Webcam Not Working on Mac

1. Check the simple things

• Remove any sticker or cover over the camera, and wipe the lens.
• For an external webcam, plug it straight into the Mac rather than a hub or adapter, and try another port.
• MacBook lids must be open; the built-in camera doesn't work with the lid closed.

2. Allow the app in Privacy & Security

1. Open the Apple menu › System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera.
2. Turn on the switch next to your browser or app.
3. Quit the app completely (⌘ Q) and open it again.

3. Check Screen Time

If Screen Time is set up, the camera may be restricted. Open System Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy, then App Store, Media, Web & Games or Allowed apps (names vary by version), and make sure Camera is allowed.

4. Allow the camera in your browser

• Safari: open Safari › Settings › Websites › Camera and set the site to Allow.
• Chrome, Edge and Firefox: click the icon to the left of the web address, set Camera to Allow, and reload.

5. Pick the right camera

Macs can use a nearby iPhone as a webcam (Continuity Camera), and external displays may have their own camera. Apps sometimes switch to one of these automatically. Look for a camera choice in the app's video settings, or in the browser's site settings, and select the one you want.

6. Close other apps using the camera

The green light next to the camera shows it's in use. Quit call, streaming and photo apps such as FaceTime, Photo Booth, Zoom or OBS, then try again.

7. Restart your Mac

A restart resets the camera service, which fixes "no camera connected" messages after sleep or after unplugging an external webcam.

Still not working?

If the built-in camera doesn't work in Photo Booth or FaceTime after a restart, run Apple Diagnostics or contact Apple Support. For an external webcam, try it on another computer to rule out a fault.

Frequently asked questions