How do I troubleshoot my camera and microphone on a PC/Windows computer?
Check out this video below to see how to set up your camera and microphone for the best BombBomb experience or keep reading for the step-by-step.
Click on any of the links below to jump to that specific information:
- Make sure your camera is working
- Make sure your microphone is working
- Check your privacy settings
- Check your antivirus software
- Browser recommendations
- Troubleshooting for Chrome
- Other considerations
Step 1: Let's make sure your camera is working by searching for "Camera" in the search bar in the bottom left corner of your screen. Open it up. If the camera is working, move on to the next step! If your camera does not open or you get an error message, you may have a camera hardware issue. Please contact your computer manufacturer’s support team.
Step 2: Make sure your microphone is working by right-clicking on the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. Select “Open Sound Settings" and click on the Output and Input dropdown menus. Make sure your desired speaker and microphone hardware are selected. Next, click the “Troubleshoot” button, and your computer will run a diagnostic. Occasionally, a microphone might be muted in your sound settings, and this tool will find and fix these issues for you.
Step 3: Check your privacy settings by searching for "Camera Privacy Settings" in the search bar in the bottom left corner of your screen. Make sure "Allow apps to access your camera" is toggled on. Scroll and make sure "Allow desktop apps to access Your camera" is also toggled on. Do these same steps for "Microphone Privacy Settings."
Step 4: Toggle Off Antivirus Software
Network security software can prevent your video from working, as many security softwares now have settings that can block cameras. Software programs, including Kaspersky, Zscaler, McAfee, and Malwarebytes can block aspects of our product and may need to be disabled. Toggle off your antivirus program briefly to check if you can access your camera with BombBomb's software. (This often needs to be adjusted by your IT Administrator.) Do this by locating your antivirus software's icon in the taskbar on the bottom right of your screen. Right-click on the icon and look for something similar to "Disable" or "Turn off."
If your antivirus software is blocking your camera, you may need to connect with your software provider to ask how to allow BombBomb to access your camera.
What browser should I use?
We recommend using Google Chrome as your browser for BombBomb. Google does a great job keeping it up-to-date, so it takes care of a lot of bugs. If you find your webcam is not working the way it should try downloading and installing Chrome.
How do I make sure Google Chrome is up to date?
Step 1: Make sure Chrome is up to date by clicking the 3 dots in the top right corner of Chrome. Select "Help" and then "About Google Chrome."
Step 2: When you open this screen, it will let you know if your Chrome is up to date. If not, it will automatically begin to download and install the updates. When it's finished, relaunch the browser as instructed.
Note: If your page says, "Google Chrome may not be able to keep itself updated" or "Update Failed," your admin may have disabled updates. In this case, please check with your admin.
How do I clear my cache?
Step 1: Click the 3 dots in the top right corner of Chrome. Select "More Tools" and then "Clear Browsing Data."
Step 2: In the pop-up box, select only "Cached Images and Files," and make sure the "Time Range" dropdown box says "All Time."
How do I clear cookies for BombBomb?
Step 1: When in the BombBomb web application or in Gmail, click the Settings icon in the left side of the URL bar next to the web address. Select "Cookies."
Step 2: In the scroll window, select anything that is related to BombBomb, such as "bombbomb.com" or "app.bombbomb.com," and click "Remove."
How do I check site settings for BombBomb?
When in the BombBomb web application, click the Lock icon in the left side of the URL bar next to the web address. Make sure the Camera and Microphone are allowed.
Are there other site settings I need to adjust?
Click the 3 dots in the top right corner of Chrome. Click "Settings." On this page, scroll down to "Privacy and Security." Click "Site Settings." Under "Permissions," click on "Camera" make sure your camera has permission on any BombBomb or Gmail-related sites. Do the same for your microphone. To reset this permission if it is still not working, click the Trash icon next to BombBomb or Gmail-related pages for both camera and microphone. Then go back to the BombBomb site or Gmail and try using the recorder again. You should see a pop-up asking to allow your camera and microphone.
Is my VPN affecting BombBomb?
If you are connected to a VPN, it could be conflicting with BombBomb's software. Disconnect from your VPN and try using the camera again. If it works, send a list of the following URLs to your IT department and ask them to whitelist them for you:
- https://desktop.bombbomb.io/* — Screen Recorder communication to/from the web app
- wss://scribe2.bombbomb.com/* — Uploads video over a live connection
- https://scribe2.bombbomb.com/* — https portion of the live connection
- https://metro.bombbomb.io/* — Sends BombBomb basic info about the usage for certain features
- https://lumberjack.bombbomb.io/ — Sends BombBomb diagnostic info for errors etc
- https://s3.amazonaws.com/bombbomb-installers/BombBombInstaller.exe
Im using a Lenovo computer, is it affecting BombBomb?
There is a program called "Vantage" on Lenovo computers that can block camera and microphone settings. Search for "Vantage" in the bottom left corner of your screen. Open Vantage and navigate to "My Device Settings," then "Display & Camera." Here, you can adjust your settings. Read more.
Are other programs stopping me from recording?
Sometimes, other programs that use your camera and microphone, like Zoom, can interfere with BombBomb. Make sure to quit these programs and check if this fixes your problem.
How do I check my internet speed?
Step 1: Go to speedtest.net
Step 2: Click "Go" in the middle of the page.
How do I update my audio drivers?
Check out this article to see how to uninstall and reinstall audio drivers.
I need more help!
Please contact our Customer Support team at support@bombbomb.com. We will be happy to help you!