Your Mac has a webcam ready to use without any setup

Your Mac's built-in webcam—called the FaceTime camera on newer models—works as soon as you open an app that needs it. You don't install drivers or flip a switch. The camera sits above your display, and when an app requests access, macOS asks your permission the first time. After you allow it, the app can use the camera whenever it runs.

The most common way to test your webcam is to open FaceTime, Photo Booth, or any video conferencing app like Zoom or Google Meet. Each app handles the camera slightly differently, but the permission step is always the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Mac's webcam turns on automatically when you open an app that uses it—there is no power button or separate set up step.
  • The first time an app uses your camera, macOS displays a permission prompt; you must click "Allow" for that app to access the camera.
  • A green light next to the camera indicates it is actively recording or streaming video.
  • If an app cannot find your camera, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera to confirm the app has permission.
  • Older Macs may have iSight or FaceTime cameras with different names, but they work the same way as newer built-in cameras.

How to grant camera permission to an app

When you open an app that wants to use your webcam for the first time, macOS shows a dialog box asking "Would you like to allow [App Name] to access your camera?" Click the blue "Allow" button. If you click "Don't Allow," the app cannot use the camera until you change your mind.

You only see this prompt once per app. After you allow it, the app remembers your choice. If you later want to revoke permission or re-enable it, open System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS Ventura and newer), go to Security & Privacy, select Camera from the left menu, and check or uncheck the app's name in the list on the right.

Testing your camera with Photo Booth

Photo Booth is the simplest way to see if your camera works. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Photo Booth. The app opens with a live preview of your face. If you see yourself on screen, your camera is working.

Photo Booth shows three capture modes at the bottom: single photo, burst (multiple photos in quick succession), and video. Click the camera icon to take a still photo, or select video mode and click the red record button to record a short clip. Your photos and videos save to Photo Booth's library automatically.

Using your camera in FaceTime

FaceTime is built into macOS and uses your webcam for video calls. Open FaceTime from your Applications folder or Launchpad. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted. You see a preview of yourself in a small window—this confirms your camera is on.

To make a call, enter a contact's name, email, or phone number in the search box at the top, then click the video camera icon. The other person receives a notification and can accept or decline. During the call, your camera stays on unless you click the camera icon again to turn it off temporarily.

Checking camera permission in System Preferences

If an app says it cannot find your camera, or if you want to see which apps have camera access, open System Preferences (on older Macs) or System Settings (macOS Ventura and newer). Click Security & Privacy, then select Camera from the left sidebar.

You see a list of all apps that have requested camera access. A checkmark means the app can use the camera; no checkmark means it cannot. To give an app permission, check its box. To remove permission, uncheck it. Some apps may need to be restarted after you change this setting.

What the green light means

When your camera is actively recording or streaming, a small green light appears next to the lens. This light is a hardware indicator—it turns on only when the camera sensor is actually capturing video. You cannot disable this light; it is a privacy feature built into the camera itself.

If you see the green light but did not open an app that uses video, another app may be using the camera in the background. Check your open applications or quit apps you are not using. If the light stays on and you cannot find the cause, restart your Mac.

Troubleshooting when your camera does not work

If an app says "Camera not found" or shows a black screen, first confirm the app has permission in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera. If the app is not listed, it has never requested access; open the app again and click "Allow" when prompted.

If the app has permission but still shows no video, try closing the app completely and reopening it. If multiple apps cannot access the camera, restart your Mac. If the camera still does not work after a restart, your Mac may have a hardware issue—contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnosis.

On very rare occasions, a macOS update can reset camera permissions. If your camera worked before and suddenly does not, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera again and re-enable the apps you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Plug a USB webcam into any port on your Mac, and most apps automatically detect it. In apps like Zoom or FaceTime, look for a camera or settings menu and select your external camera from the list. Your Mac will use the external camera instead of the built-in one.

Why does my camera show a mirrored image of myself?

That is normal. Your Mac's camera mirrors the preview so it feels like looking in a mirror, just like video calls do. When you record video or take photos, the image is not mirrored in the saved file—it is flipped back to the correct orientation.

Is my camera always on, or does it only turn on when I use it?

Your camera only turns on when an app requests it. The green light is the proof—if you do not see it, the camera is not recording. macOS does not allow apps to access the camera without showing the green light, so you always know when it is in use.

What if I see the green light but did not open any app?

Check your open applications in the Dock or by pressing Command+Tab. Another app may be using the camera in the background, or a browser tab may have a video call or stream running. Quit apps you are not using, or check your browser tabs and close any that use video.

Can I cover my camera for privacy?

Yes, and many people do. A small piece of tape or a sliding camera cover works fine and does not damage your Mac. Just make sure it is straightforward to remove when you need to use the camera, and avoid leaving adhesive residue on the display.