Zoom 'Cannot Start Video' — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Zoom's 'Cannot start video' error means the app cannot access your camera. This happens when another application is already using the camera, when Zoom does not have camera permission, or when the camera driver has a problem. The good news is this is almost always fixable in a few minutes.

Affected Models

Zoom on Windows
Zoom on Mac
Zoom on Android
Zoom on iPhone

Common Causes

Another application (Teams, Skype, browser) is already using your camera
Zoom does not have permission to access the camera in your operating system settings
Your camera driver is outdated or has become corrupted
The host has disabled video for participants in the meeting settings
Your physical camera has a privacy shutter or switch that is in the closed position

How to Fix It

Close all other apps that might use the camera — Teams, Skype, browser tabs with video, FaceTime, etc.

Most computers only allow one app to use the camera at a time. Any open app could be holding it.
Check camera permissions. On Windows: Settings > Privacy > Camera. Make sure Zoom is allowed.

On Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and enable Zoom.
Inside Zoom, click the arrow next to the Start Video button and choose your camera from the list.

If multiple cameras are installed, Zoom might be pointing to the wrong one.
Restart your computer. This closes all background apps that may be silently using the camera.

After the restart, open Zoom first before any other app to give it first access to the camera.
Update your camera driver. On Windows: right-click the Start menu > Device Manager > Cameras > right-click your camera > Update driver.

An outdated driver can make the camera work in photos but fail inside Zoom.

When to Call a Professional

Camera issues in Zoom rarely need professional help. If you update the driver and the camera still does not work in any app, the camera hardware itself may have failed. In that case, an external USB webcam is a quick and affordable solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

My camera works in other apps but not in Zoom. What's different?

Zoom may not have been granted camera permission. Go to your operating system's privacy settings and confirm Zoom is allowed to use the camera. This is a common issue on Windows 10 and macOS after an OS update resets permissions.

Is it possible the host is preventing me from using my camera?

Yes. Meeting hosts can disable video for all participants. If the Start Video button appears greyed out and you cannot click it, the host has restricted video. Ask the host to allow participants to start their video.

I covered my laptop camera with a sticker. Could that cause this?

A sticker does not prevent Zoom from accessing the camera — it just blocks the physical image. However, if your laptop has a hardware privacy shutter (a physical slider), make sure it is in the open position. Some laptops have these built in.