Camera or microphone problems can disrupt a video call, but they’re usually easy to fix. Most difficulties are caused by browser permissions, device settings, another app using your camera or microphone, or a hardware issue. Here’s how to fix these common issues –
1. Device permissions and settings
How do I turn on camera and microphone access on an iPhone or iPad?
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to Privacy and Security
- Scroll to your browser
- Turn on Camera.
- Go back, tap Microphone, then turn on your browser.
- Refresh your call page and tap Allow if asked
If your device asks for access during the call, tap Allow.
How do I turn on camera and microphone access on an Android device?
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Choose your browser (like Chrome).
- Tap Permissions.
- Turn on camera and microphone access.
- Reopen your browser and rejoin the call.
If your phone asks for access during the call, tap Allow.
How do I turn on camera and microphone access on a computer?
If you mistakenly blocked access, you can change your browser settings at any time.
Google Chrome
- Open your call link in Chrome
- Click the padlock icon next to the website address.
- Set Camera and Microphone to Allow.
- Refresh the page.
Microsoft Edge
- Open your call link in Edge
- Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
- Allow camera and microphone access.
- Refresh the page.
Apple Safari
- Open your call link in Safari
- Choose Allow if it asks for camera and microphone access.
- If you already blocked it, go to Safari > Settings for This Website.
- Turn Camera and Microphone to Allow.
- Reload the page.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open your call link in Firefox
- Click the camera or microphone icon in the address bar.
- Choose Allow for both.
- Refresh the page.
2. Another app using your camera or microphone
Only one app can use your camera or microphone at the same time.
If your camera is unavailable:
- Close video calling apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype.
- Close any camera-related apps running in the background.
- Restart the browser.
- Resume your consultation.
- If it still doesn’t work, restart your device and try again.
3. Hardware issue
If your browser permissions are set but your camera still doesn’t work, it might be a hardware issue.
Try the following:
- Restart your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- If you are using an external camera, make sure it is correctly linked to your webcam.
- Use the camera app on your device.
- Install any available updates to the operating system or browser.
- Try another supported browser.
- If your camera still does not work, contact the manufacturer for technical assistance.
If your camera is not working, your doctor can continue the session over the phone when appropriate.
Why do I need to allow camera and microphone access?
Video calls need your camera and microphone. This lets you and your doctor see and hear each other. When your browser asks for access, tap Allow.
- If you don’t allow access, you might have problems like:
- Your camera or microphone doesn’t work
- A blank or black screen
- Your doctor can’t hear you
- You can’t hear your doctor
- The call won’t start
Still having camera or microphone issues? Contact Hola Health Support.
If you’ve tried the steps above and it’s still not working, our support team can help.
