How to fix the 'NotReadableError'
What is NotReadableError?
This error occurs when the browser cannot read from the camera or microphone device, typically because:
- Another application is using the device
- The device was disconnected while in use
- Hardware/driver issues are preventing access
- The device failed to initialize properly
Please select your operating system or browser:
Windows
1. Check Active Applications:
- Close all applications that might be using your camera/microphone:
- Video conferencing apps (Zoom, Teams, Skype, Discord)
- Other browser windows/tabs using camera
- Recording software
- Virtual camera software
2. Reset Camera Device:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Imaging devices
- Right-click your camera → Disable device
- Wait 10 seconds
- Right-click again → Enable device
3. Fix Driver Issues:
- Device Manager → Imaging devices
- Right-click camera → Uninstall device
- Check Delete driver software
- Restart PC to reinstall drivers
Mac
1. Check Activity Monitor:
- Open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities)
- Search for "VDC" or "camera"
- Quit any processes using the camera
2. Reset Camera Process:
- Open Terminal
- Run: sudo killall VDCAssistant
- Run: sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant
- Enter your password when prompted
- Restart your computer
3. Reset SMC (for laptops):
- Shut down your Mac
- Hold Shift + Control + Option and Power button for 10 seconds
- Release all keys and restart
Still getting NotReadableError?
- Restart your computer completely
- Test the device in another application
- Try a different camera/microphone if available
- Consider hardware issues if problem persists
