After that, you can check a box (#4) to grant permission for an app or uncheck any boxes to deny access to the camera. If the lock is closed (#3), then click on the lock and you will be prompted to enter your user password. Then select ' Camera' (#2) to see what apps may already have permission and some that are asking for permission. In the Security & Privacy section, select the “ Privacy” tab (see #1 in the image below).

From the options available, select “ Security & Privacy”.ģ. Click on the Apple on the menu bar and select ' System Preferences'.Ģ. You can grant permission to any app you trust in your System Preferences.ġ. The Mac camera settings will restrict access to approved applications only.

In this case, there is a need to open my System Preferences to enable the camera to work. Since Skype and Zoom are apps not made by Apple, they will need explicit permission from you before the camera is allowed to be used. When using an app like Skype or Zoom, without first enabling camera access, it will seem like it is the Mac camera not working. Since these apps were developed by Apple and usually pre-installed with the operating system, they already have access to the camera on my Mac and the camera will turn on when I open the apps. For example, when I open my FaceTime or Photo Booth app, the app will ask the operating system to turn on the camera. To turn on the camera on a Mac you will need to open any approved application that will try to use it. However, it is more likely that the application just needs permission to use the camera. If you are staring at a blank screen when you think you should be seeing your own face, then your Mac camera not working could be the issue. It turns on only when an application tries to use it.

There is usually no problem when you just need to take a look at yourself in the Photo Booth (yes, that is still a thing) or make a call on FaceTime, but nowadays you might be asking more services, like Skype or Hangouts, to access that camera.Ī MacBook camera is internal and has no physical or digital “on” button. Is your MacBook camera off if you don’t need it?.Is your MacBook camera not working when you need it?.This article will help you with two important questions: A MacBook has a built-in camera at eye level, usually hidden in a black part above the display area.

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