How do I grant camera and microphone permissions in my browser?

When you click "Start Preview", your browser will show a permission prompt asking to access your camera and microphone. Click "Allow" or "Yes" to grant access. If you previously denied access, you can reset permissions by clicking the lock icon in your browser's address bar, finding camera/microphone settings, and changing them to "Allow". Different browsers have slightly different permission interfaces, but all require explicit user consent before accessing media devices.

Is my camera and microphone feed recorded or sent to any server?

No! This tool runs entirely in your browser using the Web API getUserMedia. Your camera video and microphone audio are processed locally on your device and never leave your computer. Nothing is recorded, uploaded, or sent to any server. The preview you see is a direct feed from your hardware to your browser's canvas, ensuring complete privacy. This is a client-side only tool with zero backend processing.

Why can I see my camera but the microphone level shows nothing?

This usually happens when microphone permissions are denied or the wrong microphone device is selected. First, check that you granted microphone permissions when prompted. Second, try selecting a different microphone from the dropdown menu—some computers have multiple audio input devices, and the default might be disabled or muted. Also check your system sound settings to ensure the microphone isn't muted at the OS level. Finally, try speaking louder or closer to the microphone while watching the level meter.

Can I test multiple cameras or microphones without reloading the page?

Yes! The tool automatically detects all connected cameras and microphones and lists them in dropdown menus. To switch devices, simply select a different camera or microphone from the respective dropdown and click "Start Preview" again. The tool will stop the current stream and start a new one with your selected devices. This is perfect for testing external webcams, USB microphones, Bluetooth headsets, or built-in laptop cameras before joining video calls.

What does the microphone level meter (dB) mean and what's a good level?

The dB (decibel) reading measures your microphone's input volume level. A good speaking voice typically ranges from -30 dB to -10 dB. If your level stays below -50 dB, your microphone might be too quiet or far away—try speaking louder or moving closer. If it hits 0 dB or shows 100%, you're likely clipping (distorting), and you should speak more quietly or reduce microphone gain in system settings. The percentage bar gives a quick visual reference, while the dB value provides precise technical measurement.

Does this camera and microphone tester work on mobile devices?

Yes! The tool works on mobile browsers that support getUserMedia, including Chrome and Safari on iOS and Android. On mobile, you can test your front-facing camera, rear camera, and device microphone. However, some mobile browsers restrict camera access to HTTPS sites only for security reasons. If the tool doesn't work on mobile, ensure you're accessing it via HTTPS and check that you haven't previously blocked camera/microphone permissions for the site in your mobile browser settings.

Why does my camera show "Camera" and microphone show "Microphone" without device names?

Browsers hide specific device names (like "Logitech HD Pro Webcam" or "Blue Yeti Microphone") until you grant media permissions for privacy reasons. Initially, devices appear as generic "Camera" or "Microphone" labels. Once you click "Start Preview" and grant permissions, the tool re-enumerates devices with their actual names, making it easier to identify and select the correct hardware. This is a browser security feature, not a limitation of the tool.

Can I use this tool to test my audio and video before a video conference?

Absolutely! That's one of the primary use cases for this tool. Before joining Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or any video conferencing platform, use this tester to verify your camera shows a clear picture, your microphone picks up your voice at appropriate levels, and you've selected the correct devices. This prevents the embarrassing "Can you hear me?" moments at the start of meetings. Test your setup, adjust lighting, check background, and ensure microphone levels are good before joining important calls.

What should I do if I see "Could not access camera/microphone" error?

This error occurs when permissions are denied, devices are in use by another application, or hardware isn't connected properly. First, check that you clicked "Allow" when prompted for permissions. Second, close other applications that might be using your camera or microphone (like Zoom, Skype, or recording software) and try again. Third, verify your camera and microphone are properly connected and recognized by your operating system. Finally, try refreshing the page and granting permissions again. In rare cases, restarting your browser or computer resolves hardware detection issues.

Does the camera tester support testing camera resolution and frame rate?

The tool displays your camera feed at its native resolution and frame rate as provided by your browser and hardware. While it doesn't show specific technical details like "1080p at 30fps", you can visually assess video quality by looking for clarity, smoothness, and whether the preview looks HD or low resolution. Most modern browsers automatically select the highest quality settings your camera supports. For precise resolution and frame rate testing, you would need developer tools or specialized camera diagnostic software, but this tool provides sufficient preview for everyday use cases like video calls.

Free Camera & Microphone Tester

Test your webcam and microphone instantly in your browser. Check video quality, verify audio levels, switch between devices, and ensure everything works before your next video call. Completely private and browser-based.

Camera

Microphone

Mic Level

Frequently Asked Questions

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