How to check your camera and microphone in browser before an online stream?
Introduction
Before starting an online meeting, webinar, or stream, it's important to make sure your camera and microphone work correctly. Fortunately, this can be done directly in browser — without installing programs. Let's explore how to check devices, permissions, and image quality in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
1. Checking browser permissions
First thing — make sure the website has access to camera and microphone.
- Go to DoCam.io.
- Click "Allow access" when browser requests permissions.
- If permission was already declined — click the 🔒 (lock in address bar) → Site settings → enable "Camera" and "Microphone".
| Browser | How to enable permissions |
|---|---|
| Chrome / Edge | 🔒 → Site settings → Allow camera and microphone |
| Firefox | Camera icon → Allow temporarily or permanently |
| Safari | Site settings → Camera and microphone access → Allow |
2. Checking camera image
- After granting access, the image should appear in the preview window.
- Check video quality — lighting, focus, camera position.
- If camera doesn't work:
- Close other apps using the camera (Zoom, OBS, Skype).
- Check if camera is disabled in "Device Manager" (Windows) or "System Settings" (macOS).
Tip: image is dark — move closer to light source or enable "Auto brightness" in camera settings.
3. Checking microphone
- On DoCam site click "Check microphone".
- Say a few words — volume level should change.
- If nothing is heard:
- Select another microphone from the dropdown.
- Check if microphone is physically muted (switch or F8 key).
- In Windows: Settings → Sound → Input → Check activity indicator.
4. Optimal settings for streaming
- Camera resolution: 720p or higher.
- Microphone level: medium, no clipping.
- Ping: below 80 ms for stable video.
Check ping and connection stability in "Internet test" section on DoCam.io.
5. Tips before starting stream
- 🔇 Close all programs that may capture microphone.
- 🎥 Clean camera lens.
- 💡 Check lighting — light should fall from front.
- 🌐 Check connection (Ping and Jitter).
- 🎧 Use headphones to avoid echo.
Conclusion
Always test equipment before each stream! A few minutes of checking will save you from problems with missing video or sound. If something doesn't work — start with browser permissions and check device settings.
Check your camera, microphone, and internet speed right now on DoCam.io.