Check your camera in System Settings

The fastest way to test your Mac's camera is through System Settings. Open System Settings, then go to Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Click Camera, and you'll see a list of apps that have requested camera permission. If your camera is working, you should see it listed there—usually as "Built-in Camera" or similar.

However, this screen only shows permissions; it doesn't let you see a live video feed. To actually watch yourself through the camera, you need to open an app that uses it. The simplest built-in option is Photo Booth, which comes free on every Mac.

Key Takeaways

  • Photo Booth is the easiest built-in way to see a live camera feed on your Mac without installing anything.
  • FaceTime and Zoom both show a camera preview before you start a call, letting you check focus and lighting.
  • If your camera shows a black screen or won't turn on, restart your Mac and check System Settings to confirm the app has camera permission.
  • Some apps require you to grant camera permission the first time you use them, and you may need to restart the app after granting it.

Use Photo Booth to see a live preview

Open Photo Booth from your Applications folder (or search for it with Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, typing "Photo Booth," and pressing Enter). When Photo Booth opens, you'll see a live video feed from your camera in the main window. This is the clearest way to check that your camera is working, that the image is in focus, and that the lighting is acceptable.

Photo Booth shows you exactly what your camera sees in real time. You can move around, adjust the lighting in your room, or check if the lens is clean. If you see a black screen or a frozen image, your camera may not be working properly—see the troubleshooting section below.

Preview your camera in FaceTime or Zoom before calling

If you plan to use FaceTime or Zoom for video calls, you can test your camera directly in those apps. Open FaceTime, and you'll see a preview window showing your camera feed before you make any call. This lets you check how you look, adjust your position, and confirm the camera is working in the app you'll actually use.

In Zoom, open the app and look for a video preview option in the settings or main window. Many video calling apps show a camera preview before you join a meeting, so you can test without calling anyone. This is especially useful because it shows you exactly what the other person will see during your call.

Grant camera permission if an app shows a black screen

The first time you open an app that uses your camera, macOS will ask for permission. If you accidentally clicked "Don't Allow," the app will show a black screen instead of video. To fix this, go to System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then Camera. Find the app in the list and make sure the toggle next to it is turned on (it should be blue).

After you turn on permission, close the app completely and reopen it. The camera should now work. If it still shows black, try restarting your Mac—sometimes the permission change doesn't take effect until you restart.

Check for physical obstructions and restart your Mac

Before assuming your camera is broken, look at the camera lens itself. On most Macs, the camera is a small circle above the screen. Make sure nothing is blocking it—not a sticker, dust, or a piece of tape. Gently clean the lens with a soft, dry cloth if it looks dirty.

If the lens is clear and you still see a black screen in Photo Booth or other apps, restart your Mac. Shut down completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This resets the camera hardware and often fixes temporary glitches. After the restart, open Photo Booth again and check whether the camera now shows a live feed.

Test audio and video together in a video call app

Some video calling apps like Zoom and Google Meet have built-in test features that let you check both your camera and microphone without calling anyone. In Zoom, you can join a test meeting from the settings menu. In Google Meet, you can start a test call from the main screen. These test calls show you exactly how you'll appear and sound to others.

These test features are more thorough than Photo Booth because they test the camera in the actual app you'll use for calls. They also let you adjust camera settings like brightness and zoom, and check that your microphone is picking up sound. If your camera works in Photo Booth but not in your video calling app, the problem is usually a permission issue—go back to System Settings and confirm the app has camera permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my camera show a black screen in Photo Booth but works in FaceTime?

Photo Booth may not have camera permission. Go to System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then Camera. Make sure Photo Booth is in the list and the toggle is on. If it's not listed, close Photo Booth completely, reopen it, and allow permission when prompted.

Can I test my camera without opening an app?

Not directly from System Settings alone. You need to open an app that uses the camera—Photo Booth is the simplest choice because it's built in and shows a live preview when ready. FaceTime and Zoom also show previews before you make a call.

My camera works in Photo Booth but not in Zoom. What's wrong?

Zoom doesn't have camera permission. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click Camera, and turn on the toggle next to Zoom. Close Zoom completely and reopen it. The camera should now work in Zoom.

How do I know if my Mac has a built-in camera?

Most modern Macs have a built-in camera above the screen. Look for a small black circle at the top center of your display. If you don't see one, your Mac may not have a camera, or it may be very small. Open Photo Booth—if it opens and shows a live feed, your camera is working.

What should I do if my camera still doesn't work after restarting?

Try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). On newer Macs with Apple silicon, shut down, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. On older Intel Macs, shut down, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option (all on the left side) plus the power button for 10 seconds, then release and restart. If the camera still doesn't work, contact Apple Support.