How to test your webcam
Press Turn on camera and allow access. It works with built-in laptop cameras, USB webcams and phone front/rear cameras, with nothing to install.
- Pick a camera from Camera if you have more than one. Your choices are remembered.
- The default Maximum requests the highest resolution the camera offers. Switch to 1080p or 720p to compare.
- The overlay shows the actual resolution and measured FPS; the automatic check rates resolution, frame rate and lighting.
- Mirror flips the preview like a mirror, Snapshot saves a full-resolution PNG, and Fullscreen helps you check focus and noise.
Understanding resolution and FPS
Resolution is the size of the video the camera is sending right now. It can differ from the box: the browser picks the closest mode to what was requested, and some cameras drop the frame rate at their highest resolution. 720p (1280×720) or more is plenty for most calls and classes.
Measured FPS counts frames actually painted each second (using requestVideoFrameCallback where supported) rather than trusting the configured value, so it cannot exceed your display’s refresh rate and may dip when the computer is busy. 24 fps or more is smooth; below 15 looks choppy.
Many webcams fall to around 15 fps in a dark room because they lengthen the exposure of each frame. Add light and watch the number recover.
Lighting score and backlight detection
Every 0.6 seconds a small copy of the frame is analysed for a 0–100 lighting score. It peaks when average brightness (0–255) is between 100 and 150 and drops with very dark or bright images, blown-out or crushed areas, and low contrast.
If the edges are much brighter than the centre (where your face usually is), the tool flags backlight: the camera exposes for the bright window and your face goes dark.
- Put the light in front of you, behind or beside the monitor. Facing a window is ideal.
- Ceiling lights alone cast shadows under the eyes; bouncing a desk lamp off a wall softens them.
- Fingerprints on the lens make everything hazy — wipe it with a microfibre cloth.
Supported resolution check
Run check requests six resolutions from 320×240 to 3840×2160 and lists whether each is delivered and at what frame rate. If 1080p works but the FPS collapses, 720p may look smoother on calls.
In Chrome and Edge the check asks for native camera modes only. Other browsers may scale the video to fit a request, so some results can be scaled; a note appears under the table when that applies.
FAQ
Is my video uploaded or stored?
No. Analysis and snapshots happen entirely in your browser. Snapshots are saved to your device only when you press Save PNG.
My 1080p webcam shows 640×480.
With Browser default the browser may choose a low mode. Select Maximum or 1080p. If it stays low, connect the camera directly instead of through a hub and run the Supported resolutions check.
Why is my FPS around 15?
Many webcams lower the frame rate in dim light. Add light and see if it rises. If FPS is only low at the highest resolution, use one step lower for smoother calls.
I only see a black picture.
Check the privacy shutter, lens cover and any camera-off key. On Android 12+ a disabled Camera access toggle delivers a blank feed. Make sure no other app is using the camera.
Does mirroring affect what others see?
Mirror only changes your view on this page. Most video call apps also mirror only your own preview and send the unmirrored image to others.