Are you experiencing the error “Camera failed” On Google Meet? Try these fixes
Google Meet can be described as the video conferencing application by Google that has been the application that people prefer to meet with colleagues or students, and carry out their daily business while being at home. Users can easily organize video conferences that can include up to 250 people using Google Meet.
The possibility of having video conferences from the comfort of our homes is a major aspect of surviving the COVID-19 crisis. According to the old saying, “No man is an island.” We require human interaction to survive even if it needs been virtual for the moment. However, the entire idea of video-based meetings is lost when you can’t get the “video” part doesn’t work.
There’s no reason to be in complete despair just yet. It’s true that the “camera failed” problem is something that is common, though it can be a frustrating issue and you’re not the only one suffering from it. There are a few easy solutions you can test at your own discretion to fix the problem.
Table of Contents
Make Sure Google Meet has Access to the Camera
Sometimes, the cause could be something that is as easy as not having permissions within your web browser. Websites require explicit permission to access the microphone and camera on your device. Also, ensure that Google Meet has permission to access your camera.
Visit meet.google.com and click on the Lock icon to the left of the name of the website on the address bar.
A menu will be displayed with options like Camera Microphone, Notifications and so on. Check that the permission for Camera is set to “Allow”. If it’s on Block, then click the drop-down menu, and then switch it to Allow. If it was on Allow, you could try a reset by switching it to Block and then changing it return to Allow once more.
If the issue persists Try another solution.
Check that apps have access to your Camera
It is an option that one of the reasons Google Meet could not access your camera, despite having permission to do so is that your browser doesn’t possess access to your camera itself. Start by opening your Windows settings via the start menu, or using your keyboard shortcut Windows + I. After that, you can open the “Privacy settings.
From the sidebar to the left side, scroll down to the section ‘App permissions’ and then click on ‘Camera’ to access the camera settings.
Check that the option Allow apps to access the camera’ option is turned on. If it’s not then click the toggle to enable it.
Scroll down to activate the toggle for Allow desktop applications to access your camera’ in identical settings.
Also, ensure that your browser is connected to your camera. Scroll down, and under ‘Choose the apps that are able to access the camera’ locate your browser and ensure that the toggle is turned on. If your browser isn’t listed, there’s nothing to worry about. It will be listed under general applications that are able to access the camera after both of the previously mentioned options are turned on and don’t require additional authorizations.
Check Your Anti-Virus Software
Google Meet is a Google Meet website has permission to connect to your camera and the apps do as well. However, it is possible that these permissions find themselves when faced with another program that is interfering and preventing any accessibility to the camera. This software could be your antivirus software.
A lot of anti-virus programs offer additional privacy protection, which is by limiting any access to your webcam at times. It could also be the cause of this entire mess. Therefore, ensure that your antivirus software isn’t the cause of all the drama. If it is, then disable the protection of your webcam for your browser.
Since every antivirus software deals with things differently, and the process will differ for each one of them A general guideline goes off the rails for this particular step.
Run the ‘Hardware and Devices’ Troubleshooter
If all the permissions are enabled The issue could be in your camera. If you have an issue with your camera, you can identify it by using the “Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
To start the Hardware & Devices troubleshooter, you must start Command Prompt on your PC and then run this command
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticTo launch the Command Prompt, type ‘cmd in the search box on the taskbar , or launch it via the Start Menu. Enter the above command and hit the Enter key. A troubleshooting screen to Hardware and Devices will open. Follow the instructions on the screen to resolve the issue. If there is indeed an issue with your camera it will be identified by the troubleshooter the issue and assist you in fixing the issue.
Re-register the camera on your computer
It is also possible to register your device a second time in the event that none of the above methods are successful. Click the Start button, right-click and then open the Windows PowerShell (Admin) application.
A user account control prompt is going to pop up on your screen. It will ask you if you want to let this application [Windows PowerShell] to make modifications on your computer?’ Select ‘Yes’ to move on to step.
It is possible that the Windows PowerShell console will open. Use the following command, without making any changes to register your camera.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsCamera | Foreach Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"Shut down your PowerShell console and see if this solved the issue.
Update Your Camera Drivers
You’ve tried everything, but there’s no sign of success. This could be due to outdated driver software for your camera on your computer. Drivers are a crucial cog to ensure the proper functioning of our systems, however it is something is often overlooked.
Click the Start button, and then select the option ‘Device Manager from the menu that opens.
It will open the Device Manager screen will open and will display the devices that are available within your computer. Look for ‘Cameras’ in this list, then click on the icon next to it to see all the devices that are available.
Right-click on the Camera device you are using (if there’s more than one in your computer) then select “Update driver” from the context menu , if it is an option.
Select the ‘Search automatically for the latest driver software Option. If a more recent update to the driver is available , but a Windows update did not have it, the Device Manager will download and install it.
Reset the Camera Hardware
If any of the suggestions did not work, there’s another option you can try. Start your Device Manager from the menu which appears when you right-click on the button that says Start. Find your camera in the device list, right-click it, and then select the option to uninstall it in the drop-down menu. When you are asked, click ‘OK.
Go to the Action option in the Menu Bar within the Device Manager window, and then select the “Scan for Hardware Changes’ option from the pop-up menu.
Once the scan is completed Restart your computer. The hard reset should resolve your issue if the issue is actually your fault.
An app for video meetings like Google Meet becomes somewhat useless without a functioning camera. However, there are a few solutions you can use to solve this frustrating problem. One or more of the items from this list is sure to help you however if it isn’t it could be that the issue is beyond your capabilities.