HireVue Camera Not Working? Check Permissions and Devices

Protect an interview already in progress

Before changing settings, read the current screen. An equipment test, a practice question, an assessed recording and an upload are different stages. Note the error, time and time zone, and whether a recording or upload had begun. Keep private invitation details out of public screenshots.

HireVue's frozen-browser guidance warns that recovery can lose progress that has not uploaded. That does not mean you should repeatedly refresh to see whether another attempt appears. If an answer is being assessed or saved, use the official help route before experimenting with restarts. For attempt rules, read the separate HireVue retake guide.

Identify the camera or microphone symptom

Use this editorial triage table to choose one check, rather than changing every setting at once. HireVue explains that the access-required error means the service cannot access the camera and microphone. Other symptoms need different checks.

Check browser and system permissions separately

In Chrome, review permission for the actual invitation website, not this practice website. Google's current instructions explain site permissions and camera or microphone selection under Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings. Check both inputs; allowing the camera does not necessarily allow the microphone.

On a Mac, Apple's camera guidance uses System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. Check the browser's microphone access in the corresponding Microphone category too. On Windows, Microsoft's guidance distinguishes camera access from desktop-app access; a browser may need the latter. Labels vary with system version.

For Safari, iPhone, iPad or Android, follow the device-specific links in HireVue's access-error article. Do not copy a desktop menu path onto a phone. If settings are locked by work or school management, contact the administrator instead of disabling protections or allowing every website globally.

Check device use and the selected input

Close unnecessary calling or recording apps and extra browser sessions that could be using the hardware. Check a webcam's privacy cover, cable and connection. For audio, check the headset's physical mute switch and which microphone is selected: a connected headset, display or external webcam can change the available inputs.

A microphone problem can also be a playback problem. HireVue's practice-audio guidance separates microphone use from speaker or headphone output. Speak while watching the input indicator, then listen through the intended output. A silent playback does not, by itself, prove that the camera failed.

Use the official device and browser list for compatibility. This article does not turn an old minimum operating-system version into a recommendation to use unsupported software, or promise that another device will recover an unfinished answer.

Verify the setup before an assessed answer

When the official flow clearly offers an equipment check or practice question, use it to check these separately:

1. The intended camera shows a usable picture, rather than a covered lens or another input.
2. The microphone indicator responds to your normal speaking volume.
3. Playback contains understandable audio through the output you intend to use.
4. The device has power and a stable connection, and unnecessary calling apps are closed.
5. You can identify the control that starts the actual interview and have read its attempt instructions.

Do not enter an assessed question merely to test hardware. Passing this checklist is a preparation check, not certification of HireVue compatibility or a guarantee of successful submission. General framing advice belongs in the on-camera clothing and setup checklist, not in another round of permission changes.

Send a useful support request

If the same symptom remains, contact the official support channel in your invitation. Include the exact error, device and browser versions, time, stage and the single changes you already tried. Explain whether camera preview, microphone input and playback each work; that is more useful than saying only “the video is broken.” Send any private invitation identifier only through the official channel.

Notify the hiring company separately if a deadline, accessibility arrangement or new attempt needs its decision. HireVueGames cannot access or repair the employer's session. Once the issue is resolved, the interview preparation guide can help you return to preparing your answers instead of continuing unnecessary equipment changes.