Skype is the epicenter of face-to-face communication since it’s inception. It’s always been the best way to do a one-on-one video call with your friends, family, or even colleagues. In fact, the “Skype” word has been used as a verb for video calling, as we do with “Zoom“ right now for video conferencing or group video calling.
As we use Skype, webcams are one of the most essential components in order for Skype video calls to work. But as with any other technology, Skype and your web camera sometimes won’t work together peaceably. More often than not, a ‘Skype doesn’t find the webcam’ problem happens to any of us.
A lot of similar webcam problems when using Skype on PC or Mac can come along the way including blurry grey images, the other party can’t see you or worst, Skype won’t fire up your video even on your end.
Certainly, the experience is not pleasant at all. It can be very annoying especially if you have something important to discuss using your Skype video call.
Here are some solutions we’ve gathered that has helped many users solve their Skype video camera woes on both Windows 10 and macOS.
Fix Skype Camera is Not Working on Windows 10 and macOS
Check your Internet Connection
The first thing you can do is to make sure that you have a stable internet connection. Skype will automatically disable your webcam if your internet speed is not fast enough. Video buffering, poor sound quality, and overall call experience can mostly be attributed to a slow internet connection.
Check your Webcam and Perform a Video Test on Skype
The next thing to do when you encounter webcam issues on Skype is to make sure that you have switched your webcam on. Faulty camera installation can cause Skype not properly finding your webcam along with some other issues. Therefore, always check your camera settings and if it is properly installed on your computer. A defective camera won’t work with Skype.
To perform a video test on Skype do the following:
- Click on your profile picture to access the Skype menu.
- Click “Settings” then go to “Audio & Video” Settings.
On that screen, you should be able to view a test of your webcam. If you have multiple cameras available, you can also change the camera you want to use by clicking the icon in the upper-right corner of your video screen.
Update your Skype App
Get the latest version of your Skype app to resolve any issues that you have been facing including problems with your video camera. Newer Skype versions can also fix compatibility issues on your webcam as well as fix corrupted program installation files. So, start updating your Skype app now.
Restart your Computer
Still, nothing beats the old-timer and proven method of turning your device off and on. A quick system restart can often fix problems with the Skype app.
Close other Apps that Might be Using your Webcam
Sometimes other apps and processes have locked in your webcam so no other apps can use it including Skype. So, do some evaluations on the currently running apps and check those that you think might be using your camera resource.
If you see a suspicious app or process that could be the culprit, you might need to investigate further. Some malware uses and exploits your webcam for a lot of obvious reasons.
Check your Privacy Settings
Run a quick check on your camera privacy settings. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as having your settings turned off for apps including Skype.
Windows 10
Here’s how to grant permission for Skype to use your camera in Windows 10 privacy settings.
- Open All settings
- Select Privacy
- Click on Camera
Make sure that the switch under Allow apps to access your camera is turned on.
MacOS
Here’s how to grant permission for Skype to use your camera in macOS privacy settings.
- Open System Preferences
- Click Security & Privacy
- Select the Privacy tab
- On the left-hand side, you can pick between Photos, Camera, Microphone, Files & Folder, and more
- If you’d like to make any changes, click the lock in the bottom left corner if your Mac is password protected.
- Now click on an option in the left sidebar to see what permissions your apps have.
That’s it! I hope that any of these methods have helped you fix your problems with Skype camera not working on your PC or Mac.
