If the camera, microphone, or location doesn't work
SPACEBLOCK asks for permission the first time you use the camera (AI that recognizes what the camera sees, reading QR codes or text, and more), the microphone (speech recognition), or your location (location blocks). If one of them doesn't work, try the steps on this page from the top.
There are settings in both your browser and your device (Windows, iPad, and so on). If either one is turned off, it won't work. After changing a setting, reload the SPACEBLOCK page at the end.
This page opens in a new tab (in the SPACEBLOCK app for iPad, it opens in Safari or another browser). When you're done, go back to the SPACEBLOCK screen.
1. Check these first
- When you're asked whether to use the camera, microphone, or location, choose "Allow" (in the SPACEBLOCK app for iPad, "Allow" or "OK"). If you chose "Don't Allow" or "Block" by mistake, you can change it in "2. Browser settings" below.
- For programs that use the camera, SPACEBLOCK shows a message first. Press the button to check the camera, then choose "Allow" when the browser asks. If it says the camera is blocked, fix the settings on this page and then press the button to try again.
- The camera may not work while another app (such as a video meeting app) or another tab is using it. Close the app or tab that is using the camera and try again.
- If you use an external camera or microphone, make sure it is connected. If your camera has a switch or a cover, turn it on or open it.
- If speech recognition says your browser doesn't support voice input, open SPACEBLOCK in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Location can't be read while your device's location setting (Location services on Windows or iPad) is off. Also check "3. Device settings" below.
2. Browser settings
Google Chrome (Windows, Chromebook, and more)
- With the SPACEBLOCK screen open, select View site information to the left of the web address.
- Select Site settings.
- Change Camera, Microphone, or Location (whichever you want to use) to Allow.
Another way: at the top right, select More (⋮) > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings, then open Camera, Microphone, or Location under Permissions. If app.spaceblock.jp is in the list of sites that are not allowed, select it and change it to "Allow".
Microsoft Edge (Windows)
- At the top right, select Settings and more (…) > Settings.
- On the left, select Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All sites.
- Select app.spaceblock.jp in the list, and set the camera, microphone, or location to Allow.
Safari (iPad)
- Open the SPACEBLOCK screen in Safari and tap the Page Menu button to the left of the address.
- Tap Website Settings, then set Camera, Microphone, or Location to Allow or Ask.
Settings for the whole iPad: go to Settings > Apps > Safari (in iPadOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Safari) > Camera, Microphone, or Location, and choose Ask or Allow. It won't work if it is set to "Deny".
3. Device settings
Windows 11
On Windows, Chrome and Edge count as "desktop apps". The key is to also turn on the "desktop apps" switch.
- Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
- Select what you want to use and turn on these switches:
- Camera: Camera access, Let apps access your camera, Let desktop apps access your camera
- Microphone: Microphone access, Let apps access your microphone, Let desktop apps access your microphone
- Location: Location services, Let apps access your location
On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Camera, Microphone, or Location, and turn on the access for this device, "Allow apps to access…", and "Allow desktop apps to access…" (if shown).
iPad (SPACEBLOCK app)
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Tap Camera or Microphone and turn on the SPACEBLOCK app (shown as "スペースブロック") in the list. If you use speech recognition, also turn it on under Speech Recognition.
- For location, go to Privacy & Security > Location Services, turn on Location Services, tap the SPACEBLOCK app in the list, and choose While Using the App.
iPad (using Safari or Chrome)
- Safari: check "Safari (iPad)" in "2. Browser settings" above. For location, also check that Location Services is on in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Chrome: go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera or Microphone and turn on Chrome in the list. For location, go to Settings > (Apps >) Chrome > Location (keep Location Services itself turned on, too).
Chromebook
- Select the time at the bottom right > Settings > on the left, Privacy and security > Privacy controls.
- Turn on Camera access and Microphone access. For location, turn on Location access.
4. After changing settings, reload the page
A page that is already open may not notice the new settings. Save your program first, then do the following.
- Computer (Chrome or Edge): go back to the SPACEBLOCK tab and press the reload button (⟳) to the left of the address (on Windows, you can also press F5).
- Safari or Chrome on iPad: go back to the SPACEBLOCK tab and tap the reload button (⟳) near the address.
- SPACEBLOCK app for iPad: quit the app and open it again. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and pause to see your open apps, swipe the SPACEBLOCK app up to close it, then open it again from the Home Screen.
- If it still doesn't work, close all browser windows and open the browser again. This works more reliably after changing Windows settings.
- Run the program again, and choose "Allow" when asked.
5. If it still doesn't work
- On school or classroom devices, an administrator may have turned off the camera, microphone, or location settings. If you can't change the settings, ask your teacher or the device administrator.
- If the iPad uses Screen Time, check that Camera isn't blocked in Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Other Features (you may need permission from the person who manages Screen Time to change it).
- Try another browser (for example, Chrome or Edge).
- Restart the device and try again.
- If the problem continues, please contact us and tell us your device (Windows, iPad, etc.), your browser, and the message you saw.
