Device tests · Camera
Webcam Test
This webcam test shows your live camera preview in seconds. Press “Start Webcam Test”, allow camera access, and check that the image appears, the right camera is selected and you are framed well before a call.
It works with built-in laptop cameras, USB webcams and phone cameras. The video stays in your browser and is never recorded or uploaded.
- Instant preview
- Resolution & camera details
- Camera permission required
Ready to test your webcam
Press start and allow camera access. The preview stays on this device.
Video is shown locally in your browser. Nothing is recorded, saved or uploaded.
Ready to test your webcam
Camera details
- Status
- Ready to test your webcam
- Active camera
- —
- Resolution
- —
- Frame rate
- —
- Cameras found
- —
Your result
What your result means
If you see a moving image of yourself, the whole chain — camera, cable or driver, operating system and browser — is delivering video. Video-call sites in this browser should be able to use it too.
The details panel shows what the browser reports about the active stream: the camera name, the resolution and frame rate it is currently delivering.
- The reported resolution is what the browser negotiated for this stream, not necessarily the camera's maximum.
- The preview is mirrored, like a mirror, as most call apps show your own image. Others see you unmirrored.
- A black image with no error usually means a privacy shutter, a covered lens or a camera disabled by a key or switch.
Procedure
How the test works
- 01
Start the test
Press “Start Webcam Test”. Nothing is requested before you click.
- 02
Allow access
Your browser asks for camera permission. Choose Allow.
- 03
Check the preview
Look at the image, lighting and framing. Switch cameras if more than one is listed.
- 04
Stop
Press Stop to switch the camera off. Leaving the page also stops it.
Methodology
How Testpartout measures this
The method below is exactly what the code on this page does — nothing is described that is not implemented.
What the implementation does
- The camera is opened with getUserMedia only after you press start, with video only and no microphone.
- The stream is attached to a local video element. It is never drawn to a canvas, recorded or sent anywhere.
- Camera name, resolution, frame rate and facing direction come from the track's getSettings(); resolution falls back to the video element's size.
- After permission, enumerateDevices lists available cameras so you can switch; switching reopens the stream with that device.
- On Stop, errors or leaving the page, every track is stopped, which turns off the camera light.
Limits of a browser measurement
- Image quality, focus and colour are judged by your own eyes — the page does not score them.
- Some browsers report fewer details, so a field may show “—”.
- A web page cannot tell whether a black image comes from a shutter, a driver or a faulty sensor.
Privacy
What happens to your data
This section describes the behaviour of the code on this page, not an intention.
- Video is shown locally in your browser only while the test is running.
- Nothing is recorded, captured as a photo, saved to your device or sent to any server.
- Camera names are read from your browser and displayed only on this page.
- The camera is released as soon as you press Stop or leave the page.
Troubleshooting
If the test does not behave as expected
No permission prompt appeared
You may have blocked the site before. Open site settings from the address bar, allow the camera and reload.
Permission denied
Allow the camera for this site in the browser, and for the browser itself in your operating system's privacy settings.
Camera already in use
Close Zoom, Teams, Meet or other apps and tabs using the camera, then press Test again.
Black image
Open the privacy shutter, check for a camera key or switch on your laptop and make sure nothing covers the lens.
Wrong camera shown
Use the camera selector under the preview, or change the default camera in your browser settings.
Blurry or dark image
Clean the lens, face a light source and avoid a bright window behind you.
Factors
Factors that affect your webcam image
What you see depends on the whole setup, not only the camera.
Lighting
Low light adds noise and lowers frame rate on many webcams.
USB bandwidth
Hubs and older ports can force lower resolution.
Browser negotiation
Browsers pick a default resolution that may be below the camera's maximum.
Drivers & software
Vendor tools and virtual cameras can alter or replace the image.
Lens condition
Fingerprints and dust make the image soft or hazy.
System load
A busy computer can drop frames and make video stutter.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How do I test my webcam online?
- Press “Start Webcam Test”, allow camera access when the browser asks, and look at the preview. If you can see a live image of yourself, your webcam is working in this browser.
- Is this webcam test private?
- Yes. The video is shown only in your browser and is never recorded, photographed, stored or uploaded. The camera turns off when you press Stop or leave the page.
- Why does it say my camera is already in use?
- Another app or browser tab is holding the camera. Close video-call and recording apps, then press Test again.
- Why is my webcam image black?
- Most often a privacy shutter is closed, the lens is covered, or the camera is disabled by a laptop key or switch. Check those first, then try reconnecting the camera.
- Can I switch between cameras?
- Yes. When the browser reports more than one camera, a selector appears under the preview so you can test each one.
- Why is the resolution lower than my camera's maximum?
- The page shows the resolution the browser negotiated for this stream. Browsers often choose a default below the maximum, and USB bandwidth or lighting can lower it further.
- Why is my image mirrored?
- The preview is mirrored so it behaves like a mirror, as most call apps do for your own view. People on a call see you the right way round.
Found an issue with this test? Report it.