Your MacBook camera is built in and ready to use right now

Your MacBook has a camera built into the top bezel of the screen. You do not need to install anything or buy hardware — it is already there. The camera turns on only when an app asks permission to use it, and you control whether each app can access it. This guide walks you through finding the camera, giving apps permission to use it, and troubleshooting if something is not working.

The camera is a small lens located in the narrow black strip at the very top center of your screen. When it is actively recording, a green light appears next to it so you always know when it is in use. Most camera problems are solved by restarting the app or your Mac, or by checking that the app has permission in System Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MacBook camera is located in the thin bezel at the top center of your screen and activates only when an app requests access.
  • The first time an app wants to use your camera, macOS will ask for your permission — you must click Allow for the app to work.
  • You can check which apps have camera access and revoke permission for any app in System Settings under Privacy & Security.
  • A green light next to the camera means it is actively recording; if you do not see this light when video should be running, the app may not have permission.
  • If your camera is not working, restart the app first, then restart your Mac if the problem continues.

Locate your MacBook camera

The camera sits in the narrow black bezel at the very top center of your MacBook screen. On newer models, you may see a small green light next to it when the camera is in use. The camera is tiny — about the size of a pencil eraser — so look directly above the center of your screen.

If you have an older MacBook, the camera may be harder to spot because the bezel is thicker and the light is less visible. The location is always the same: top center, above the screen. You do not need to open any physical cover or switch — the camera is always exposed and ready. Some people place a small sticker or tape over the lens for privacy, and this does not damage the camera.

Give an app permission to use your camera

The first time you open an app that needs your camera — like Zoom, FaceTime, or Photo Booth — macOS will show a popup asking "Camera would like to access your camera." You must click Allow for the app to work. If you click Don't Allow, the app cannot use the camera until you change your mind.

After you click Allow, the app remembers your choice. The next time you open that same app, it will use the camera without asking again. If you change your mind later and want to block an app from using the camera, you can revoke permission in System Settings — see the next section. Some apps may ask for both camera and microphone access at the same time. You can allow one and deny the other. For example, you might allow Zoom to use your camera but deny microphone access if you plan to use headphones instead.

Check and change camera permissions in System Settings

To see which apps have camera access or to block an app from using it, open System Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen, then select System Settings. On the left sidebar, click Privacy & Security.

Scroll down the left sidebar until you see Camera. Click it. You will see a list of every app that has asked for camera access. A toggle switch next to each app name shows whether that app is allowed to use the camera. Click the toggle to turn camera access on or off for any app. If an app you want to use is not on this list, it means the app has never asked for camera permission. The next time you open that app and it needs the camera, macOS will ask you to allow it. You do not need to add apps manually to this list.

Test your camera with Photo Booth

Photo Booth is a built-in app on every MacBook that lets you see your camera working without needing Zoom or another video app. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type Photo Booth, and press Enter. The Photo Booth window will open and show a live preview of what your camera sees.

If you see your face or the room behind you in the preview, your camera is working. If the preview is black or shows an error, your camera may not have permission or there may be a hardware problem. If Photo Booth asks for camera permission, click Allow. You can take a photo by clicking the camera button at the bottom of the window. This confirms the camera can capture images. Close Photo Booth when you are done testing.

Fix a camera that is not working

If an app says your camera is not available or you see a black screen instead of video, start by restarting the app. Close it completely — do not just minimize it — then open it again. This fixes most camera problems because the app may have lost its connection to the camera.

If restarting the app does not work, restart your Mac. Click the Apple menu, select Restart, and wait for your Mac to turn back on. After restart, open the app again and try using the camera. Restarting clears temporary problems that can block camera access. If your camera still does not work after restart, check System Settings to confirm the app has permission. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click Camera, and make sure the toggle next to your app is turned on. If the toggle is off, click it to turn it on.

If the app has permission and the camera still does not work, the problem may be a hardware issue. Try Photo Booth to see if the camera works in any app. If Photo Booth also shows a black screen, your camera hardware may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Understand the green camera light

When your camera is actively recording or streaming, a small green light appears next to the camera lens. This light is a privacy feature — it shows you at a glance that the camera is on. If you are in a video call and do not see the green light, the camera may not be transmitting even though the app window is open.

The green light turns off the moment the camera stops recording. If you end a Zoom call, the light disappears immediately. If the light stays on after you close an app, that app may still be using the camera — close it completely and the light should turn off. You cannot turn off the green light independently. It is controlled by the camera hardware itself and cannot be disabled. This is intentional — Apple designed it so you always know when the camera is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cover my MacBook camera?

Yes. Many people use a small sticker, tape, or a sliding camera cover designed for laptops. Covering the camera does not harm it. If you cover it, remember that apps will not be able to use the camera until you uncover it, and you will not see the green light even if an app tries to access it.

Why does my camera only work in some apps?

The app may not have permission. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click Camera, and check whether the toggle for that app is on. If it is off, click it to turn it on. Some apps also require you to restart them after you grant permission.

What if I accidentally clicked "Don't Allow" when an app asked for camera access?

Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click Camera, and find the app in the list. Click the toggle to turn camera access on. The next time you open the app, it should be able to use the camera. You may need to restart the app first.

Is my camera recording all the time?

No. Your camera only turns on when an app asks to use it and you have given that app permission. The green light shows when the camera is active. If you do not see the green light, the camera is off. You can also check System Settings to see which apps have permission and revoke access for any app you do not trust.

Do I need to do anything special to use my camera in FaceTime?

No. Open FaceTime, start a call, and if this is your first time using the camera in FaceTime, macOS will ask for permission. Click Allow. After that, FaceTime will use your camera automatically when you make calls. You can turn the camera off within FaceTime itself by clicking the camera icon during a call.