When attempting to use the built in camera on a Lenovo laptop the camera does not work.
Instead of seeing the image from the camera you see an image with a grey background and a white camera with a cross through it.
The issue maybe simply that the Lenovo camera’s “privacy mode” may be enabled.
The "privacy mode" is a feature designed for you to disable the camera for all software, when you do not want any applications to automatically start video without your consent.
Solutions
Open you video application first, so that you can confirm your camera is ON when trying these solution steps.
Solution 1: Some models may have physical cover. Check that the lens cover is open.
- Look for where your camera is on the laptop – usually this is above the monitor on the frame
- Check if it has a lens cover and whether it is closed
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These are usually a small plastic strip that slides over the lens
Solution 2: Use the dedicated key to enable the Camera
- Look on the laptop keyboard for a camera icon – the key is usually the F8 or F7 key
- Press the key to see if it enables the camera
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If it does not – try holding the ‘Fn’ key and the camera key together
Solution 3: Enable camera using the Lenovo Vantage app
To re-enable the camera:
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Open the Windows start menu, and type ‘Lenovo Vantage’ and open it
if you do not have Lenovo Vantage installed you can find it on the Windows App Store)
- Click on the menu icon at the top right and then click on ‘My Device Settings’
- At the top of the page, click on ‘Display & Camera’
- Scroll down until the ‘Camera’ section and Set ‘Camera Privacy Mode’ to ‘OFF’
If none of these solutions worked for you, submit a ticket for assistance with the Randolph IT Help Desk.