Camera

An error occurs stating that the camera is being used by another app.

If “camera in use” is repeated, rather than changing several settings at once, it is better to narrow the scope to other video apps or browser tabs taking up the camera or incomplete app termination. Check camera permissions, apps in use, and device recognition status, then check the driver and physical connection.

Solving Order
We've organized the methods starting with the simplest and least expensive ones. Please check the solutions one by one, starting from the top.

Do you have these symptoms?

  • camera in use
  • Error while using camera
  • Zoom camera not working Other apps

main causes

  • Other video apps/browser tabs occupy the camera
  • App termination incomplete

How to solve

Please check them in order from the top. If the issue is resolved, you do not need to proceed to the next step.

1

Checking the camera’s physical shutter/function keys

Some laptops turn off the camera with a physical switch or key.

Difficulty Easy time 2 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Make sure the shutter in front of the lens is not closed.
  2. 2Check the camera icon function key or side switch.

confirmation point

After these steps, see if the “camera in use” symptom decreases or disappears. If there is no change, check whether another video app or browser tab may be occupying the camera in the next step.

2

Check camera privacy permissions

If Windows permissions are turned off, apps won't be able to access the camera.

Difficulty Easy time 3 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera.
  2. 2Turn on camera access and app access.
  3. 3Make sure the problem app is allowed.
3

Test in other camera apps

Determine whether this is an issue with a specific Zoom, Teams, or browser app or a device-wide issue.

Difficulty Easy time 5 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Open the Windows Camera app and check if there is video.
  2. 2If other apps are using the camera, close them completely.
4

Update or reinstall camera drivers

Outdated or corrupted camera drivers may be causing the symptom.

Difficulty Moderate time 10~30 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Check the device in Device Manager.
  2. 2Check your PC or component manufacturer's site for camera drivers for your current model.
  3. 3If the problem started immediately after an update, consider rolling back to the previous stable version.
  4. 4After installing the driver, restart your PC.
5

Test the external camera on a different PC with a different USB port.

Isolate USB connection or camera hardware issues.

Difficulty Moderate time 10-20 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Remove the hub and connect directly to your PC.
  2. 2Connect to a different USB port.
  3. 3If possible, check on another PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of things we frequently check regarding this issue.

Related issues

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