Webcam Test
Check your camera works, and see the resolution and frame rate it actually delivers.
How this test works
The test asks your browser for a video stream using getUserMedia. If a camera responds, the negotiated resolution and device name come from the video track's own settings, and the frame rate is measured by counting decoded frames over two seconds rather than trusting the number the camera reports. The stream is rendered straight into the page and released as soon as you stop the test or leave.
What the results mean
- Resolution
- The width and height the browser and camera agreed on for this stream. It is not necessarily the camera's maximum — browsers negotiate down for bandwidth and lighting.
- Frame rate
- Frames actually delivered per second, measured over two seconds. Below about 15 FPS video looks stuttery on calls.
- Device name
- The label the operating system gives the camera. Browsers hide this until permission is granted, so it appears blank before you allow access.
- Aspect ratio
- The shape of the frame, reduced to its simplest form. Most webcams deliver 16:9; some laptops deliver 4:3 and crop.
Common problems and fixes
- "Camera not found" or no device responds
- Another application is usually holding it. Close video call clients fully — several keep the camera open in the background. Then check the camera is enabled in your operating system's privacy settings.
- The frame rate is low and the video stutters
- This is far more often lighting than hardware. In a dark room the camera lengthens its exposure, which drops the frame rate. Add light in front of you and re-run the test before concluding the camera is faulty.
- The preview is black but permission was granted
- Check for a physical privacy shutter or camera kill-switch — many laptops have one on the lid or as a function key.
Frequently asked questions
Is my video being recorded?
No. The stream is displayed in the page and never leaves your device. There is no upload, no recording and no server involved — you can confirm this by opening your browser's network panel while the test runs.
Why is the resolution lower than my camera's specification?
Browsers request a stream rather than the sensor's maximum, and negotiate down based on lighting, bandwidth and CPU load. A 4K webcam commonly delivers 1280×720 to a web page. That is normal and not a fault.
Why does the test need permission every time?
Camera permission is granted per site and, in some browsers, per session. Denying it does not affect the rest of the page, and the test tells you what happened either way.