Easy Tech TutsHow to Enable Camera on Microsoft Teams Easily 2026
By Impran M N
A black video tile right before an important call is one of the most common Teams frustrations, and it's usually a quick fix once you know where the toggles live. This guide walks through turning on your camera before joining, switching it mid-call, and resolving the operating system permission blocks that most often cause the problem.
01Turn on your camera before joining
On the pre-join preview screen, slide the camera toggle to on and confirm your video appears in the thumbnail before entering the meeting.
02Check your device settings
Open the device settings drawer to switch between a built-in webcam and an external HD camera if your feed looks wrong or the wrong device is selected.
03Toggle your camera mid-meeting
Once inside a call, use the camera icon on the top toolbar to turn video on or off at any time.
04Fix operating system permission blocks
If the picture stays black, open your Windows or macOS privacy settings and confirm Teams has been granted camera access.
05Polish your presentation
Apply a background blur or virtual backdrop and check the preview thumbnail to confirm good framing and lighting before you go live.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Teams camera showing a black screen even though it's enabled?
This is usually an operating system privacy block — check Windows or macOS camera permissions and make sure Teams is allowed.
Can I use an external webcam instead of my laptop's built-in camera?
Yes, the device settings menu lets you select any connected external camera as your active video source.
Does the browser version of Teams need separate camera permission?
Yes, browser-based Teams requires its own camera and microphone permission prompt separate from the desktop app.
Can I test my camera before joining a call?
Yes, the pre-join preview screen shows a live thumbnail so you can confirm your camera works before entering the meeting.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
