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If you encounter errors such as “camera already in use,” “camera unavailable,” or see a blank video feed during your assessment, it usually means another application is accessing your camera. Video conferencing tools and background software can lock the camera, preventing your browser from using it for the assessment. This article explains why these conflicts occur and how to resolve them effectively before or during your test.

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✅ Common Causes and Fixes

What Might Be WrongHow to Fix It
Video conferencing app is using the cameraFully close all video apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, FaceTime, Slack, Discord, or WebEx. Do not just minimize them.
Background process still running after closing the appWindows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Processes → end all related app processes.
Mac: Open Activity Monitor → search for the app → quit all instances. Restart your browser afterward.
Another browser tab is using the cameraCheck all open tabs for a camera indicator icon. Close any tab using the camera, or close the browser completely and reopen only the assessment tab.
Camera or photo software is openClose built-in camera apps or photo/video tools (e.g., Camera app, Photo Booth, Photos, video editors). These can hold camera access even when idle.
Multiple browser windows or profiles openClose all browser windows and profiles except the one being used for your assessment. Other profiles may still access the camera.
Browser did not release the camera from a previous sessionCompletely restart your browser. If the issue persists, restart your computer to reset camera resources.
Camera privacy settings blocking accessWindows: Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → enable camera access and browser permissions.
Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → allow your browser.

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Additional Tips

  • Close all camera-using applications before launching your assessment.
  • Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to confirm no background processes are using the camera.
  • Restart your system 5–10 minutes before the test for a clean setup.
  • Keep system monitoring tools accessible during the test for quick troubleshooting.
  • If using a work-managed device, confirm with IT whether monitoring software may interfere.
  • Disconnect and reconnect external webcams if used.
  • Consider keeping a backup device available in case camera conflicts cannot be resolved quickly.