Common camera issues
Important Note
The most common reason why GoReact can't access the camera is that camera and microphone access is not enabled in the browser. To check your browser permissions, see our Enabling your camera and microphone guide. If you are using GoReact in an LMS (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) and the GoReact tool is loading in an iFrame (nested in the same tab as the LMS), then GoReact may be unable to access your camera and microphone in certain browsers. If this is the case, try a different browser or ask your instructor to change the setting so the tool opens in a new tab/window.
After enabling access, if GoReact still can't access your camera, walk through the following steps.
- Check that the camera is plugged in (external cameras) and turned on (some webcams can be toggled on and off by a button near the camera or on the keyboard).
- Check that your camera works in other applications (such as Camera, Skype, Photobooth, or Facetime).
- If it doesn't work in these apps then the issue is likely with the camera itself. You will need to check your webcam documentation to fix the issue (or see the expandable section below for "Updating the camera driver").
- Check that your camera works in other websites such as cam-recorder.com.
- Try recording in a different browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari).
- If it works in a different browser, then your original browser may be blocked from accessing the camera. To check this, see the expandable sections for "Additional steps on Mac" or "Additional steps on PC" below.
- Close other applications and/or browser tabs that could be accessing the camera. Only one application at a time can access your camera.
- Check your antivirus software for settings related to blocking access or permission to use your webcam. For help, visit your antivirus software company’s website.
External webcams
If you're using an external webcam, unplug/re-plug the webcam's USB cable from the computer to reset the connection. Also, make sure your webcam software is up to date. Open the webcam software (that came with the camera or computer) to be sure the webcam is being recognized by your computer. If it's not, consult your webcam documentation to resolve the issue.
Additional steps on Mac
With last MacOS update to Mojave, applications can be blocked from accessing the camera and microphone.
To check if your browser is allowed access to your camera and microphone, run through the following steps.
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Click the icon labeled Security & Privacy.
- Click the Privacy tab at the top.
- In the left-hand column, click on either Camera or Microphone to manage app permissions.
- Check the box next to the applicable browser to allow access.
Additional steps on PC
To check if your browser is allowed access to your camera and microphone, run through the following steps.
- Click the Start
button. - Open Settings
- Click the icon labeled Privacy.
- In the lefthand column, below App Permissions, click on either Camera or Microphone.
- Make sure the toggle for Allow apps to access your camera is set to "On."
-
Below Choose which apps can access your camera, make sure that your specific browser is also toggled to "On."
Updating the camera driver
If your camera is not working in any application, you may need to update the camera driver/software. (Drivers allow your computer to access your devices.) To update the software on a Mac, consult your webcam documentation. To update the camera driver on PC,
- Open "Device Manager" by right-clicking on the Windows button.
- Find the device (either under "Cameras" or "Imaging Devices").
- Click "Update Device Driver."
- Click "Search automatically for updated driver software."
- Follow the prompts to finish the update.
If a new driver is not found, you may need to download the most recent driver from the webcam manufacturer's website.