If your camera isn't working when trying to record a video message, don't worry - this is usually an easy fix. Below are the most common causes and solutions.
đˇ Quick Fix: Try These First
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these quick fixes that resolve most camera issues:
- Refresh the page (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R)
- Make sure no other app is using your camera (close Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Click "Allow" if you see a permission popup
1. Browser Permission Issues
The most common reason for camera problems is that your browser doesn't have permission to access your camera. Each browser handles this differently.
In Chrome:
- Click the lock/info icon in the address bar (left of the URL)
- Find "Camera" in the permissions list
- Change it from "Block" to "Allow"
- Refresh the page
In Firefox:
- Click the lock icon in the address bar
- Click "Connection secure" then "More Information"
- Go to the "Permissions" tab
- Find "Use the Camera" and select "Allow"
In Safari:
- Go to Safari > Preferences > Websites
- Click "Camera" in the left sidebar
- Find bovella.com and set to "Allow"
2. Camera Being Used by Another App
Most cameras can only be used by one application at a time. If another app is using your camera, Bovella won't be able to access it.
Close any apps that might be using your camera:
- Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype
- FaceTime or other video calling apps
- Photo Booth or Camera apps
- Other browser tabs with video recording
After closing these apps, refresh the Bovella page and try again.
3. Operating System Permissions
On Mac, Windows, and some mobile devices, your operating system also controls camera access. Your browser needs OS-level permission to use the camera.
- Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
- Click "Camera" in the left sidebar
- Make sure your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) is checked
- Restart your browser
- Open Settings > Privacy > Camera
- Make sure "Camera access for this device" is On
- Make sure "Allow apps to access your camera" is On
- Scroll down and ensure your browser has access
4. Hardware Issues
Sometimes the issue is with the camera hardware itself.
Check if your camera works elsewhere
- Try your camera in another app (Zoom, Photo Booth, Camera app)
- If it doesn't work there either, the issue is with your camera, not Bovella
For laptops with built-in cameras
- Check if there's a physical camera cover or privacy shutter
- Some laptops have a keyboard shortcut to enable/disable the camera
- Check if the camera indicator light turns on when you start recording
For external webcams
- Make sure the USB cable is properly connected
- Try a different USB port
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the webcam
- Check if drivers need to be updated
5. Try a Different Browser
If nothing else works, try using a different browser. Bovella works best with:
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari (on Mac)
If you've tried all of the above and your camera still isn't working, please contact our support team at support@bovella.com. Include your browser version, operating system, and a description of what you've tried.