Where to change your camera in macOS

The camera your Mac uses depends on which app you're in — there is no single system-wide setting. Each process that uses your camera (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, Photo Booth, and others) has its own camera selection menu, usually found in settings or preferences. You change the camera by opening that app's settings and selecting a different device from a dropdown list.

If you have only your Mac's built-in camera, you won't see a dropdown at all. A dropdown appears only when you have connected an external USB camera, a Thunderbolt camera, or another video input device. The moment you plug in a second camera, the option to switch becomes available.

Key Takeaways

  • Camera selection happens inside each app, not in System Settings — Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet each have their own camera choice.
  • A dropdown menu to select cameras appears only when you have more than one camera connected to your Mac.
  • In most apps, the camera setting is in Preferences or Settings, usually under a Video or Camera tab.
  • If an external camera is plugged in but not showing in the dropdown, restart the app or restart your Mac.
  • Some apps remember your last camera choice; others default to the built-in camera each time you open them.

Changing your camera in Zoom

Open Zoom and sign in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings. In the left sidebar, click Audio/Video. Under the Camera section, you'll see a dropdown menu showing your current camera. Click the dropdown and select the camera you want to use.

Zoom remembers your choice for future meetings. If you want to switch cameras during a call, click the up arrow next to the camera icon in the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen, then select a different camera from the menu.

Changing your camera in FaceTime

Open FaceTime. In the menu bar at the top, click FaceTime, then select Settings. Click the Camera tab. A dropdown menu shows all connected cameras. Select the one you want to use.

FaceTime will use this camera for all future calls. If you want to switch cameras during an active call, click the three dots in the top right of the call window, select Camera, and choose a different device.

Changing your camera in Google Meet

Open Google Meet in your web browser and start or join a meeting. In the bottom left, click Settings (the gear icon). Click Camera. A dropdown shows all available cameras. Select the one you want.

You can also change your camera before joining a meeting. On the main Meet page, click Settings in the bottom left, then the Camera tab, and select your camera from the dropdown.

Changing your camera in Photo Booth and other built-in apps

Open Photo Booth. In the menu bar, click Photo Booth, then Preferences. A window opens showing a dropdown for Camera. Select the camera you want to use.

For other apps like QuickTime, open the app and look in the menu bar or preferences for a Camera or Video option. The exact location varies, but the pattern is the same: find Preferences or Settings, look for a Camera or Video section, and select from the dropdown.

What to do if your external camera doesn't appear in the dropdown

First, make sure the camera is actually plugged in and powered on. Check that the USB or Thunderbolt cable is fully inserted into your Mac. Some external cameras require their own driver software — if you just bought the camera, check the manufacturer's website to see if macOS needs a driver before it can see the device.

If the camera is plugged in and has a driver (or doesn't need one), close the app completely and reopen it. Sometimes an app doesn't detect a newly connected camera until you restart it. If restarting the app doesn't work, restart your Mac. After restart, plug the camera back in and open the app again.

If the camera still doesn't appear, open System Settings, click General, then About, and check that your Mac is running a recent version of macOS. Older external cameras sometimes stop working after a major macOS update. Check the camera manufacturer's website to see if they have released an updated driver for your version of macOS.

Why your Mac might switch cameras on its own

If your external camera was working but your Mac suddenly switched back to the built-in camera, the external camera may have been disconnected. Check the cable. If the cable is loose or damaged, the camera will drop off and your Mac will fall back to the internal option.

Some apps also reset to the built-in camera if you haven't used them in a while, or if you restart your Mac. This is normal behavior. straightforward open the app's settings and select your external camera again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set one camera as the default for all apps?

No. Each app manages its own camera choice independently. You must set the camera separately in Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, and any other app that uses video. However, most apps remember your choice between sessions, so you only have to change it once unless you switch cameras.

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

Some apps are slower to detect newly connected cameras than others. Close and reopen the app that isn't seeing the camera. If that doesn't work, restart your Mac. Also check that the app has permission to use the camera — go to System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then Camera, and make sure the app is listed and enabled.

What if I have two external cameras plugged in at the same time?

Both will appear in the dropdown menu. Select whichever one you want to use. Your Mac will use that camera until you switch to a different one or unplug it. If you unplug the active camera, your Mac will usually switch to the built-in camera or the other external camera, depending on the app.

Do I need special software to use an external camera on Mac?

Most USB and Thunderbolt cameras work without any extra software — plug them in and they appear in the dropdown. Some older or specialized cameras come with driver software that you must install first. Check the camera's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if a driver is required.

Will changing cameras in one app affect the others?

No. Each app's camera setting is completely separate. You can use your built-in camera in FaceTime and an external camera in Zoom at the same time, or switch them independently without affecting the other app.