A flipped webcam comes from drivers, app rotation, or sensor mix-ups; update drivers, rotate in the app, or reset camera settings for an upright view.
Fixing A Laptop Camera That Shows Me Upside Down
Several layers can tip a camera feed: the app, the driver, the operating system, or the way the unit is mounted. A virtual camera utility can also send a flipped image to every app. Start with checks, then move to platform steps.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Preview upside down only in one meeting app | Per-app rotate or mirror setting | Open the app video settings and rotate or un-mirror the preview |
| Upside down in every app | Driver bug or OEM utility set to Flip/Mirror | Update or roll back the camera driver; reset OEM camera app; uninstall virtual cameras |
| Self-view looks mirrored, others say you look fine | Self-preview mirror option | Turn off the self-view mirror if it distracts you; no change for others |
| Only after a system update | New driver or OS change | Check Windows Update history, roll back driver, or reinstall the OEM package |
| Only when docked or lid at odd angles | Orientation sensor or hinge angle confusion | Open and close the lid once; rotate the device; try without the dock |
| Only external USB webcam affected | Mounting flipped or vendor app setting | Rotate the clip, or toggle Flip/Rotate in the vendor utility |
| Black screen in one app while others work | App lacked permission to use the camera | Grant camera permission in system settings and relaunch the app |
Quick Checks Before Deep Tweaks
First, try a different app to isolate the issue. Use the built-in Camera app on Windows or Photo Booth on a Mac. If one app shows a normal image and another flips it, fix the app. If every app flips, fix drivers or system settings.
Next, remove extra camera helpers. Uninstall virtual camera tools you are not using. Close vendor utilities and reopen the meeting app. Many tools hook into the video feed and can rotate it for every program.
Now scan privacy settings. On Windows, open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and allow desktop apps. On a Mac, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and grant access. Apple lists the steps on its help page, linked later.
Why My Webcam Shows Me Upside Down In Apps
Zoom: Rotate The Preview
Zoom includes a rotate button in its Video settings. Open Settings > Video, hover the preview, then click Rotate until the image stands upright. Zoom documents this on its help center. This change applies to your local view and to others in the meeting.
Microsoft Teams: Mirror Is Just For You
Teams shows a mirrored self-view by default. That is only a preview choice. Your peers see you in the correct orientation. If mirrored text in the background bothers you, disable Mirror my video in the meeting device options. Microsoft explains why this preview exists on its Teams blog.
Google Meet And Browser Views
Meet relies on the browser and driver. If the preview flips there, look for a vendor utility running in the tray, or reset the driver. Try Meet in another browser to rule out extensions that insert virtual cameras.
Windows 11 And 10: Driver And Settings Fixes
Reset Camera Defaults
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Pick your camera, then choose Reset settings. This clears vendor filters that can rotate or mirror the feed.
Update Or Roll Back The Driver
Open Device Manager, expand Cameras or Imaging devices, open the camera, then the Driver tab. Try Update driver. If the flip began after an update, select Roll Back. Some OEM packages include an older orientation map that matches your hardware better.
Reinstall The OEM Package
Visit your laptop maker’s driver page and install the webcam driver listed for your exact model and OS version. If your brand bundles a camera app, install that as well, then check for Flip or Mirror toggles. ASUS groups fixes for upside down pictures in its camera FAQ.
Run Microsoft’s Camera Guide
Microsoft’s camera article walks through the Get Help troubleshooter, permissions, driver steps, and app resets. It is a handy checklist when the flip persists across apps.
macOS: Settings That Affect Orientation
macOS does not ship a system-wide rotate switch for live camera feeds. If a Mac preview appears upside down, check for a third-party camera tool or an external webcam turned 180 degrees. Try multiple apps: FaceTime, Photo Booth, and a browser call.
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and grant access to the meeting app. Update macOS, then restart. Apple’s built-in camera guide lists the steps and extra checks, including Screen Time limits that can block access.
External USB Webcams, Docks, And Monitors
Clips and mounts can slip. Make sure the lens sits upright and the clamp is not twisted. Try another USB port on the laptop instead of the dock. If your monitor has a hub, plug the camera straight into the laptop to remove the hub from the chain.
Open the vendor utility, such as Logitech G Hub or Camera Settings. Look for Rotate, Flip Horizontal, or Flip Vertical. Save the new default. Some utilities can store settings in the camera, so every app starts with the same orientation.
If firmware updates are available, install them. A firmware patch can correct a default orientation flag sent to the OS. After the update, unplug and reconnect the camera.
Second Table: App Rotation And Mirror Choices At A Glance
| App | Setting Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Settings > Video > Rotate preview | Rotates feed for you and others |
| Micros |