Many users have become best friends with their computer cameras due to endless video conferences, meetings, and calls online. Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook, Apple FaceTime web app, and more are frequent go-to communication apps every day when there is work or school needed to be done. Let us not forget to mention online video calls with friends and family members during the weekend or after work.
For Chromebook users, the built-in computer web camera makes things smoother. But, what if it is not working or cannot be detected when you need it? Is there a way to fix a glitchy webcam that stopped working with black screen problem on Chrome OS?
The answer is yes. There are workarounds that you can do to resolve the Chromebook camera app errors. Let’s check them out below. But before that, here are some of the top camera problems that are common to Chromebook users:
- “Can’t find your camera”
- “No camera found”
- “Your camera is currently unavailable”
- “Camera is starting”
- Just showing black screen
- Black screen with red light on top
Troubleshoot Camera Stopped Working or Not Detected with Black Screen Problems on Chromebook ChromeOS Devices
Different factors can cause if you can’t access the camera and other problems such as webcam showing black screen issue on your Chromebook computer. You can try to troubleshoot and fix the camera problem on ChromeOS one at a time to determine and see which culprit is the reason behind the issue.
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Solution #1 – Exit the Video Conferencing App you are Using
If your video conferencing app cannot detect your Chromebook camera, try to relaunch the app. Disconnect the call and exit the app, wait for a few seconds before you open it again. Check if the quick app refresh helps in resolving the camera issue.
Solution #2 – Restart your Chromebook Device
- Navigate to the Status Tray at the bottom of your screen.
- Click the Power button.
- Select Power Off.
- Look for the Power key on your keyboard.
- Press and hold it until your Chromebook relaunches.
- Open your video conferencing app and try again.
Solution #3 – Check the Camera Status from Other Video Conferencing App
If you are using Skype for an online call, you may want to switch to another video conferencing app like Zoom or Google Meet and check if the camera is working there. If yes, it may be an issue with your previous video conferencing app.
Solution #4 – Update your Video Conferencing App
If the issue is with your app, you may have overlooked the available important updates that the app developer has put out. It may be the reason why you see the camera error. Install the latest version updates available for your app. After updating, relaunch the app and initiate another video call.
Solution #5 – Check Issues on your Chromebook Camera
- At the bottom of your screen, click the Launcher button.
- Select Extend.
- Choose View all applications.
- Click the Camera button.
- Now, see if there are issues indicated about your Chromebook camera.
- Follow the instructions on how to troubleshoot the issues.
- Restart your Chromebook.
Solution #6 – Use an External Camera
If you need to use a camera now but are unable to troubleshoot the camera app error on Chrome OS, you can connect an external web camera on your Chromebook computer and use it for your video calls. You can continue troubleshooting later after the call.
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Solution #7 – Perform a Powerwash on your Chromebook
Powerwashing your Chromebook means that you will factory reset it. It entails deleting all the data in your system. If you need to come to this end, make sure to backup all your important documents and files before performing the Powerwash method.
- Launch the Settings menu.
- Click the Advanced button on the left panel.
- Select Reset settings.
- On the right panel, select Powerwash.
If you do not want to factory reset your Chromebook but continue to encounter the camera error, you can contact the Chromebook manufacturer customer support to help you. Samsung, HP, Acer, Lenovo, Asus, Dell, or Google has excellent customer service support team.
Did any of the solutions above fixed your Chromebook camera issues? You can let us know which one works by writing to us below.
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