> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.talview.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why is my hardware check stuck or the permission pop-up not appearing?

If the hardware check stays on the loading screen, or you're asked to allow camera and microphone access but no pop-up appears, your browser or device is likely blocking the request. This can happen when permissions were denied earlier, another app is using your camera or microphone, or a browser extension is interfering.

This guide helps you get the permission prompt to appear and complete the hardware check.

### ✅ Common Causes and Fixes

| **What Might Be Wrong** | **What You Can Do** |
| :- | :- |
| Permissions were blocked earlier in the browser | Click the **lock icon** in the address bar → **Site settings** → set **Camera** and **Microphone** to **Allow**. Refresh the page once. |
| Your operating system is blocking access | **Windows:** Go to **Settings → Privacy & security → Camera** and **Microphone**, and turn on access for your browser. **Mac:** Go to **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera** and **Microphone**, and turn on access for your browser or Talview Secure Browser. Restart the browser afterwards. |
| Another app is using your camera or microphone | Close apps such as Zoom, Teams, Meet, or Skype, then try the hardware check again. |
| A browser extension is blocking the prompt | Disable privacy, ad-blocking, or VPN extensions, then reload the exam page. |
| The pop-up opened behind the exam window | Check for the prompt behind other windows or in your taskbar or dock. |
| The page is taking longer than expected | Wait a few seconds and refresh **once**. Avoid refreshing repeatedly, as this can disrupt the session. |
| You're using Talview Secure Browser and permissions weren't granted during setup | Close Secure Browser, grant Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording access in your system settings, then relaunch it from your exam link. |
| Still stuck after trying the steps above | Use the **Need Help** option at the bottom-left of the screen to contact a proctor. |

### 🛠 Final Check: Before You Retry

* Camera and microphone are set to **Allow** in your browser
* Your operating system allows camera and microphone access for your browser or Secure Browser
* No other apps are using your camera or microphone
* Extensions that could block permissions are turned off
* You've refreshed the page **once** or restarted the browser

👉 [Run Diagnostics](https://docs.talview.com/candidates/system-diagnostics/run-diagnostics.md) to test your camera and microphone before your exam.


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