Your Mac has a webcam ready to use without any setup

Your Mac's built-in camera — called the FaceTime camera on most models — works when ready in any app that needs video. You do not need to install drivers or buy software. Open an app like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or Photo Booth, and your Mac will ask permission to use the camera the first time. Click Allow, and you are recording.

The camera sits in a small notch or bezel at the top of your screen. On newer MacBook Pro models with the notch design, it is centered at the top. On older models and iMacs, it is a small lens above the display. The camera has a light next to it that turns on when any app is using it — if the light is on and you did not start recording, something is accessing your camera.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Mac's camera turns on automatically when you open FaceTime, Zoom, Photo Booth, or any video app — no separate set up step is needed.
  • macOS will ask permission the first time an app uses the camera; click Allow to grant access permanently to that app.
  • A green light next to the camera lens indicates it is actively recording or streaming video.
  • You can revoke camera access from any app at any time through System Settings under Privacy and Security.
  • Photo Booth is the simplest way to test your camera if you just want to see yourself without joining a video call.

Using the camera in FaceTime

FaceTime is the native video calling app on Mac. Open FaceTime from your Applications folder or Spotlight search (press Command + Space, type "FaceTime", press Enter). When you start a call or receive one, your camera activates automatically. You will see yourself in a small preview window and the other person in the main window.

If your camera does not appear, go to the FaceTime menu at the top of the screen and select Preferences. Under the Camera tab, make sure your camera is selected in the dropdown. If it shows "None", your camera may not have permission. Check System Settings next.

Checking and changing camera permissions

If an app says your camera is not available or you want to see which apps can use it, open System Settings. Click Privacy and Security in the sidebar, then scroll down and click Camera. You will see a list of every app that has requested camera access.

To let an app use the camera, toggle the switch next to its name to the right (green means on). To block an app, toggle it to the left (gray means off). If an app you want to use is not listed, it has never asked for permission yet — open that app, try to use the camera, and you will see the permission prompt. Click Allow to add it to the list.

If you toggled an app off and want to turn it back on, you must do it here in System Settings. The app will not ask again automatically.

Testing your camera with Photo Booth

Photo Booth is a straightforward app built into every Mac for testing your camera without joining a call. Open it from Applications or Spotlight search. You will see yourself in the main window when ready. Click the camera icon at the bottom to take a still photo, or click the video camera icon to record a short video clip.

Photo Booth is useful for checking whether your camera is working, testing the angle and lighting, and seeing how you look before a video meeting. The photos and videos save to your Photo Booth library, which you can access later or delete.

Using the camera in Zoom and Google Meet

When you join a Zoom meeting or Google Meet call, the app will ask for camera permission if it does not already have it. Click Allow the first time. In Zoom, look for the camera icon at the bottom of the meeting window — if it has a slash through it, your camera is off. Click it to turn the camera on. In Google Meet, the camera icon is also at the bottom; click it to toggle video on and off.

Both apps let you choose which camera to use if you have more than one connected. In Zoom, click the arrow next to the camera icon and select your camera from the list. In Google Meet, click the three dots at the bottom right, select Settings, go to the Camera tab, and choose your camera from the dropdown.

Fixing a camera that is not working

If your camera is not showing video in any app, first check that the app has permission. Go to System Settings, click Privacy and Security, click Camera, and make sure the app is toggled on. If it is already on, toggle it off and back on again to reset the permission.

Next, restart the app completely. Close it entirely (not just the window — use Command + Q or right-click the app in the Dock and select Quit), then open it again. If the camera still does not work, restart your Mac. Most camera issues resolve after a restart.

If you have restarted and the camera still does not appear in any app, your camera may have a hardware problem. Check whether the light next to the lens ever turns on. If it never lights up even when you open Photo Booth, the camera hardware may be faulty and you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Covering your camera for privacy

Many people place a small piece of tape or a sliding cover over their Mac camera when they are not using it. This is a personal choice — the green light indicates when the camera is active, so you can see if something is using it without your knowledge. However, a physical cover provides peace of mind and prevents accidental video if you forget to turn off the camera before opening an app.

If you use a cover, make sure it does not block the light sensor next to the camera. Some Macs use that sensor to adjust screen brightness, and blocking it can affect display performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an external camera instead of the built-in one?

Yes. Plug a USB camera into your Mac, and it will appear in the camera list in any app. In FaceTime, Zoom, or Photo Booth, click the camera dropdown and select your external camera. Your Mac will use that camera instead of the built-in one.

Why is my camera showing a mirrored image?

Most video apps mirror the camera feed so you see yourself the way you see yourself in a mirror — left and right are flipped. This is normal and expected. The other person sees you the correct way around. Some apps have a setting to turn off mirroring if you prefer.

Does the green light always mean someone is watching me?

The green light means an app has camera access turned on and is actively using the camera. It does not necessarily mean a person is watching — it could be a recording, a screenshot, or a video call. Check which app is open and what you are doing. If an unexpected app is using the camera, close it or revoke its permission in System Settings.

Can I adjust the camera quality or brightness?

Most video apps have basic camera settings. In Zoom, click the arrow next to the camera icon and select Video Settings. In Google Meet, click the three dots, select Settings, and go to the Camera tab. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings there. Photo Booth also has lighting and effect options in its menu.

What if my camera works in one app but not another?

Check that the app without a working camera has permission in System Settings. If it does, close the other app that is using the camera — most Macs can only use the camera in one app at a time. If both apps are closed and the camera still does not work in one of them, restart that app.