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Revoke a website's camera or microphone access in Chrome

Browser permissions accumulate. A video-call site may need a camera today, but a site you tested last year need not keep the same grant. Chrome also depends on the computer's operating-system permission, so a blocked call can have two separate causes.

Review only what you granted​

  1. Open Chrome Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings. Under Permissions, inspect Camera and Microphone separately. Look at allowed sites, not just the global default.
  2. For each unfamiliar or unused site, open its entry and remove or block the permission. If you still use a video-call service, leave that specific site available or choose a one-time grant next time it asks.
  3. Close the affected tab and reopen a trusted call page to test. If the correct site cannot use a device, check its per-site permission, the browser's selected camera or microphone, and the operating-system privacy setting.
  4. Repeat for location if you have granted many sites access. A map can often work with a typed location instead of a permanent permission.

What a permission means​

Google says an allowed site can use the camera or microphone while you are on that site; it cannot start recording merely because Chrome is open in another app. Still, a malicious page you visit again can misuse a grant. Chrome may remove grants from long-unused sites automatically, but that is not a substitute for checking the list. Use Google's camera and microphone guide and site-permission controls for the current menu. If the browser displays a fake system-virus warning, see our warning checklist before granting anything.
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