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My camera or microphone doesn't work

Flip supports any browser on PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. You may not be able access all Flip features on all browsers. We recommend you use the latest versions of Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. 

Important: If your camera is all black or gets stuck loading, learn how to fix it.

Camera/microphone access tips

  1. Find out if your system is compatible with Flip.
  2. Flip must have permission from your browser to access both your camera and microphone. You can check this setting in your browser or in your device’s privacy settings.
  3. Make sure there aren't any browser extensions interfering with the camera. Open an incognito or private browser window. Then, go to your Flip and open the camera.
  4. Find out your web browser's version and update to the latest version.
  5. Open another browser and try to open the Flip camera again. This helps identify an issue with the browser versus the device itself.
  6. Is Flip embedded into another webpage? If so, go to Flip.com and enter your Join code. Embedded topics can cause Flip camera issues.
  7. Force quit the browser or restart your device and try again. To force quit:
    • On Windows: Alt + F4
    • On Mac: Command + Q
    • On Chromebook: Close all windows.

How to turn on camera/microphone permissions in your browser

  1. Go to info.flip.com and log in.
  2. In the URL bar next to the Flip URL, click the lock icon.
  3. Make sure both camera and microphone have permissions.
    • For Microsoft Edge: Next to both settings it should say “Allow.”
    • For Chrome: Both camera and microphone permissions should be turned on.
  4. Click Refresh.

If the camera still doesn't load, try to fix the settings for your specific device.

How to give camera/microphone access in your computer’s settings

If you still have camera and microphone issues on Flip after you tried to fix them through your browser, it may be your operating system or device settings that cause the issues. Choose your device below for specific instructions on how to give your camera and microphone permissions.

PC camera/microphone access

Windows computers have a system setting that allows applications to access your camera and microphone.

To allow access to your camera:

  1. On your Windows device, open Settings.
  2. Click Privacy & security.
  3. Under “App permissions,” click Camera.
  4. Make sure Let apps access your camera is on.
  5. Scroll to “Allow desktop apps access your camera,” and make sure it’s on.
    • The browsers that have permission to use your camera should show up.

To allow access to your microphone:

  1. On your Windows device, open Settings.
  2. Click Privacy & security.
  3. Under “App permissions,” click Microphone.
  4. Make sure Let apps access your microphone is on.
  5. Scroll to “Let desktop apps access your microphone,” and make sure it’s on.
    • The browsers that have permission to use your camera should show up.

If you have multiple microphone devices connected to your PC, make sure the microphone you want to use is selected.

  1. On your Windows device, open Settings.
  2. Select System > Sound.
  3. Under “Input,” click the down arrow Down.png and make sure the microphone you want to use is selected.
    • If you use a microphone that isn’t the device’s default, and you can’t find it in the drop-down menu, click Add device. Then, turn on the microphone you want to use.

Specific device manufacturer settings

Mac camera/microphone access

Macs have a system setting that allows applications to access your camera and microphone.

Important: Make sure your Mac OS has updated to the most recent version.

To allow access to your camera:

  1. On your Mac, open System Preferences.
  2. Click Security & Privacy.
  3. Click the Privacy tab.
  4. In the left window, click Camera.
  5. In the window under “Allow the apps below to access your camera,” check all boxes next to the browsers you use for Flip.

To allow access to your microphone:

  1. On your Mac, open System Preferences.
  2. Click Security & Privacy.
  3. Click the Privacy tab.
  4. In the left window, click Microphone.
  5. In the window under “Allow the apps below to access your camera,” check all boxes next to the browsers you use for Flip.

If you have multiple microphone devices connected to your Mac, make sure the microphone you want to use is selected.

  1. On your Mac, open System Preferences.
  2. Click Sound.
  3. Click the Input tab.
  4. In the window under “Select a device for sound input:” make sure the correct microphone is selected.
Chromebook camera/microphone access

Chromebooks exclusively use the Google Chrome browser. If Chrome won't allow access to your camera or microphone, try to go through the Chromebook's settings.

To allow access to your camera:

  1. Go to chrome://settings/content/camera.
  2. In the top left, make sure the correct camera is selected.
  3. Under “Allow,” make sure “https://flip.com” or some variation of the Flip URL shows up.

To allow access to your microphone:

  1. Go to chrome://settings/content/microphone.
  2. In the top left, make sure the correct microphone is selected.
  3. Under “Allow,” make sure “https://flip.com” or some variation of the Flip URL shows up.

How to give camera/microphone access in your mobile device's settings

The Flip app allows you to record video responses on your iOS or Android device. You can download the app for free. Make sure your device meets our requirements and compatibility.

Important: To record a video on a mobile device, you must use the Flip app. You aren't able to record videos on a mobile browser.

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Flip app. Uninstall and reinstall the app.
  2. If possible, update to the latest OS version.
  3. Try to give the Flip app camera/microphone access through your device’s settings.
iOS device camera/microphone access
  1. On your device, tap Settings.
  2. At the top, in the search bar, enter "Flip." Then, tap Flip.
    • You can also scroll and tap Flip.
  3. Turn on Camera permissions or Microphone.
Android device camera/microphone access
  1. On your device, tap Settings > Apps.
  2. At the top, in the search bar, enter "Flip."
    • You can also scroll and tap Flip.
  3. Tap Permissions.
  4. Under "Not allowed," tap Camera or Microphone.
  5. Select Allow only while using the app.

Contact us

If these troubleshooting steps still don't provide a solution and you have any questions, we are here for you. You can contact our Support team here.

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