Find out why a site cannot use your camera or microphone. This page reads your browser's permission state for camera, microphone, location, notifications and clipboard, lets you request each one to test it, and shows step-by-step fixes for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, iPhone and Android.
Last updated:
Devices this site can see
Device names are only shown after you allow the camera or microphone.
How to fix a blocked permission
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How to use the Camera and Mic Permissions Checker
Open the page: each card shows Allowed, Blocked, Will ask or Not checkable for this site.
Press a Request button to test a permission for real. Your browser shows its prompt if the permission has not been decided yet.
Read the result on the card: for example a live camera preview, a moving mic level bar, or the exact reason access failed.
If something is blocked, follow the steps for your browser (marked with a star) and, if needed, the Windows or macOS settings.
Press Check permissions again after changing a setting, or reload the page.
How browser permissions work
Powerful features such as the camera, microphone and your location are protected by permissions. The first time a site asks, the browser shows a prompt, and your choice is saved for that site (its origin: the scheme, domain and port). This checker reads those saved choices with the navigator.permissions.query() API and tests real access with the same APIs websites use.
Permission
Permissions API name
API used to test it
Notes
Camera
camera
getUserMedia({video: true})
Needs HTTPS; the operating system can also block it
Microphone
microphone
getUserMedia({audio: true})
Needs HTTPS; check the system input device too
Location
geolocation
getCurrentPosition()
Needs HTTPS and system location services
Notifications
notifications
Notification.requestPermission()
Home Screen web apps only on iPhone/iPad
Clipboard read
clipboard-read
navigator.clipboard.readText()
Firefox and Safari ask each time with a Paste button
Clipboard write
clipboard-write
navigator.clipboard.writeText()
Usually allowed automatically after a click
Common error messages and what they mean
Error name
Meaning
Usual fix
NotAllowedError
You, the browser setting or the operating system refused access
Allow the site in the browser, then allow the browser in Windows or macOS privacy settings
NotFoundError
No camera or microphone was found
Connect or enable the device; check Device Manager or System Settings
NotReadableError
The device exists but could not start
Close other apps using it, unplug and replug it, or restart the browser
SecurityError
The page is not secure or a frame is not allowed to ask
Use an HTTPS address; the parent page must allow camera/mic in the frame
OverconstrainedError
The device cannot match the requested resolution or settings
Choose another device or let the site use default settings
Quick checklist when the camera or mic won't work
Look at the address bar. A crossed-out camera or microphone icon means the site is blocked; click it to change the setting.
Check the operating system. On Windows and macOS, the browser itself needs camera and microphone access in privacy settings.
Close other apps. Video-call, streaming and virtual camera software can hold the camera.
Check the hardware. Privacy shutters, mute keys and loose cables cause many "no camera" reports.
Restart the browser after changing system settings; some browsers only pick up the change on restart.
Frequently asked questions
What do Allowed, Blocked and Will ask mean?
They are the three states the browser's Permissions API reports. Allowed (granted) means the site can use the feature without asking. Blocked (denied) means the browser will refuse without showing a prompt until you change the setting. Will ask (prompt) means nothing has been decided and the browser will ask the next time a site requests it.
Why does a permission say Not checkable?
Not every browser lets pages read every permission. For example, some versions of Firefox and Safari do not report camera, microphone or clipboard permissions through the Permissions API. The Request button still works, because it tests access directly instead of reading a stored setting.
My camera is allowed but still does not work. Why?
The browser may be allowed while the operating system blocks it, another app such as a video-call program is already using the camera, a privacy shutter or function key has switched it off, or the wrong camera is selected. The error message on the camera card says which of these the browser reported.
Does a permission I allow here apply to other websites?
No. Browser permissions are stored per site (per origin). Allowing the camera on this page does not let any other website use it. You have to allow or block each site separately, and you can change your mind at any time in the browser's site settings.
Why do camera and microphone need HTTPS?
Modern browsers only allow camera, microphone and location access on secure pages (HTTPS, or localhost during development). On plain HTTP pages the request fails immediately, which is why this checker shows whether the page is a secure context.
Is my camera or location sent anywhere?
No. The camera preview, microphone level and location are processed only in your browser and are never recorded or uploaded. When you press Stop camera or Stop microphone, or leave the page, the stream is switched off.
Why can't I get notifications on my iPhone?
Safari on iPhone and iPad only supports web notifications for web apps added to the Home Screen, from iOS 16.4 onward. In a normal Safari tab the notification permission is not available, so the card shows Not checkable.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.