What is your favorite video conferencing app? If the answer is Google Meet, then you already know all about its great features. How you can join a meeting in various ways, share your screen, and record meetings.
But all that can be complicated if you have problems with the video. What can you do if Google Meet doesn’t detect a camera? Well, fortunately, there are some solutions you can try. Sometimes a simple solution will do the trick. Other times, it takes a little more effort.
Check your camera
If you are using a desktop computer and a webcam connected to the USB port, the connection can often drop. You need to make sure that the camera is placed correctly in the USB port and that it is turned on.
Just in case, detach it and reconnect it before trying to join the Google Meet video call again. If your external webcam is not responding, it’s time to check if it is working with a different computer. If another device cannot detect it, it may be broken.
If you are using the built-in webcam on your laptop and it is not showing in the Google Meet video, try closing the meeting video first and opening it again. Sometimes this simple trick will work.
You can also check if the webcam drivers are up to date. And if not, download the updates and install them on your computer. But if this doesn’t work, move on to the next possible solution.
Also, check the camera permissions
Sometimes it seems like every new website asks for permission to use your microphone, camera, and many other data. Either you are used to accepting everything or blocking it instantly. In the case of the latter, it could cause the necessary permissions to be blocked in Google Meet.
You must allow Google Meet to access your camera if you want to participate in the meeting. Otherwise the camera will not appear. If you’re starting a Google Meet video call for the first time, click “Allow” when prompted to grant camera access.
But in case you have already blocked it accidentally, it’s okay, you can change that. This is what you do:
- Open your web browser and go to Google meeting.
- Select “New Meeting.”
- In the upper right corner, select “Camera Locked.”
- Select “Always allow https://meet.google.com to access your camera and microphone.”
- Select “Done.” The video will start automatically.
Update the Google Meet app
Although some Google Meet features, such as recording, only work in the web browser, the app works well. But you should check for updates from time to time. Occasionally, there are bugs and features that Google fixed, so the version of the app you have may no longer respond as well.
One of those problems could be that the camera cannot be found. To avoid this problem, go to Play store if you use an Android mobile device and App Store for iOS to see if an update is available.
Also, if Google Meet on your smart device is updated but you are still having camera issues, try force stopping the app. Then restart it and see if the camera is detected.
Check your internet connection
Whenever a program or application crashes, one of the first things to check is the Internet connection. What type of wireless connection are you using? If you’re at home, check your router. Is it in the right place and are there obstacles to the signal? If it is in the right place, restart the router and check again.
When the Internet signal is weak and the connection is unstable, it is not uncommon for the camera function to not work. And if you’re not at home, you might not know what kind of connection you’re dealing with. You can make a Speed Testand if it is weak, try changing networks.
clear cache
Clearing the cache of your internet browser and Google Meet app is another step you may want to consider. Often, it is this solution that solves many problems related to Google Meet.
If you’re using Chrome to access Google Meet, which you probably should because they’re more supported, here’s how to clear the cache:
- Go to “Settings” and then “Clear browsing data” under “Privacy and security.”
- Check the “Cached images and files” box.
- You can also consult “Cookies and other site data” if you wish. But this will log you out of most sites.
- Select “Clear data”.
Now you can close all windows and restart your computer. Once the system is backed up, you can try starting or joining another Google Meet video.
Find the perfect camera angle
Unless your webcam is broken, there is always a solution to the “no camera found” problem. Of course, it could be on Google’s side, but that’s rare and usually quickly rectified.
Checking permissions and connections should be at the top of your solution list. Whether you’re using Google Meet from your computer or mobile device. But any of the solutions described above should get your camera working again.