Hardware Testing & Setup
Why Built-in Cameras Work Better Than External Ones (and When to Use Them)
If you’re getting ready for an interview or a proctored assessment, you’ll need a working camera. You can use either the camera that comes built into your laptop or an external webcam. But from our experience, built-in cameras usually work better and cause fewer issues. This guide explains why built-in cameras work better, and what to do if you’re using an external webcam.
✅ Why Built-in Cameras Are Better
| What Matters | Built-in Camera | External Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to detect | Yes, system picks it up automatically | Sometimes needs manual setup |
| Stable connection | Fewer chances of disconnection | May stop working if USB is loose |
| Less setup required | Just open the browser and go | May need to choose camera from settings |
| More secure for test rules | Fixed in place | Can be moved around, may trigger warnings |
❌ Common Issues with External Cameras
| Problem | Why It Happens | What You Can Try |
|---|---|---|
| Camera not found | Not plugged in properly or not allowed by browser | Reconnect the camera and restart your browser |
| Black screen | Permissions not given to use the camera | Go to browser settings and allow camera access |
| Video is blurry or slow | Low-quality camera or old drivers | Try using your built-in camera instead |
| Camera turns off mid-test | USB gets loose or power drops | Use a different port or switch to built-in camera |
🔍 How to Check Your Camera Before Starting
You can use this system check before your test or interview. It will check your camera. To avoid any issues:- Make sure only one camera is connected.
- If you have both a built-in and external camera, the system may ask you to choose one.
- Pick the built-in one (it may show as “Integrated Camera” or “Laptop Camera”).
If your camera isn’t working, don’t start the test yet - try fixing it first.
📌 When to Use an External Camera
You can use an external camera if:- Your laptop camera is broken or blocked
- You need better video quality
- You’re using a desktop that doesn’t have a built-in camera
🆘 Still Need Help?
If your camera still isn’t working:- Take a screenshot of the error you’re seeing
- Mention if you’re using a built-in or external camera
- Let us know your device type (Windows, Mac, etc.) and browser name
- Contact Talview Support for help