The camera on a Huawei laptop is either a pop-up key between F6–F7 or a top-bezel webcam on newer models.
If you’re trying to hop on a call and can’t spot the lens, don’t worry. Huawei has used two common placements across its notebooks over the years. Older and some mid-range units hide a spring-loaded lens in the keyboard. Recent premium lines moved the lens back to the top bezel where most laptops place it. This guide shows both spots, how to open the lens, and what to do if your video stays black.
Quick Ways To Find The Webcam On Huawei Notebooks
Method 1: Check The Function Row For A Spring-Loaded Key
On many MateBook models from the late-2010s through early-2020s, the webcam sits in a recessed key on the top row. Look between the F6 and F7 keys for a small keycap with a camera icon. Press once and the lens pops up; press again to hide it. This design keeps the display bezels slim and gives you a physical close when you’re done.
Method 2: Look Along The Top Screen Bezel
Newer releases—especially in the 13s/14s lines and recent X Pro versions—restore the lens to the center of the top bezel. If you don’t see a pop-up key, tilt the laptop toward a light source and scan the thin black strip above the display. You should spot a tiny circle (the lens) and often a second dot (the mic or sensor).
Method 3: Check For A Hardware Camera Switch Or Shortcut
Some models include a camera switch or an onboard shortcut that toggles the device on and off. If your lens is visible but apps report that no camera is found, scan the function row for a camera icon with a slash through it, or open Huawei PC Manager to the My devices → Camera card. A quick toggle there can bring the image back.
Why Huawei Uses Two Different Placements
The hidden-in-keyboard lens started as a bezel-saving trick. It helped achieve slim borders without deleting the webcam entirely. The trade-off is the “low-angle” viewpoint, which isn’t flattering and can show your fingers while typing. As video calls became part of everyday work and study, newer lines moved the lens back up top, favoring a natural eye-level angle.
Model Clues That Hint At Your Camera Position
MateBook Lines With Pop-Up Keys
Units that proudly advertised ultra-slim borders in 2018–2020 often used the pop-up solution. If your keyboard has a small camera key on the top row, that’s your lens housing. Press it; the cap springs up to reveal the camera.
MateBook Lines With Top-Bezel Lenses
Look to 13s/14s releases and recent X Pro updates. These place the lens in the upper bezel while keeping a slim frame. If your keyboard lacks a camera key and the top frame shows a tiny lens opening, you’re set—no spring-loaded mechanism to press.
How To Open, Close, And Protect The Lens
For Pop-Up Keyboard Cameras
- Press the dedicated camera key once to deploy the lens.
- Angle the display slightly back to reduce the “chin” perspective.
- Press the key again when you’re done to hide the lens and block video.
Tip: A small microfiber wipe kept near the laptop helps clear smudges from the keycap lens cover before calls.
For Top-Bezel Cameras
- Nothing to press—open your video app and the lens is ready.
- If you use a magnetic privacy flap, make sure it isn’t covering the lens.
- Tilt the display so the lens sits at or slightly above eye level.
Fixing A Black Screen Or “No Camera Found”
Step 1: Confirm The Physical Lens State
- Pop-up style: press the camera key so the lens rises.
- Top bezel: remove any cover and wipe the glass.
Step 2: Allow Camera Access In Windows
Windows can block apps from using the lens until you grant permission. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and enable access for your user and the apps you plan to use. If the toggle was off, relaunch the conferencing app after changing it. For reference, see Microsoft’s guidance on camera permissions.
Step 3: Check Huawei’s Camera Controls
Open Huawei PC Manager and head to My devices → Camera. Some models expose a simple on/off toggle there. If your unit has a hardware switch (labeled with a camera icon), flip it once and try your call again. Huawei’s support note on the recessed camera also covers where the key usually sits and how to deploy it.
Step 4: Pick The Right Camera Inside Your App
Zoom, Meet, and Teams let you choose from multiple devices. If you have a USB webcam plugged in, your app may default to that instead of the internal unit. Open the app’s video settings and select the integrated device (often listed as “HD Camera,” “Integrated Camera,” or a sensor brand name).
Step 5: Update Drivers And Reboot
- Open Device Manager → Cameras, right-click the integrated device, and choose Update driver.
- Install pending Windows updates and restart.
- If you see a down arrow on the device icon, right-click and enable it.
Positioning Tips For Better Video
Lens Angle And Framing
Raise the screen so the lens sits just above eye level. For the pop-up style, a small laptop stand helps reduce the low-angle look. Aim to center your eyes one-third down from the top of the video frame and leave a bit of headroom.
Lighting That Flatters
Place a soft light in front of you—like a desk lamp bounced off a wall. Avoid strong backlight behind your head, which causes silhouettes. If you only have window light, face it rather than sitting with it behind you.
Sound That Matches The Picture
Many Huawei notebooks include decent mics, but a basic USB headset cuts room echo and fan noise. If your mic has a physical mute key, keep it within reach for quick toggles during a call.
Keyboard Pop-Up Vs. Top-Bezel: Which Suits You?
Pop-Up Strengths
- Physical privacy when the lens is recessed.
- Clean display borders with no lens cutout.
Pop-Up Trade-Offs
- Low angle can show your hands while typing.
- No face sign-in on some units due to lens placement.
Top-Bezel Strengths
- Natural eye-level framing for calls.
- Smoother experience with apps that expect a standard lens position.
Top-Bezel Trade-Offs
- Visible lens on the frame (many users prefer this for convenience).
Camera Placement By Family (Typical Patterns)
The table below summarizes common patterns by family and release era so you can identify your setup quickly.
| Line / Era | Typical Camera Placement | How To Open |
|---|---|---|
| MateBook X Pro (early generations) | Recessed key on function row | Press spring-loaded camera key once |
| MateBook D Series (selected trims) | Often recessed key on function row | Press the camera key between F-keys |
| MateBook 13s / 14s (2021→) | Top bezel, centered above display | No action—open your video app |
| MateBook X Pro (recent releases) | Top bezel, standard placement | No action—launch your call |
Common Questions About Huawei Webcam Behavior
“My Lens Pops Up, But Apps Still Can’t See It”
Two checks solve this most of the time: allow camera access in Windows privacy settings and pick the right device in your app. If your laptop offers a hardware switch or PC Manager toggle, set it to on as well.
“The Angle Looks Awkward When The Lens Pops Up”
Raise the rear of the laptop a bit so the camera points straight toward your eyes. A compact stand or a stack of books works. Slide the laptop back on your desk so your hands don’t block the frame while typing.
“Is The Pop-Up Style Safe?”
When the key is closed, video capture is blocked because the lens is physically hidden. For extra peace of mind, you can also turn off permission in Windows when you’re not on calls.
Quick Checklist Before Your Next Call
- Locate the lens: pop-up key or top bezel.
- Open or uncover the camera.
- Grant app permission in Windows settings.
- Pick the correct device in your meeting app.
- Set the screen at eye level and face your light source.
When To Contact Support
If the device is missing in Device Manager after a reboot, or the lens fails to deploy, reach out to Huawei service with your exact model name. Hardware checks and a warranty repair can save time compared with DIY teardowns.
Bottom Line For Finding The Lens
Huawei laptops place the webcam in one of two spots: a spring-loaded key on the function row or a tiny circle on the top bezel. If you spot the pop-up key, press it once and you’re ready. If your keyboard has no such key, scan the top frame; the lens will be there. With permissions enabled and the right device selected in your app, you’ll be on video in seconds.