To turn on your camera in Google Meet, click the camera button in the toolbar at the bottom of the meeting (or press Ctrl + E, Command + E on a Mac). If the button has a red slash and won’t turn on, your browser is blocking the camera: click the camera icon in the address bar, choose Always allow, and click Done. You can also turn the camera on before joining, on the preview screen.
Quick Answer
Click the camera button (or Ctrl + E). If it’s blocked, click the camera icon in the address bar > Always allow > Done, then reload the page.
Turn On the Camera on a Computer
- Open the meeting link. On the preview screen, click the camera button under your preview so it’s no longer red.
- If your browser asks to use your camera, click Allow.
- Click Join now.
- During the meeting, click the camera button in the bottom toolbar to turn video on or off.
Fix a Blocked Camera in the Browser
- Click the blocked camera icon at the right of the address bar, or the site information icon at the left.
- Select Always allow access to your camera (and microphone) and click Done.
- Reload the page.
In Chrome you can also go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera and make sure Meet isn’t in the blocked list.
Allow Camera Access in Windows and macOS
- Windows 11: Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Turn on Camera access and Let desktop apps access your camera, which covers your browser.
- Windows 10: Settings > Privacy > Camera. Turn on access for this device and Allow desktop apps to access your camera.
- Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, then turn on your browser. Quit and reopen the browser.
Turn On the Camera in the Meet App
- iPhone or iPad: Tap the camera icon in the meeting. If it’s blocked, go to the iPhone Settings app, scroll to Meet (or Gmail, if you join from Gmail), and turn on Camera.
- Android: Tap the camera icon. If it’s blocked, go to Settings > Apps > Meet > Permissions > Camera and choose Allow.
Why the Camera Won’t Turn On
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Browser permission blocked | Allow the camera from the address bar and reload |
| Another app is using the camera | Close Zoom, Teams, the Camera app, or other tabs using video |
| Wrong camera selected | More options (three dots) > Settings > Video > choose the camera |
| Privacy switch or shutter | Open the lens cover or press the laptop’s camera key |
| Host turned off participant video | Ask the host; they can lock cameras in host controls |
| School or work account restriction | Your administrator may limit camera use; contact them |
To change brightness, focus, or resolution, see how to adjust webcam settings on Windows 10. If your image looks backward, read how to mirror or flip your webcam; Meet shows you a mirrored preview, but others see you the right way around.
For the mic too, read how to allow microphone access in Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut to turn the camera on or off in Google Meet?
Ctrl + E on Windows and ChromeOS, or Command + E on a Mac.
Why does Google Meet say my camera is not found?
Windows or macOS privacy settings are blocking the browser, the camera driver isn’t working, or an external webcam is unplugged. Check the privacy settings above, then reconnect the camera.
Can I join with the camera off?
Yes. Turn the camera off on the preview screen before clicking Join now.
Summary
- Click the camera button or press Ctrl + E.
- Allow the camera in the browser’s address bar if it’s blocked.
- Turn on camera access in Windows or macOS privacy settings.
- Close other apps using the camera.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.