How to Test Your Webcam on Mac

Check if your Mac recognizes your webcam

Start by confirming your Mac can see the camera hardware. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), then go to Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Click Camera. If your built-in camera appears in the list, your Mac recognizes it. If the list is empty or grayed out, your camera may not be connected properly or may need a driver update.

For external USB webcams, plug the camera into a USB port and wait 10 to 15 seconds for the Mac to detect it. Then return to the Camera settings to see if it now appears. If it still does not show up, try a different USB port — some ports on older Macs have less power, which can prevent recognition.

Key Takeaways

Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera to see if your Mac recognizes the webcam hardware.
Open the built-in Photo Booth app or FaceTime to see a live video feed from your camera and test image quality.
Grant camera permission to any app that needs it — apps cannot access the camera until you allow them in Privacy & Security settings.
If your camera shows in settings but no app can use it, restart your Mac and check for macOS updates that may include camera drivers.

Test your camera with Photo Booth

Photo Booth is the fastest way to see if your webcam is actually working. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Photo Booth", and press Enter. The app will open and when ready show a live preview from your camera. If you see your face or the room in front of the camera, the hardware is functioning.

If Photo Booth opens but shows a black screen or says "No Camera Found", your camera is not responding. Try closing Photo Booth, waiting 30 seconds, and opening it again. If the black screen persists, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Test with FaceTime or video call apps

FaceTime is another built-in option that tests your camera in a real-world scenario. Open FaceTime, click File in the menu bar, then select New FaceTime Audio Call or New FaceTime Video Call. Before you call anyone, you will see a preview window showing what your camera sees. This preview confirms the camera works and shows the actual image quality others will receive.

You can also test with third-party apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. Open the app, start a new meeting or call, and look for a preview window before you join. Most video apps show a camera preview before you enter a call, so you can check the image without involving another person. If the preview is dark, blurry, or missing, note whether the problem appears in all apps or only one — this tells you whether the issue is the camera itself or a single app's settings.

Grant camera permission to apps

If an app opens but says it cannot access your camera, the app likely does not have permission. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Look for the app name in the list. If it is there and the toggle is off, click the toggle to turn it on. If the app is not in the list at all, close the app, return to this settings page, and the app should appear after a few seconds.

Some apps require you to restart them after granting permission. Close the app completely (not just minimize it), wait 10 seconds, and open it again. Then check the camera preview. If the app still cannot see the camera, move to the next section.

Restart your Mac and update macOS

A restart often fixes temporary camera problems. Save your work, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select Restart, and wait for your Mac to shut down and turn back on. Once it is fully booted, test the camera again with Photo Booth or FaceTime.

If restarting does not work, check for macOS updates. Click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it and restart your Mac. Updates sometimes include camera drivers or fixes that restore functionality. After updating, test the camera again.

Check camera cable and USB connection

For built-in cameras on MacBook models, the camera cable can come loose if the screen is opened and closed roughly. If your Mac has a built-in camera that was working and suddenly stopped, the cable may have disconnected inside the hinge. This requires opening the MacBook, which voids the warranty on most models — contact Apple Support or a certified repair shop if you suspect a loose cable.

For external USB cameras, try these steps: unplug the camera from the USB port, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. If you are using a USB hub, plug the camera directly into the Mac instead — some hubs do not provide enough power. If the camera works when plugged directly but not through the hub, the hub may be faulty.

Reset the camera in Terminal (advanced)

If your camera appears in System Settings but no app can access it, you can try resetting the camera service. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight), then paste this command and press Enter:

sudo killall VDCAssistant

Your Mac will ask for your password. Type it (you will not see the characters appear) and press Enter. Wait 10 seconds, then test the camera again in Photo Booth or FaceTime. This command stops the camera service and forces it to restart, which sometimes clears stuck permissions or driver issues. If the camera still does not work after this, the problem likely requires professional repair or a macOS reinstall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my camera work in one app but not another?

The app without camera access probably does not have permission. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and check that the app is listed and toggled on. Some apps also need to be restarted after you grant permission. If the app is already listed and enabled, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app — this sometimes resets its permissions.

My camera shows a green light but Photo Booth shows a black screen

The green light means the camera is powered, but the software is not reading the video feed. Close Photo Booth, restart your Mac, and try again. If it still shows black, try a different app like FaceTime. If all apps show black, the camera cable may be loose (for built-in cameras) or the camera may need a driver update through a macOS update.

Can I test my camera without calling someone?

Yes. Photo Booth and FaceTime both show a live preview before you call anyone. Open either app and you will see what your camera sees without involving another person. This is the safest way to test because you can check image quality and focus without any privacy concerns.

What if my external USB camera is not showing up at all?

Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it into a different USB port on your Mac. If you are using a USB hub, plug it directly into the Mac instead. Wait 15 seconds for the Mac to detect it, then check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. If it still does not appear, the camera may be broken or incompatible with your macOS version.

Do I need to restart my Mac every time I use my camera?

No. Once your camera is working, it should stay working until you unplug it (for external cameras) or restart your Mac for other reasons. If your camera stops working mid-session, close the app, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. If that does not work, restart your Mac.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.