Your MacBook camera is built in and ready to use
Your MacBook has a camera built into the top of the screen. You do not need to buy anything or install hardware — it is already there. To use it, you open an app that needs a camera (like FaceTime, Zoom, or Photo Booth) and the camera turns on automatically. The first time you use the camera in any app, macOS will ask for permission. You grant that permission once, and the app can use the camera from then on.
If an app asks to use your camera and you are not sure, you can always say no. You can change your mind later in System Settings. This guide walks you through finding your camera, checking that it works, and fixing the most common problems.
Key Takeaways
- Your MacBook camera is in the notch or bezel at the top of the screen and turns on only when an app requests it.
- The first time any app uses the camera, macOS asks for permission — you must allow it for that app to see the camera.
- You can test your camera using the built-in Photo Booth app without needing to open a video call.
- If your camera is not working, check System Settings to see which apps have permission and restart the app that needs it.
- A green dot appears next to the battery icon when any app is using your camera, so you always know when it is active.
Test your camera with Photo Booth
Photo Booth is a simple app built into every MacBook that lets you see your camera working without making a video call. Open Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, and double-click Photo Booth. The app opens and shows a live view from your camera. If you see yourself on screen, your camera is working.
When Photo Booth opens for the first time, macOS will ask "Photo Booth would like to access your camera." Click Allow. After that, Photo Booth can use the camera whenever you open it. If you see a black screen instead of your face, your camera may be disabled or blocked — see the troubleshooting section below.
Grant camera permission to the apps you use
When you open an app that needs your camera — like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype — macOS shows a permission dialog. The dialog says the app name and asks "Allow [App Name] to access your camera?" Click Allow to let that app use the camera. Click Don't Allow if you do not want it to.
Once you click Allow, that app can use your camera whenever it needs to. You do not have to grant permission again for the same app. If you change your mind later, you can remove permission by going to System Settings, clicking Privacy & Security, then Camera, and unchecking the app name.
Some apps ask for permission the first time you try to start a video call or turn on your camera within the app. Others ask when you first open them. Either way, you will see a clear dialog asking for permission before the camera turns on.
Check which apps have camera permission
To see which apps on your MacBook are allowed to use the camera, click the Apple menu in the top left corner, then System Settings. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security. Scroll down and click Camera. You will see a list of every app that has asked for camera permission.
Apps with a checkmark next to their name can use your camera. Apps without a checkmark cannot. To remove permission from an app, click the checkmark next to its name to uncheck it. The next time that app tries to use the camera, macOS will ask for permission again.
If an app you use is not on this list, it has never asked for permission yet. When you open it and try to use the camera, the permission dialog will appear.
Know when your camera is in use
When any app is using your camera, a green dot appears next to the battery icon in the top right corner of your screen. This dot is always visible when the camera is active, so you can see at a glance whether something is watching. If you see the green dot and you did not start a video call, check which app is using the camera and close it if you want to.
You can also click the green dot to see which app is currently using your camera. A small menu appears showing the app name. This is useful if you have multiple apps open and are not sure which one turned on the camera.
Fix a camera that is not working
If your camera is not showing a picture, start by restarting the app. Close it completely — do not just minimize it — and open it again. Sometimes an app gets stuck and restarting fixes it.
Next, check that the app has permission. Go to System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then Camera, and look for the app name. If it is not on the list or the checkmark is unchecked, click the checkmark to allow it. Close the app completely and open it again.
If the app still cannot see the camera, restart your MacBook. Shut it down completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This fixes most camera problems that are not caused by permission settings.
If your camera still does not work after restarting, the hardware may be damaged or the camera may be disabled at a deeper level. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the camera checked.
Use your camera in video calls
When you are in a video call on FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or another app, your camera is already on and sending your picture to the other people on the call. You do not need to do anything else — the app handles the camera automatically once you have given it permission.
Most video call apps have a button to turn your camera on and off during a call. Look for a camera icon with a slash through it (meaning the camera is off) or a solid camera icon (meaning it is on). Click that button to toggle your camera on or off without leaving the call.
If you want to switch cameras — for example, if your MacBook has multiple cameras — look for a camera icon with an arrow or a settings menu in the app. Not all MacBooks have multiple cameras, but some newer models do. The app will show you which cameras are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my MacBook camera with my iPhone or iPad?
No, your MacBook camera only works with apps on your Mac. If you want to use your iPhone or iPad camera in a video call, use the camera on that device instead. Some apps like FaceTime let you call between a Mac and an iPhone, but each device uses its own camera.
Is my MacBook camera always watching me?
No. Your camera only turns on when an app asks to use it, and macOS shows a green dot whenever it is active. You can see at any moment whether the camera is in use. If you see the green dot when you did not start a call, close the app that is using it.
What if I do not see the camera permission dialog?
If an app tries to use your camera and you do not see a permission dialog, the app may already have permission from a previous use. Go to System Settings, Privacy & Security, Camera, and check whether the app is listed and checked. If it is, the app has permission. If it is not listed, the app has never asked for permission.
Can I cover my MacBook camera?
Yes, many people use a small sliding cover or sticker over the camera for privacy. These do not damage the camera and you can remove them whenever you want to use it. Just make sure the cover does not block the microphone, which is usually near the camera.
Why does my camera look blurry or dark?
Check that nothing is blocking the camera lens at the top of your screen. Dust or a smudge can make the picture blurry. Gently wipe the lens with a soft, dry cloth. If the picture is very dark, you may be in a room with low light — move to a brighter area or turn on a light near your face.