Video chat camera not working? Here's how to fix it
If the other person can't see you, or you can't hear them, it's almost always a permission or another app using your camera. Work through these in order. Most take under a minute.
These steps apply to any video chat in your browser, including kynq.
kynq works in your browser, no download. 18+ only.
1. Allow the camera and microphone in the browser
- When the site asks to use your camera and microphone, tap Allow. If you tapped Block by accident, it won't ask again.
- On a computer, click the lock or settings icon next to the web address, find Camera and Microphone, and set them to Allow. Then refresh the page.
- On Android, tap the lock icon next to the address, open Permissions and allow Camera and Microphone.
- On iPhone, open the website settings from the address bar menu in Safari and allow Camera and Microphone for the site, or check Settings, then Safari, then Camera and Microphone.
2. Close other apps using the camera
Only one app can use your camera at a time. Close other video call apps, camera apps and screen recorders, and any other browser tabs that are on a call. Then refresh the page.
3. Check your device's own permissions
- On Windows, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Camera, and make sure camera access is on for your browser.
- On a Mac, go to System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Camera and Microphone, and tick your browser.
- On a phone, check that the browser app has camera and microphone access in the phone's settings.
4. Check the right device is selected
If you have more than one camera or microphone, such as a laptop webcam and a Bluetooth headset, the browser may be using the wrong one. Check the camera and microphone choice in the site's permissions, or unplug the one you don't need.
5. Fix sound problems
- Check you're not muted, and that the volume on your device is up.
- If you're using Bluetooth earphones, try wired ones or switch Bluetooth off and on.
- Use earphones to avoid echo, where your voice comes back through the speaker.
6. Improve a frozen or blurry picture
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Close other tabs and apps that use bandwidth, such as downloads or streaming.
- Turn on good lighting. A dark room makes the picture grainy.
- Restart your browser, then your device, if it's still stuck.
7. Try another browser
If nothing works, open the site in a different, up-to-date browser. Chrome and Safari usually work, and updating your browser fixes many camera problems.
Questions people ask
- Why can't the other person see me on video chat?
- Usually the browser hasn't been allowed to use your camera, or another app is using it. Allow the camera in the site's permissions and close other apps using it.
- Why can't I hear the other person?
- Check your device volume, that you aren't muted, and your Bluetooth connection. Wired earphones are the easiest test.
- I blocked the camera by mistake. How do I undo it?
- Click the lock icon next to the web address, find Camera and Microphone, set them to Allow and refresh the page.
- Does kynq need an app for the camera to work?
- No. It works in the browser on a phone or laptop, as long as you allow the camera and microphone.
Safe by design, for adults
kynq is 18+ only. Video and audio are never recorded or stored, Next person is always one tap away, and you can report or block anyone. Read more in our safety centre, or see whether random video chat is safe.