Samsung Chromebook camera is no longer working

The camera (or webcam) on your laptop is considered a "plug and play" device. This means that your Chromebook should recognize the device without the need of drivers to operate it. If there is an issue with your camera, it could be due to a software glitch or an issue with the hardware itself.

Samsung Chromebook camera is no longer working

Checkpoint

Restart your Chromebook

Note

If you're using any accessories, unplug them from your Chromebook, and then plug them back in after the restart.

Close any apps you have running.
Next, select the Taskbar icon in the bottom right corner, and then select the Power icon.
When the system powers off, wait 30 seconds, and then press the Power button to turn your Chromebook back on.

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Check the Camera app on your Samsung Chromebook

Select the Launcher icon in the lower right corner of your Chromebook’s screen.
Open the Camera app.

Note: If your Chromebook has multiple connected cameras, you can choose your desired camera by selecting its switch. This will enable the selected camera.
Select the Record icon to begin recording a video. You may need to select Video first.
To end the recording, select the Stop icon.
You can play back the recording if desired.

If there are issues with your recording, please review the following:

If the recording or the preview is unclear, check for dust in the camera lens.
If the recorded sound is not loud enough, check the microphone volume.
If there is no sound at all in the recording, ensure that you have not muted the microphone.

For more information about using the Camera app, check out Google's Chromebook Help page.

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Factory reset your Chromebook

Note

If the Chromebook is being used at work or school, it cannot be reset. Contact your administrator for support.

Use the Advanced Settings menu:

Select the Taskbar in the lower right, and then select Settings.
Select Advanced at the bottom.
Scroll to the Reset settings section, then select Powerwash, and then select Reset.
After the restart, select Powerwash when prompted, and then select Continue.

Use the shortcut keys:

Select the Taskbar in the lower right, then select the Power icon, and then select Sign out.
Press and hold CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + R on the keyboard, and then select Restart.
When prompted, select Powerwash, and then select Continue.

Sign into your Google account

Follow the on-screen prompts and sign into your Google account to set up the Chromebook. The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the new owner account. If you are unable to sign into your Google account, please refer to the Google Account Help center. You can also use your Chromebook without adding a Google account. Select Browse as Guest to proceed.

Test your Chromebook to see if the issue has been resolved.

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Perform a Chromebook system recovery with a recovery media drive

Important

Back up all of your Chromebook's files before performing a recovery because they may be erased during the recovery process.

Disconnect any accessories

If you have anything connected to the Chromebook, like a mouse or an external hard drive, disconnect it.

Create a recovery image

On the working computer, install the recovery add-on, and then open the app.
Select Get Started.
Enter the model code of your Chromebook, then select Continue.
Insert the USB flash drive or SD card.
Select the dropdown menu, and then select your flash drive or SD card.
Select Continue, and then select Create now. If needed, allow the necessary permissions.
You will receive a notification stating that the recovery media is ready, then remove the flash drive or SD card.

Note

To create a recovery image, you will need a USB flash drive or SD card that can hold at least 8GB and an extra working computer that has the Chrome browser installed.

Enter Recovery Mode

Press and hold Esc + Refresh and then press Power. Release Power first, then when a message pops up on the screen, let go of the other keys.
For earlier versions of the Chromebook, remove the power adapter, and then use a paper clip to press recovery located on the bottom side of the Chromebook. Continue holding the paper clip in place while connecting the power adapter. Then, press Power.

Perform a system recovery

Insert the flash drive or SD card when you see one of the following messages:

"Chrome OS is missing or damaged. Please insert a recovery USB stick or SD card."
"Please insert a recovery USB stick or SD card."

Note

Chromebooks used at work or school cannot be reset. Please contact your administrator to wipe the data and re-enroll the device on your work or school network.

Sign into your Google account

You may also use your Chromebook without adding a Google account. Select Browse as Guest to proceed.

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Request service for your Chromebook

If you've performed a system recovery and the problem continues, service is required. Please visit our Support Center to request service.

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Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.

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