Hardware connection and basic checks

Before activating your best live webcam, first make sure that the 4k pc camera hardware is properly installed.

External web cam 4k

• If it's an external USB camera, check that the USB port is securely connected. Try plugging the camera's USB plug back in and out to make sure it's tightly connected. At the same time, observe the computer's response, such as whether the system has a device connected or disconnected during the plugging and unplugging process.
• Some high-end external cameras may require an additional power supply, so check that the power adapter is properly connected and that the power supply is working properly.

Built-in camera

• For built-in cameras that come with devices such as laptops, check that the lens is not occluded. Sometimes, dust, stickers, or other small objects may block the lens and interfere with the normal use of the camera. Carefully inspect the surface of the lens to see if it is clean and unobstructed.

Driver installation and updates

The driver is the key software for communication between the computer and the camera.

Windows  system

• Find the camera device in Device Manager:In the Windows operating system, you can open the app by entering "Device Manager" in the search box in the taskbar. In the Device Manager window, find the "Imaging Devices" or "Cameras" category. If the camera device is displayed normally and there is no yellow exclamation mark or red cross, the driver is installed normally.
• To update the drivers:If you find a problem with your camera device, or if you want to update your driver for better performance, you can right-click on your camera device and select Update Driver. The system will provide two ways to update: one is to automatically search for updated drivers, which will allow the system to find suitable drivers on installed updates and Microsoft servers; The other is to manually specify the location of the driver, which usually requires you to download the latest driver file from the camera manufacturer's official website and then follow the system prompts to install it.
• To install the driver:If you're new to your camera device and haven't had a driver installed, you'll usually come with a driver CD with your device. Insert the disc into your computer's optical drive and follow the installation wizard in the disc. However, many camera manufacturers now also provide the latest driver download on the official website, which is more convenient to get the latest driver.

MAC system

• Mac systems usually automatically recognize and install drivers for most cameras. If the camera isn't working, you can try updating your Mac operating system. This is because system updates may include support for new devices or optimizations to existing device drivers. You can check and install the latest system updates by clicking on "System Preferences" in the Apple menu and then selecting "Software Update".

Activate the camera at the software level

Windows system

• Use the system's built-in camera app:In Windows 10 and above, the Camera app comes with its own. You can find and open it by searching for "camera" in the start menu. When you open the camera app for the first time, you'll be prompted to allow the app to access your camera and microphone. You need to click "Yes" or "Allow" to grant permission so that the camera can be activated. In the camera app's interface, you can also adjust some basic shooting parameters, such as photo resolution, video frame rate, etc.
• To activate the camera via third-party software:Many third-party software can also use the camera, such as video conferencing software (such as DingTalk, WeCom, etc.), live streaming software (such as Douyu, Huya, etc.), and image processing software (such as Photoshop, etc.).
• Taking DingTalk as an example, after installing and logging in to DingTalk, when you initiate or join a video conference, the system will automatically detect and try to activate the camera. If it's not auto-activated, you can look for the camera-related icon (usually a small camera-like icon) in the meeting window and tap it to turn on the camera. And, when using it for the first time, DingTalk will also ask for permission to access the camera, which requires user consent.

MAC system

• Use the built-in camera app:In the Applications folder of your Mac, you can find the Camera app. When you open it, just like Windows, you'll be asked to access the camera for the first time. Once the permission is granted, the camera will be activated and you can use it to take photos or record videos.
• To activate the camera via third-party software:The process of activating a camera using third-party software on a Mac is similar to that of a Windows system. In the case of Skype, for example, when you install and open Skype, Skype will automatically detect if the camera is available when you start or join a video call. If it isn't activated, you can turn the camera on by finding the camera control button in Skype's call settings or video options. At the same time, the first time you use Skype to access the camera, you will need to grant the appropriate permissions.