- If you use the Messenger desktop app, try restarting it. If you access Messenger through a web browser, close and reopen it.
- If you’re using an external camera for video calls, ensure its cables are securely connected to your computer.
- Unfortunately, Mozilla Firefox doesn’t support video calling for Messenger. If you use Firefox, consider switching to a different browser, like Chrome or Edge, for video chat functionality.
Basic Fixes
- Login again to your Messenger account: The very first thing you should do is to log out and then back into your Messenger account. This will eliminate any temporary bug or glitch that might be causing the problem.
- Update your browser: The problem may also be related to your browser rather than the Messenger website. It is possible that the browser you are using is outdated, which could be the root of the problem. To rule out this possibility, ensure you have the latest version of your browser installed.
- Close applications using the Camera app: Another action to take is to close any other applications using the camera in the background. These applications can interfere with Messenger and cause the problem.
FIX 1: Allow Browser or Messenger App to Access the Microphone and Camera
You can’t make video calls through Messenger if the browser through which you’re accessing it doesn’t have access to your device’s microphone and camera. Here’s how to grant Google Chrome the necessary permissions:
Step 1: Open Google Chrome > click the three dots icon at the top-right corner > choose Settings .
Step 2: Select Privacy & security from the left sidebar > choose Site settings from the right.
Step 3: Under the Permissions section, choose Camera .
Step 4 : Select the Sites can ask to use your camera option.
Step 5: Return to the Site settings window and select Microphone .
Step 6: Select the Sites can ask to use your microphone option.
Similarly, you should give camera and microphone permission to any other browser you use.
If you’re using the Messenger desktop app , follow these steps to provide it access to camera and microphone:
Step 1 : Open the Settings menu by using the Windows + I key > select Privacy & security from the left sidebar > choose Camera from the right.
Step 2: Enable the toggle for Messenger .
Step 3: Return to the Privacy & security window and choose the Microphone option.
Step 4: Turn on the Messenger toggle.
FIX 2: Grant Necessary Permissions to Facebook Website
Ensure that Messenger and the Facebook website have permission to access your device’s camera and microphone. To check this in Chrome, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Chrome Settings menu > click on Privacy & security in the left sidebar > select Site settings .
Step 2: Choose Camera and verify that the Facebook or Messenger website is not present under the Not allowed to use your camera section.
Step 3: If either website is listed, click on it and select Allow for the Camera and Microphone options.
FIX 3: Change Default Camera and Microphone
If you have an external microphone or camera attached to your computer, ensure your browser is using the correct camera and microphone for the video call. Here’s how to verify this on Chrome:
Step 1: Open the Chrome Settings menu > select Privacy & security > Site settings > Camera .
Step 2: Click on the drop-down menu and select the camera you wish to use.
Step 3: Return to the Site settings window again > choose Microphone > select the microphone you wish to use from the drop-down menu.
