Some users, especially in managed school districts, may record a video on a browser in Sibme and find that it uploads with sound but no picture. This typically happens when Chrome’s screen or camera permissions are blocked at the operating-system level, even if Chrome shows that the camera is allowed. This guide will help both Mac and Windows users fix the issue.
Who Is This Article For?
Based on the default User settings in the Sibme platform, you should have permission to complete this task if you are one of the User levels listed below. If you do not see the screens in this article, you can ask your Sibme Account administrator if you have permission.
Users
Admins
Super Admin
Account Owner
Steps to Fix This Problem
If Chrome is blocked from accessing the camera or microphone on your laptop/device or is not allowed to record your screen, then the recorded video can appear black or the audio won't record. Here are the steps for both Mac and Windows.
Mac Instructions (macOS)
Open Privacy & Security Settings: Click the Apple Menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording.
Reset Chrome’s Recording Permission: Find Google Chrome on the list and toggle Chrome OFF, wait 2 seconds, then toggle ON again. macOS will ask you to enter your password or fingerprint and approve changes.
Quit & reopen Chrome.
Try a test recording in Sibme. Allow any camera/microphone permission pop-ups the next time you record.
Windows Instructions (Windows 11)
Check Camera Access in Windows Settings: Click Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions > Camera. Confirm the following:
Camera access is ON.
Let apps access your camera is ON.
Google Chrome is toggled ON in the list.
Check Screen Capture Permissions (Windows 11 only): Click Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions > Screenshots and screen recording. Confirm the following:
Screenshots and screen recording access is ON.
Let apps access screenshots and screen recording is ON.
Google Chrome is enabled.
Reset Chrome’s Camera Permissions in the Browser: Open Chrome, paste "chrome://settings/content/camera" into the URL bar, and confirm the following:
Sites can ask to use your camera is ON.
Sibme is not blocked.
Reset Chrome’s Microphone Permissions in the Browser: Open Chrome, paste "chrome://settings/content/microphone" into the URL bar, and confirm the following:
Sites can ask to use your microphone is ON.
Sibme is not blocked.
Restart Chrome: Close Chrome fully by right clicking Chrome on the taskbar and selecting Close window or press Ctrl+Shift+Q twice to quit.
Try a test recording in Sibme. Allow any camera/microphone permission pop-ups the next time you record.
If Your School Uses District-Managed Devices
Some school districts use an MDM or endpoint security tools that can override local permissions. If you're still seeing a black screen, your IT team may need to:
re-push Chrome camera/screen-capture permissions
verify nothing in the district policy blocks screen recording
confirm the device has restarted after any policy update
ensure Chrome is not running in a restricted “Kiosk mode”
Share this article with your IT or Instructional Supports staff if needed.