How to enable your camera on Google Hangouts on a computer or mobile device

• You can easily enable the camera on Google Hangouts by giving your computer or mobile device permission to access your camera and microphone.
• Your computer will have to meet specific requirements to enable a camera on Google Hangouts.

You can video chat with up to 25 people in Google Hangouts. To make a video call on a desktop, note that there are a variety of system requirements.

A video call works best with a USB web camera – virtual cameras may not work. Google Hangouts is compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, Chrome, Ubantu, and other Dabian-based Linux distributions; and more specifically with Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox. For Internet Explorer and Safari, you can download the latest plugin via Google's website for it.

Google Hangouts can be accessed via desktop and mobile. Here's how to enable the camera on Google Hangouts.

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How to enable camera on Google Hangouts on a computer

1. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements for Hangouts, outlined above and available here.

2. If you have an external camera, connect it to your computer, again ensuring it meets the requirements.

3. If asked, allow your computer to access the camera and microphone.

4. To start a Google Hangout video call, go to hangouts.google.com. Hit the video icon, and when prompted, indicate that you trust the Google Hangouts plugin.

How to enable camera on Google Hangouts on a mobile device

1. Download the Hangouts app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, and if prompted, allow your phone to have access to your camera.

2. If the camera is not enabled on your iPhone, you'll have to manually do it through by first opening the Settings app. Scroll down and select "Hangouts." Move the "Camera" slider to the right to enable the camera.

• On an Android, open your Settings app, tap "Apps & Notifications," then "App info." Select the Hangouts app from the list, tap "Permissions," and toggle on the slider next to "Camera."

3. To begin a video call, open the Hangouts app. Click on the + sign on the bottom right to begin a new chat. Select the video icon at the top of the screen to begin a video chat.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• You can use Google Hangouts internationally to connect with others abroad, but it may cost a fee

• How to use Google Hangouts on your iPhone to start calls and messages, including group conversations

• How to search your Google Hangouts chats to find key words or messages

• How to send GIFs on Google Hangouts using your computer

• How to share your screen on Google Hangouts, and make your next meeting more efficient