How to read your result
Resolution is the size of each frame your browser actually receives, in pixels (width × height). The short name comes from the shorter side, so 1280×720 is 720p and 1920×1080 is 1080p. The test first asks for 1280×720, the size most call apps use, and your camera sends the closest size it supports.
Check max resolution asks the camera for 3840×2160 (4K) and shows what it really delivered. If the camera also reports a higher limit, you will see that too. The number on the box is not always what reaches your browser.
Frame rate is counted from the frames that actually arrive, over the last 2 seconds. It is not the number the camera advertises.
| Verdict | Frame rate | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Choppy | below 15 fps | Motion looks jerky. Add light or close other apps using the camera. |
| Fair | 15 to under 24 fps | Fine for most calls. More light may help. |
| Smooth | 24 fps or more | Motion looks fluid on calls and recordings. |
If your browser can’t report each frame, the frame rate is estimated from the screen refresh and marked approx.
Mirror preview flips the picture left to right, like a bathroom mirror. It is on for front cameras and off for back cameras. Most call apps mirror your own view the same way, while the people you call see you the right way round.
If the picture stays very dark for 3 seconds, the test reminds you to check the lens cover and lighting.
Troubleshooting
The browser didn’t ask for permission, or I clicked Block
Your browser remembers the choice for this site. Click the icon to the left of the address bar, allow the camera, then reload the page. The test panel shows the exact steps for your browser if access is blocked.
“No camera found”
- Check the USB cable, or try a different port. Unplug and reconnect the camera.
- Some laptops have a camera key on the keyboard or a switch on the side. Make sure it is on.
- If the camera is built into an external monitor, the monitor’s USB cable must be connected to the computer too.
“Your camera is busy”
Another app is using the camera. Close video call apps, camera apps and other browser tabs that use it, then try again. On Windows, a camera often works in only one app at a time.
The picture is black
The camera is working but sees nothing. Slide open the privacy shutter or remove the lens cover, and turn on a light. If the picture is black only in one app, check which camera that app has selected.
The frame rate is low
Dim light is the most common cause. Many webcams keep the shutter open longer in low light, which means fewer frames each second. Turn on a light facing you, and close other apps or tabs that use the camera or a lot of processing power.
The resolution is lower than I expected
Press Check max resolution to see the most your camera sends to this browser. Call apps often choose a lower resolution on purpose to save bandwidth, so a call may look softer than this test.
Front and back camera on a phone
Use the Use back camera button to switch. If the button doesn’t appear, your browser didn’t tell the page which way the camera faces. Pick the camera from the list instead.
Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android privacy settings
Operating systems can block the camera for every browser at once.
- Windows: Settings, then Privacy and security, then Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera.
- macOS: System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Camera. Turn on your browser, then quit and reopen it.
- iPhone and iPad: Settings, then Apps, then your browser, then turn on Camera.
- Android: Settings, then Apps, then your browser, then Permissions, then Camera.
Privacy
The video is shown and measured on your device and never sent to a server. The test takes no photos and makes no recordings. How it works