WeChat camera not working? How to fix it

Diagnose and resolve WeChat camera issues with our comprehensive troubleshooting guide and online camera testing tool

Updated on November 8, 2026

How to fix the WeChat camera when it is not working

Start with the camera test at the top of this page. If your picture appears here, the camera works and WeChat needs permission. That one check tells you whether to fix WeChat or the device itself, and saves you from trying fixes that cannot help.

Quick checks first

  • Update WeChat on your phone and on your computer; video calls on a computer use the WeChat desktop app.
  • Close other apps that use the camera before starting a WeChat video call.

WeChat camera not working on Windows

  1. Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera (on Windows 10: Settings › Privacy › Camera). Turn on Camera access and Let apps access your camera, then check that WeChat is allowed in the list. Programs installed from the web appear under Let desktop apps access your camera, which must also be on.
  2. Fully exit WeChat from the system tray and restart it after changing permissions.
  3. Some antivirus programs have their own webcam protection that blocks unknown apps; allow WeChat there if you use one.

WeChat camera not working on Mac

  1. Open Apple menu › System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera and turn on WeChat. Quit and reopen WeChat afterwards. On macOS Monterey and earlier the switch is in System Preferences › Security & Privacy › Privacy › Camera.
  2. Quit WeChat with Cmd+Q and reopen it.

WeChat camera not working on iPhone

  1. On your iPhone, open Settings › Apps › WeChat (on iOS 17 and earlier: Settings › WeChat) and turn on Camera. If Camera is missing from that screen, WeChat has never asked for access: start a video call once and tap Allow.
  2. Check that Camera is allowed in Screen Time restrictions.

WeChat camera not working on iPad

  1. On your iPad, open Settings › Apps › WeChat (on iOS 17 and earlier: Settings › WeChat) and turn on Camera. If Camera is missing from that screen, WeChat has never asked for access: start a video call once and tap Allow.
  2. Restart the iPad if the camera stays black in every app.

WeChat camera not working on Android

  1. Open Settings › Apps › WeChat › Permissions › Camera and choose Allow only while using the app. On Android 12 and later, also swipe down twice and make sure the Camera access tile in Quick Settings is not turned off.
  2. Some phone makers add an extra "auto-start" or "background activity" switch; allow it for WeChat so calls are not cut.

WeChat guides to fix your camera not working

Experiencing camera issues with WeChat can disrupt your video conferences and meetings. Our specialized guides are designed to help you navigate and resolve these camera problems, ensuring your communications are seamless across any device. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, our targeted troubleshooting steps will assist you in getting your camera functioning properly again. Choose the guide that matches your device for detailed solutions.

Our WeChat camera troubleshooting guides are available for the following devices: