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How to Fix Camera, Microphone, and Screen Sharing Permissions

  • Updated

Are you having trouble getting Shift to access your webcam, microphone, or system audio during a video call? Or are you looking to customize your individual app notification and desktop permissions?

Because Shift operates as a secure application container, permissions are controlled at two distinct checkpoints: within the browser itself and at your machine's operating system level. Follow the steps below to restore your audio, video, and screen-sharing functions.

1. Check Shift’s Permissions on Your Computer (OS Level)

Before altering settings inside the browser, you must ensure your computer's operating system has authorized Shift to access your hardware or display background desktop notifications. Click the corresponding guide below for your specific platform:

2. Check Your Email and App Permissions in Shift

Permission preferences for individual web apps, email accounts, and workspaces are stored locally on your specific computer. Because these configurations do not travel through the cloud, you will need to adjust these preferences on each physical machine you use. Click here to learn more about using Shift on multiple computers. 

To adjust hardware and privacy permissions for a specific app, email, or website:

  1. Click into the specific email, web app, or open web tab giving you issues.

  2. Locate the top search address bar and click the View site information icon (the padlock or settings slider icon situated directly to the left of the webpage link).

  3. In the drop-down menu that appears, click Site Settings.

  4. A settings tab will open. Locate the specific parameter you need (e.g., Camera, Microphone, Notifications, or Screen Sharing).

  5. Toggle the drop-down menu on the right-hand side and select Allow or Block according to your preference.

3. Perform a Hard Refresh

While privacy changes typically take effect immediately, you may occasionally need to force the browser to reconnect to your system hardware layers:

  • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + R on your keyboard.

  • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + R on your keyboard.

4. Additional Troubleshooting Resources

If your peripheral hardware or notification banners are still failing to engage after adjusting your permissions, please see our scenario-specific support guides:

What's next?

Have a question that wasn't answered above? Click to access our request form and get in touch with our Support team.

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