Yes, all current MacBooks come with a built-in webcam

Every MacBook model sold today includes a webcam built into the top bezel of the screen. Apple calls it the FaceTime camera, and it's designed to work with video calls, video conferencing apps, and any software that needs camera access. You don't need to buy or install anything—it's ready to use the moment you open the lid.

The camera quality and resolution vary depending on which MacBook model you own and when it was made. Newer MacBooks have better cameras than older ones, but all of them will let you make video calls and record video without any extra hardware.

Key Takeaways

  • All current MacBooks have a built-in FaceTime camera in the screen bezel that works when ready without setup.
  • Newer MacBook models (2021 and later) have higher-resolution cameras than older models, with some featuring 1080p video.
  • The camera is controlled through your Mac's System Settings, where you can see which apps have permission to use it.
  • If your built-in camera isn't working, restarting your Mac or checking app permissions in System Settings usually fixes the problem.
  • You can connect an external USB webcam to your MacBook if you want a second camera or prefer a different one.

Camera resolution by MacBook generation

MacBooks released before 2021 typically had 720p cameras, which is lower resolution and produces grainier video. Starting in 2021, Apple upgraded most MacBook models to 1080p cameras, which capture sharper, clearer video for video calls and recordings.

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models released in 2023 and later have even better cameras with improved low-light performance. If you're using an older MacBook, the camera will still work fine for video calls—it just won't be as sharp as newer models.

You can check which camera your MacBook has by going to System Settings > General > About and looking at the model year. The year your MacBook was made tells you roughly what camera resolution it has.

How to check if your camera is working

To see if your MacBook's camera is on and working, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs) and look for the camera icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. A green dot next to the camera icon means an app is currently using it.

You can also test your camera by opening Photo Booth, which comes built into every Mac. Click the camera icon and you'll see a live preview of what your camera sees. If you see your face or the room in front of you, the camera is working.

If Photo Booth shows a black screen or says the camera is not available, restart your Mac. Most camera problems go away after a restart. If the problem continues, check that the app you're trying to use has camera permission in System Settings.

Controlling which apps can use your camera

Your Mac lets you decide which apps are allowed to use the camera. This is a privacy feature—an app can't secretly turn on your camera without your permission. When you first use an app that needs the camera, your Mac will ask if you want to allow it.

To see which apps have camera permission, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. You'll see a list of every app that has asked for camera access. You can turn permission on or off for any app by clicking the toggle next to its name.

If an app you want to use doesn't have camera permission, add it from this same screen. Click the plus sign, find the app in your Applications folder, and click Open. The app will now have permission to use your camera.

Using an external webcam with your MacBook

You can connect an external USB webcam to your MacBook even though it already has a built-in camera. This is useful if you want a better camera for streaming, recording, or if you prefer a camera on a stand or arm for better positioning.

Most USB webcams work with Mac without needing any driver software. Plug the camera into a USB port (or a USB-C hub if your MacBook only has USB-C ports), and your Mac will recognize it. When you open a video app, you can choose which camera to use from the app's settings.

Some higher-end webcams do require you to install software from the manufacturer's website before they work. Check the box or the manufacturer's website to see if your camera needs a driver. If it does, read and install it, then restart your Mac.

Troubleshooting a camera that won't turn on

If your MacBook's camera isn't working, start by restarting your Mac. Many camera problems are temporary and go away after a restart. Hold down the power button until you see the shutdown menu, click Restart, and wait for your Mac to turn back on.

Next, check that the app you're using has camera permission. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and make sure the app is in the list and the toggle is on. If the app isn't listed, click the plus sign and add it.

If the camera still doesn't work, try a different app. Open Photo Booth and see if the camera works there. If Photo Booth shows video, the camera is working and the problem is with the first app. If Photo Booth shows a black screen, the camera itself may have a hardware problem and you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Covering your camera for privacy

Some people cover their MacBook camera with a small piece of tape or a sliding cover for privacy. This is a personal choice—there's no technical reason to do it, but some people feel more comfortable knowing the camera is physically blocked.

If you use a cover, make sure it doesn't block the microphone, which is located near the camera. A cover that's too thick or too large can muffle your voice during video calls. A thin piece of tape or a slim sliding cover works better than a thick sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone turn on my MacBook camera without me knowing?

No. Your Mac requires you to give permission to each app before it can use the camera. Once you deny permission, an app cannot access the camera without you changing that permission in System Settings. The green indicator light next to the camera also shows when any app is using it.

Why is my camera blurry during video calls?

Blurriness usually happens when there's not enough light. Move closer to a window or turn on a lamp near your face. If the image is still blurry, clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth—dust or smudges can make video look unclear. Older MacBook cameras (pre-2021) also produce lower-quality video than newer models.

Do I need to buy a webcam for my MacBook?

No. Your MacBook's built-in camera is ready to use for video calls and recording. You only need to buy an external webcam if you want better video quality, a different angle, or a second camera for streaming or content creation.

What if my MacBook is very old and doesn't have a camera?

MacBooks made before 2008 did not have built-in cameras. If you have an older model, you can connect an external USB webcam to use for video calls and recording. Any modern USB webcam will work with your Mac.