How To Resolve Virtual Camera Not Working Issue On Zoom

Have you ever tried to resolve the virtual camera not working issue on Zoom? After the increase of coronavirus, collaboration tools like Zoom have seen a rapid rise in user base as enterprises from all around the world are shifting to remote working. However, Zoom not only help offices and schools to continue their tasks. But it also provides casual users with the choice to use an add-on i.e Snapchat Filters that enable you to change yourself into a potato in a meeting.

Besides all the video conferencing tools, it’s a well-known fact that Zoom offers the amazing feature-packed service. Rather than its efforts, there’s a likelihood that you probably run into issues now and then while using Zoom.

In this article, we’re going to explain one big issue that Zoom users are facing at the moment and help you to resolve them so you return to doing your task on Zoom.

What is the virtual camera not working problem

The newest issue with Zoom is the one relating its functionality with a virtual camera. Virtual cameras are software that changes the output of your physical camera or webcam to generate images with slight changes i.e a potato face or a modification in background. However, there are many virtual camera software available online. It includes Snap Camera, Ecamm Live, ManyCam, and much more.

Users also report that the current version of Zoom can’t load virtual camera devices. Zoom looks to have turned off virtual cameras on both PC and Mac. Also, the problem first begins occurring for users on Mac, it has started appearing for Windows users as well.

Why is Zoom not able to use your virtual camera

The lack of ability does not to use a virtual camera software on Zoom is believed to be because of a current update (version 4.6.9) to the Zoom app on Mac and Windows as the earlier version works without any problem. It’s not clear if Zoom’s newest app update was to break the virtual camera functionality. Or else if the update was addressed to resolve security problems which rather broke the virtual camera support.

Can you resolve the virtual camera problem in Zoom

Officially Zoom hasn’t offered any solution to the breaking functionality of virtual camera software on its video conferencing tool. Also, you can manually resolve the virtual camera issue inside Zoom. Make sure the following workaround can’t work for you and if it doesn’t, the best thing is to wait for Zoom to resolve this problem.

How to resolve the ‘virtual camera not working’ issue in Zoom

This article will help you to resolve the virtual camera not working issue if you’re the one who installed the newest Zoom app version 4.6.9 on your computer. So downloading the older version of Zoom looks to work for many users as stated by Damon Kiesow.

Method 1 – Install an older version of Zoom

Step 1: Uninstall the recent version of Zoom on your PC.

• On Mac: Head over to Finder > Application, locate Zoom, and drag it to the Trash icon. Then you can move further to empty the trash by right-tapping the Trash icon on the dock. Choosing ‘Empty Trash’, and then confirming the process.
• On Windows: Press Windows+E shortcut. Tap the Uninstall or modify the program choice at the top. Look for Zoom, tap on the Uninstall button, and then confirm the action.

Step 2: Install and download an older version of Zoom 4.6.9.

• For Mac: Zoom
  • 4.6.8
  • 4.6.7
  • 4.6.4
• For Windows:
  • Zoom 4.6.7

Step 3: Open the latest installed Zoom app and check if choosing a virtual camera like Snap Camera opens the video output using Snap.

Method 2 – Install via Terminal on Mac

If the method mentioned above doesn’t work, simply try the following steps carefully. Make sure the technique will only work for Zoom users on Mac.

Step 1:

Head over to the Terminal app on your Mac by hitting the ‘Command + Spacebar’ shortcut to launch Spotlight. Entering Terminal, and double-tapping on the result.

Step 2:

Simply drag the Zoom app on your Mac using the Applications folder inside Finder to the Terminal window.

Step 3:

Input the following command in the Terminal window, and then hit the Enter key

$ pkgutil --expand Zoom.pkg Zoom
$ cd Zoom/Scripts
$ ./7r x zm.7z

What else can you try – Quick Fixes

If the ‘virtual camera not working’ issue continues also after installing or uninstalling an older version of the Zoom app on Windows and Mac. Then you can try these instant solutions to fix them.

Make sure your virtual cam is installed and enabled

If the issue virtual camera isn’t working on your Zoom app. Then remember your webcam is connected and that it is chosen as the latest input source in your video calling software. Also, you can check whether the webcam is working after opening your default webcam application. Or else trying it out on another video calling software that’s installed on your computer like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc.

Close and re-open your virtual camera app

You can also manually exit the virtual camera app first and then begin it again to resolve the issue you are facing.

Force shut Zoom and restart it

If Zoom can’t be able to analyze the virtual camera as the input. Then you must restart it and try again. If you want to remember your virtual camera works. Then you should not only close the video call application but also leave it as many videos calling software remain open in the background.

Restart your PC

If restarting the virtual camera app or Zoom can’t help to resolve the issue. Then you can try restarting your PC.

Is your virtual camera up to date

In case if you are still not able to use a virtual camera in your Zoom app, it seems that the virtual camera app itself is issuing out on your PC. To resolve this, you probably update to its newest version or begin with a fresh installation of the virtual camera software.

Reinstall webcam driver

If you want your webcam to work, your computer needs to know how your webcam works. That’s because the webcam driver steps in, enabling communication between your webcam and computer. If the virtual camera software can’t work on Zoom, as a last-ditch resort, you can then try to reinstall your webcam driver to get it up and executing again.

Then you got information about your webcam driver after opening the Control Panel on your computer and moving over to Hardware > Sound > Device Manager > Imaging Devices > Webcam. Simply copy your webcam name, look for the web drivers, install and download the latest driver for your webcam.

Just accept virtual cameras are not compatible with SOME apps

Some apps on your computer are not built to work with third-party add-ons. It includes your virtual camera software. For example, you won’t be able to use virtual cameras like ManyCam, Snap Camera, and Ecamm Live with Safari and FaceTime on a Mac.

Conclusion: