution only at a low frame rate.
- Frame rate reported is the value camera and browser agreed on. Frame rate measured counts how many frames per second really arrive. If the measured value is clearly lower, the light is usually to blame: in the dark many webcams expose longer and therefore manage fewer frames.
- Camera supports up to: the highest resolution the camera reports to the browser. Not every browser reveals this; then it says “not reported by the browser”.
- Mirror only flips the display, the way you see yourself in a mirror. People in a call see you unmirrored. With mirroring on, the photo is saved mirrored as well.
Why “Automatic” often shows only 640 × 480
If a page does not request a specific size, Chrome and Edge often choose a small default resolution – even with a Full HD camera. Video call apps specifically ask for more. So pick a level: the browser then uses the closest setting the camera offers. The request is a wish, not a requirement – the picture appears even if the camera cannot reach that level, and the test tells you what arrives instead.
Camera not working? Troubleshooting
- Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Camera: turn on “Camera access” and “Let desktop apps access your camera”. Many laptops have a camera key or a privacy shutter in front of the lens.
- macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera: enable your browser, then restart it.
- Android: In Chrome, tap the icon on the left of the address bar → Permissions → allow Camera; otherwise Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions → Camera. From Android 12 on, check that the “Camera access” toggle in Quick Settings is on.
- iPhone/iPad: Settings → Safari → Camera: set to “Ask” or “Allow” (from iOS 18: Settings → Apps → Safari).
- “Busy” or black picture: often another app is already using the camera (Teams, Zoom, Skype, the Camera app). Many webcams allow only one user at a time – close the other app and start the test again.
- Camera missing from the list: try another USB port, directly on the computer rather than a hub. In Windows Device Manager, check under “Cameras” whether the device is disabled.
Honest limits
The test shows what the browser receives. Manufacturer software may use other resolutions and frame rates with the same camera. Image quality (sharpness, colour accuracy, noise) is for your eyes to judge – that is what the live picture and the photo function are for. A new resolution level briefly restarts the camera; a short flicker is normal.
Privacy
The camera picture is only shown on your screen. Nothing is uploaded or stored; photos are created in your browser and only end up on your device if you download them. The page only works over https because browsers do not allow camera access otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
Is my camera picture sent or stored?
No. The picture is only displayed in your browser and nothing goes to a server. Photos only end up on your device when you click “Download photo”.
Why is the picture black?
Common reasons: a lens cover or camera key on the laptop, another app is using the camera, or the browser is blocked in the Windows or macOS privacy settings. See “Troubleshooting” above for details.
My camera is supposed to do 1080p, but the test shows 640 × 480 – is it broken?
No, without a request the browser often chooses a small default size. Select “1080p Full HD”; the test then shows what the camera really delivers.
How do I find my webcam’s maximum resolution?
Select “4K UHD”: the camera then delivers the highest level it offers to the browser. Many browsers also show the upper limit under “Camera supports up to”.
Why is the measured frame rate lower than reported?
Usually because of low light: the camera exposes longer and manages fewer frames per second. More light from the front helps. A heavily loaded CPU or a USB hub can also slow things down.
Do others see me mirrored?
No. Mirroring only affects your own view, just as video call apps mirror your preview. The other side gets the unmirrored picture – although here nothing is sent at all.
Does the webcam test work on a phone?
Yes. After you allow access, the front and rear cameras appear in the camera list. Portrait images are recognised correctly, e.g. 720 × 1280 as 720p.
How do I turn the camera off after the test?
With “Turn camera off” – the indicator light goes out immediately. Closing or leaving the page releases the camera automatically.
Sources and legal basis
- MDN Web Docs – MediaDevices.getUserMedia()
- MDN Web Docs – MediaStreamTrack.getSettings()
- W3C – Media Capture and Streams
As of:
Related tools
- Mic test: check your microphoneFree online mic test: live level in dBFS, too quiet or clipping hints and a playback recording. Runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
- CPS Test: How Many Clicks Per Second Can You Do?Free CPS test: measure your clicks per second over 1, 5, 10 or 60 seconds and track your best score per duration. Works with mouse, touchpad and touch.
- Online Screen RecorderRecord your screen, a window or a tab with microphone and system audio, saved as MP4 or WebM. Free, nothing to install, nothing is uploaded.
- Keyboard test: do all your keys work?Free online keyboard tester: every key you press lights up and stays marked as tested. Shows key, code and location, plus a ghosting/rollover check.
- Typing test: how fast do you type?Free typing test: measure your typing speed in 30 s, 1 or 3 minutes. Net and gross WPM, characters per minute, accuracy and errors. Works on mobile.