Omegle is gone — the sites that replaced it work the same way
Omegle shut down in November 2023. The random video chat sites people use now run in the browser too: the site asks for your camera and microphone, then connects you to a stranger with a direct video connection (WebRTC). So a problem is almost always one of three things — the camera itself, the site's permission, or the connection. The test above rules out the first one.
Camera works here but not on the chat site
- The site was blocked once. Permission is saved per site. If you ever clicked Block, the site won't ask again: click the site-information icon at the left of the address bar on the chat site, set Camera and Microphone to Allow and reload.
- Another tab has the camera. Close other chat sites, meeting tabs and apps like Zoom, Teams or OBS. Two chat tabs open at once is a common cause.
- You opened the link inside another app. Links opened in Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or Facebook use a built-in browser that often can't use the camera. Use Open in browser and continue in Chrome or Safari.
- Wrong camera selected. If you have a virtual camera (OBS Virtual Camera, a camera app's filter driver), the site may pick it and show black. Choose your real camera in the site's settings or in the browser's site settings.
If the camera doesn't start on this page either, see camera not working.
Stuck on "Connecting" or the stranger never appears
When your preview shows but the chat never connects, the camera is fine. Video goes directly between you and the other person, and some things block that:
- Extensions that disable WebRTC or "prevent IP leaks" — turn them off for the chat site.
- A VPN or proxy — try with it off.
- School, office and public Wi-Fi often block video connections — try mobile data or your home network.
The other person can't hear you
- Make sure the meter moves in the mic test above, then check the chat site isn't using a different microphone (for example the webcam mic instead of your headset).
- Look for a mute button on the chat page and on your headset.
- Hearing an echo of the stranger? Use headphones.
Why your video looks mirrored
Your own preview is shown like a mirror, because that feels natural. The other person sees you the right way round — text on your shirt reads correctly for them even if it looks backwards to you.
On a phone
- iPhone: use Safari and allow the camera when asked; if you blocked it, open Settings → Apps → Safari → Camera (and Microphone).
- Android: in Chrome, tap the icon left of the address → Permissions → allow Camera and Microphone.
- Use the front camera and hold the phone at eye level — propping it up beats holding it.
Look better to strangers in a few seconds
Face a light, not a window behind you, and keep the camera at eye level. The picture-quality panel in the test above shows if your room is too dark. For more, see why your webcam is blurry, dark or grainy.
Stay safe with strangers
- Random video chat sites are for adults (18+).
- Don't show your face together with your name, school, address or anything in the background that identifies you.
- Leave and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable. People can record their screen even if the site doesn't.
- Wondering what a website can do with your camera? See is it safe to test your webcam online.